I have visited this Bath & Body Works location multiple times, and unfortunately, I have now had two separate experiences where I felt extremely uncomfortable due to the level of pressure from employees.
During my first visit, an employee who explained that she was new approached me and gave me her entire sales pitch. I was polite and clearly explained that I was not looking for anything specific and was simply browsing and passing time before an appointment. Rather than allowing me to shop independently, she continued following me and my family throughout the store. Every few minutes, she repeatedly expressed disappointment that we had not found anything and made comments about feeling as though she was "failing." While her tone was not necessarily rude, the repeated interaction became increasingly uncomfortable and made it difficult to simply browse.
I decided to give the store another chance. On my most recent visit, I was again approached almost immediately after entering. A young male employee asked if I was looking for anything specific. I politely responded, "No, thank you. I'm just browsing." I attempted to continue shopping, but he stopped me again and asked if we were rewards members and whether he could sign me up. I again declined and explained that I was simply looking. Instead of respecting that response, he continued with another sales pitch about starting me off with different scents.
At that point, after being followed and approached repeatedly despite clearly communicating that I did not need assistance, I decided to leave the store.
What made the situation particularly unpleasant was that as I was walking out with my four-year-old child, the employee followed behind me and said, in what I perceived as a very condescending tone, "You're welcome, have a great day."
I want to be very clear: I understand that employees are expected to assist customers and promote products. I have no issue with being greeted or asked once if I need help. The issue is continuing to pursue a customer after they have politely and clearly declined assistance.
A customer saying "No thank you, I'm just browsing" should be enough. I should be able to walk through a store with my family without being repeatedly approached, followed, pressured, or made to feel guilty for not purchasing something.
I am leaving this review because this has now happened to me more than once at this location, and I believe management should be aware of how these interactions are being handled. Good customer service is knowing when to engage with a customer and when to give them space. read more
