Read this long-winded review to know why I will never spend another dollar at this business, and why I will also make every reasonable effort to discourage others from patronizing this establishment as well.
Last night, I decided to make my usual monthly stop at this store to get stocked up on a few items and in hopes to find some cute gift ideas for an upcoming baby shower. I was actually enjoying my shopping experience for a few minutes, as the aisles weren't overcrowded - though now I have a good idea as to why. I started at one end of the store and was making my way through. I placed a few items in my cart, soaps, shampoos, a couple digital thermometers that were awesomely priced, and a few cute bpa-free baby bottles that would go great with my baby shower gift.
It was about this time that my shopping experience abruptly changed as I heard blaring over the loud speakers: "Security check in section 26 and 27; security check in section 26 and 27" (or something close to that, not exactly sure about the numbers). I thought how funny it was to announce something like that over the loud speaker, I mean, assuming the security folks actually wanted to catch someone stealing - I thought that it was kind of a tip off to any would-be shoplifter. I giggled at the irony and continued browsing for good deals in the baby section. A few seconds later, a winded employee came stampeding into the aisle that I was in and then tried to regain her composure by "casually" looking around at the merchandise on the shelves like she wasn't surveying me. Honestly, I was so offended I wanted to scream and make a scene right then & there. If I were a violent person I might have even been induced to rage. Highly insulting is an understatement, there were no other shoppers nearby or I probably would have been so embarrassed and outraged that I may be writing this rant to a judge right now instead of some online review site.
What was it about my demeanor that would necessitate such policing? (These employees were more like keystone cops, I might add.) Whatever the justification, I felt harassed and offended nonetheless. I should have thrown the cart into the middle of the aisle and walked out right there, announcing my contempt and disgust for the way I had just been treated, but my integrity wouldn't allow me to do that. I swallowed my pride and made an instant resolution to pay for my goods that I had already gathered in the cart and leave the store to never return again. On my way to check out I considered asking who it was that called for the "security check" on me so I could give them a piece of my mind, but I was so close to tears that I couldn't muster up the strength to push through them. I elected to bite my tongue and just leave quietly, taking my future business forever with me. I actually drove across the street to Walmart to finish my shopping, somewhere I normally try to avoid, but at least I was not made to feel like a leper - and their prices were even comparably better!
Was it my clothing? Was it my skin tone? I may never know. I honestly cannot think of ANY reason to deserve that kind of treatment. I am a successful professional, a law abiding member of my local community. I make probably 3 or 4 times the salary that they pay their rude and frankly incapable associates (maybe they could afford to pay them more if they were smoother at actually catching shoplifters). I would never think of stealing something from ANYBODY, especially when I can afford to pay for my own goods. I take pride in the fact that I actually have values and morals in a world that has apparently lost touch. I cannot put into words the depth of insult that this experience has left on my heart.
If this is a corporate approved policy as to their theft-prevention, I would highly suggest it be revamped. It is most ineffective, and in this case at least, has actually cost this particular business more money in the long term than if I were ACTUALLY STEALING. I have resolved to take all the pain caused by this experience and turn it into a productive and effective means to discourage all of my friends, family and colleagues from ever spending their honestly hard earned money in such a horrible and underserving place. NO AMOUNT of bargain savings on slightly defective items could pay for the lost dignity you will suffer by shopping here. read more