I have been a long time customer of Affordable Fabrics, but unfortunately I had an experience tonight that completely destroyed my loyalty to this store. Over the course of the past decade I have easily spend $20k in the Rocky Hill store. I send everyone I meet in Joanns and other competitors to Affordable Fabrics; I have literally sent hundreds of new customers their way. After my experience tonight I will never spend another dime with this retailer, nor will I recommend anyone else does.
I budgeted $200 for shopping tonight, knowing that there are several projects that I need to finish for the summer. Like most moms, I was in a situation where I had to bring my child to the store. He's 3 years old and was being very well behaved. Even though I had asked him several times before going to the store if he had to go to the bathroom, he declined each time. We were in the store for about 5 minutes when he announced he had to go to the bathroom and was going to have an accident. Typical 3 year old.
I know the store doesn't have a public restroom; again I'm a long time customer. However, in this kind of a situation rules should be a bit more malleable. There was only one other customer in the store, so very little chance that anyone would notice he was using the restroom. I asked if he could run in and use theirs quickly to avoid a mess.
The staff refused to allow him to use their restroom, even though it was clear that he was in danger of having an accident. They expected a long time loyal customer to put everything down and run the child somewhere down the street to use a restroom somewhere else. There was absolutely no caring about the inconvenience or potential risk of him having an accident on the way.When I asked where the nearest bathroom was, they mentioned a couple of coffee shops several blocks away; it was obvious from their tone and body language that they did not care about the level of inconvenience. Even though I requested several times that they reconsider, they refused. I pointedly stated that I expected better behavior toward their customers and that I wouldn't be coming back; one of the staff smiled smugly and laughed. THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS.
I've often overlooked the dreadful customer service at this location and the attitude of the staff. With the exception of the owner and one of the managers, the majority of the staff are rude and unhelpful. I've continued to go to Affordable whenever I have large projects that require the kind of selection in their store, because I'm loyal and willing to overlook some flaws. However, I expect loyalty to be returned. I expect that in an extenuating circumstance, it isn't unreasonable to hope that a store you've spent so much time and money supporting would help you out. I'm disappointed and saddened that the true colors of the staff and the establishment were revealed tonight. Poorly done. read more