We went to return the items bought from online.I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage regarding a profoundly disturbing experience I had at your Columbia store located at Great Mall in Milpitas, CA. What should have been a routine return of a few online-purchased items quickly escalated into a humiliating, disrespectful, and frankly alarming incident that has left a lasting negative impression of the Columbia brand.
Upon arriving at the store to process the return, the cashier was immediately rude and dismissive. Rather than assisting us courteously, he treated me with suspicion and hostility, as though I were attempting something fraudulent. Without offering any explanation, he called over additional staff to inspect the return -- making me feel publicly scrutinized and accused, without cause.
The situation worsened dramatically when the store manager, who identified himself as Donovan, got involved. His behavior was shockingly unprofessional and disrespectful. When we asked for clarification about why we were being treated so poorly, he claimed--incorrectly--that we were attempting to return more than 10 items, which was simply not true.
He then demanded to inspect my phone to verify the credit card used for the online purchase. While I cooperated in good faith to resolve the situation, he proceeded to browse through private sections of my phone, including my account information and unrelated order history, without my permission. When I objected to this blatant invasion of privacy, his response was dismissive and increasingly hostile.
When I rightfully asked for an apology for the incorrect accusation and invasive behavior, he escalated the situation further by threatening to call mall security to remove us from the store, effectively weaponizing his position rather than resolving the matter professionally. He also declared that he could refuse service at will, regardless of company policy or customer rights. He then flatly denied the return without legitimate grounds.
This incident was not only humiliating and disrespectful -- it was a violation of basic customer rights and personal privacy. We have never been treated in such an aggressive and unethical manner by any retail staff in our lives. The conduct displayed by both the cashier and the manager was hostile, unprofessional, and deeply damaging to the Columbia brand.
We have filed a formal complaint with Columbia's corporate office (Case #000552987), but I feel it is important to stress the severity of this matter. If this is how customers are treated for simply making a return, I can no longer in good conscience support or recommend Columbia products. read more