I went into Anthropologie to make a simple return and ended up having a surprisingly rude experience. There was only one register open, so I waited in line. When it was finally my turn, the associate helping me was polite and doing everything right.
While she was processing my return, the phone rang. The manager -- who was standing right by the register doing nothing -- repeatedly told the associate to pick up the phone. The associate answered, put the caller on a brief hold, and continued helping me.
Then the manager said, "Why didn't you just answer them? Maybe their question was quick." I couldn't believe it. The associate was actively helping a customer -- me -- and the manager expected her to drop everything instead of answering the phone herself.
I asked the associate if that was her manager, and she said yes. I didn't catch the manager's name, but with my receipt and the timestamp, it'll be easy to figure out who was working that shift -- and I fully plan to call corporate to file a complaint. My transaction took less than a minute. The manager could have easily picked up the phone instead of making her employee juggle two customers at once.
It was disrespectful to both the employee and the customer, and it ruined what should've been a quick, simple visit. This location seriously needs better leadership. read more