From my friend on her experience today:
Okay so I don't usually post this sort of thing, nor like to. HOWEVER racism, is something I won't stand for. Just copying what I sent to corporate in hopes to get in contact. Today I visited Dollar Tree in Madras and I left having the worst experience I have ever had with any business in my life. Usually I am not one to complain in this manner, but what I experienced this afternoon was horrific. As I entered the store, two women were standing at the front counter, I smiled at them and they looked at me rudely, said nothing and turned away. However this wasn't a big issue. While I was waiting to check out, I was in line behind a hispanic man. As he was checking out it was clear that he didn't speak English as he attempted to communicate with the women,was checking him out. As the women took his money, he attempted to ask for another plastic bag, after realizing she couldn't understand, nor was listening to him he pointed to the bags to show that he needed another. She still ignored him, so he gently reached to grab one, the women shouted at him "Stop! Wait! I will get you one!" The man, looking confused and startled waited and then went about his business. As she started to ring me up, I debated saying something to this women about how rude she had been to him. Seeing as he couldn't defend himself, I decided to speak up. I told her that there may have been a nicer way to say that to the man, and that he clearly didn't speak English. She snapped back with "Well thank you for your kind comment, but that doesn't matter. Look where we live. He's in the United States, and if he's going to be here then he needs to be able to speak English." All I could respond with was "wow." As she finished checking me out, she continued to speak extremely disrespectfully to me and argue that the blame was all on the man for not being able to speak English. I left in shock, speechless and sick to my stomach. Once I got to my car, I couldn't help but cry as I felt so sad for the innocent man who was just trying to communicate with her. Considering that Madras is an incredibly diverse community, with multiple languages spoken, I would not have expected this from her, or anyone. I'm well aware that everyone has their own opinion on this topic, however, it is extremely inappropriate, disrespectful, and unprofessional for this to be coming from a person representing a business while on the clock. For this reason, I will never be shopping at any Dollar Tree again, this is unfortunate, as I am a regular customer and have enjoyed shopping there over the years. I certainly hope that this type of behavior is just as unacceptable to you, as it is to me. What I experienced today was a form of racism that I'm sure Dollar Tree does not condone. read more