American Express, don't leave home without it

Well not in Jersey City apparently.  I went out today to get a few things, went to the fruit market, shopped, went to the check out where the girl added up my items and bagged them up, $13.01 she said.  I handed her my american express gift card.  She swiped it and then said they didn't accept Amex.  What?  But Amex is accepted everywhere I said.  She then called over another man who I would consider asian.  He whipped out his cell phone, walked away and was on the phone for at least 10 minutes.  He came back and said they "don't indeed accept Amex", do you have another form of payment?  Do you think that I would have been standing here the whole time if I didn't?  They then asked if I was coming back for my items and I said NO.  I then continued my shopping through Journal Square then walked to Mc Greely SQ to yet another fruit market.  Again I started shopping when it struck me that I should ask if they accpet Amex, and yes I was turned down once again.  Wtf???