Actually I have to report that I received less than the courtesy that I had come to expect in a clarks store. Although I went into the regent street store, to check out the current sale, and subsequently bought a pair of shoes at the labelled half-price, this was queried by staff on the till and after a debate with their line manager the deal was allowed to go through. I very much felt that this was in contrast to the friendly banter with in which they engaged with the customer who was served before me. This gentleman was treated warmly and proudly spoke of his family. In sharp contrast I was given the up and down and felt I was being judged on my appearance.
I didn't leave the store with a good feeling, but put on a brave face. Instead of feeling great about the bargain price, I was more inclined to feel that I had somehow, had no right to be in the store, and had been crossing the threshold of an invisible social boundary on regent street.
I've been wearing the shoes ever since, because I like them, and feel as if I really had to earn them. read more