On Friday at approximately 7:30 PM, we visited the Michaels store located at 15th Street and…read moreHighway 75 and purchased $435.06 worth of merchandise. While checking out at the self-checkout counter, we requested assistance because several of our items were breakable and needed something to wrap them in. The cashier, Macie, was the only employee working at the front of the store and one of only two employees working in the store at the time. She was assisting another customer and told us to use the bags at the counter to wrap the items.
Because it was near closing and the plastic bags had not been restocked, there were very few available and there were no bubble wrap or paper to wrap breakables in. Following the cashier's instructions, we attempted to wrap our items as best we could. In doing so, we apparently used their new customer (aka: would you like to add your number to our system, coupon club) bags that were sitting at the counter, not realizing they were not intended for customer use. At best they one time use throw away bags. Which is why I didn't give it another thought.
After completing our purchase, I placed my items in my car and returned the cart to the store. At that point, the cashier informed us that we were not supposed to take those bags. I immediately apologized and said I would gladly bring them back. However, the situation was communicated in a way that suggested we had intentionally taken them, and this occurred in front of other customers, which was extremely embarrassing.
I returned to my car, retrieved the bags, and brought them back inside. I then asked for bubble wrap, which was provided at that time. I also asked to speak with the manager because I wanted to clarify the misunderstanding and explain that we had simply followed the cashier's instructions to use the bags available at the counter.
The manager, Brynn, confirmed that there were only two employees working in the store at the time--herself and the cashier, Macie. During the discussion, it was mentioned that Macie relayed to the manager we had taken an entire stack of bags, which was inaccurate. Only two bags had been used, and they were returned immediately once we were informed.
I asked to speak with the store's general manager so the situation could be escalated and properly addressed. However, Brynn refused to provide the general manager's name or contact information.
When we went back to the front of the store, a police officer was present. At no point had I raised my voice or used inappropriate language; I had simply expressed disappointment at being accused of theft after spending a significant amount of money and following the instructions given by the cashier.
It later became clear that the police had been called by a friend of Brynn's who was in the store and was not an employee. This individual appeared to be spending time with Brynn in the back of the store and called the police during the situation in defense of her friend. The officer stated he had been told that customers were yelling, which was not accurate. He asked Brynn whether she wanted us trespassed from the store, which she declined. What exactly would have occurred to warrant a trespass I've no idea.
Unfortunately, the interaction with the officer was also unprofessional. He pointed his finger at me and told me to "mind my business and check out," and then proceeded to laugh and joke with Brynn and her friend.
This entire experience was extremely disappointing and embarrassing. As a paying customer who spent nearly $500 in the store that evening, I expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Instead, a misunderstanding escalated unnecessarily and left us feeling publicly accused of theft.
I hope Michaels leadership will review this situation and address the customer service, communication, and management issues that occurred so that other customers do not have a similar experience.
