We had our meeting today with representatives from Tops stores. It actually turned out well. Diane was there, and so was Lisa. Rocco Marcellino, the manager of the Upper Falls Tops, and Robin Perrone, a Service Specialist, came to meet with us. During the meeting, ideas were presented regarding access. It was agreed that a structural change would be made to to the gate area that would eliminate the gate, but provide cart security and access for people who use wheelchairs. In the interim, if staff are not available to be at the gate, it will remain open. We all agreed that this change is satisfactory, and will work to see that it is done in a timely manner. Folks from CDR will periodically check to make certain that the interim solution is working, and inform Tops officials if it is not. I have been asked to be a contact person for Tops if there are questions, or if other problems or issues should occur.
Here is the letter that I received from Tops after our meeting:
Ms. Anita Cameron,
I have met with Paul Hetzel, the District Manager, who agrees that to implement the barrier poles as at the Price Rite store, is a good solution.
Rocco and Paul will be speaking with the necessary corporate associates, this afternoon. We are all also in agreement that in the interim, if an associate is not available at the gate, at the Upper Falls Tops, the gate will be unlocked.
I would like to thank you for your time today and for bringing this important issue to our attention as well as helping us to understand how to look at this from the view point of our customers with disabilities. All of our customers are very important to us and to the success of our business.
I would appreciate very much if you would allow me to utilize you as a contact in the future if I should have any questions and would very much appreciate if you would contact me if you should notice any other opportunities in our stores that may hinder those will disabilities from having an enjoyable shopping experience.
Sincerely,
Robin Perrone
Service Specialist
Tops Friendly Markets
Here is the letter that I wrote to Tops in response:
Ms. Robin Perrone,
I would like to thank you and Rocco Marcellino for coming to meet with me and my colleagues regarding the access issue at the Upper Falls Tops Store. We are happy to know of the plan to implement the barrier structure at the Price Rite store as a solution that encompasses cart security and access for people who use wheelchairs.
We also agree that in the interim, if an associate is not available at the gate at the Upper Falls Tops, the gate will be unlocked.
I am unsure what the procedure is for implementation of the new structure, for example, if you first build a model of sorts, test it, then build the actual structure, but my colleagues and I would like to test the new barrier as you are installing it. The main reason for this is due to the difference in the area and floor plan, if you will, of the Tops and Price Rite stores. Also, it is good to test this out with people who use different types and models of wheelchairs. Since I have never been to the Price Rite, I plan to go there with a colleague tomorrow to test it out. I will immediately report my findings to Rocco Marcellino so that he and Corporate will have direct input.
I will be happy to be the contact person if you should have questions, etc, in the future, and I will be more than happy to let you know of any ways that Tops Friendly Markets can help people with disabilities to have a more pleasant shopping experience at Tops!
On a final note, I was wondering if, when the new accessible barrier is installed at the Upper Falls Tops, my team and I can join with you, Rocco Marcellino, and Paul Hetzel in a joint press conference? It would be great to put the news out there that Tops cares about all of it’s customers!
I look forward to working with you!
Anita Cameron
I am awaiting a response from Robin, and wiil keep you abreast of things. There seems to be a genuine desire on the part of the folks at Tops to work with us to resolve this to everyone’s satisfaction.