*Don't Do it*
I don't like to trash business -- especially with what's going on in the world. But this place ain't going to make it to the Finish Line if this is how they conduct business.
Terrible inventory and customer service with a sterile unwelcoming vibe. Two young girls planted behind the counter couldn't care less about selling shoes and fell flat on their chin before the Finish Line.
(more on this later)
Wifey was looking for a pair of OnClouds. Went to Dick's and they suggested going to Shoe Palace because they didn't have the color she wanted.
We went to Shoe Palace. The place was jumping & thumping with lots of people, nice music, and outstanding customer service. We were approached by 2 separate team members asked "do you need help with anything" and "if you have any other questions just let me know." They had 10 pairs of OnClouds but not the color wifey was looking for.
We were told to "try Dick's or Finish Line." We said "just came from Dick's", showed her my shopping bag and told her how Dick's sent us here. She suggested to "check out Finish Line on the floor down below." I said "I appreciate your assistance, willingness and recommendation." And we thanked her.
Fast-Forward to the Finish Line:
We wondered around as the only customers inside, looking for OnClouds. It didn't take too long because there's none and not much inventory here.
It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. But we could hear the two young gals behind the register in the back, babbling & laughing away, more interested in their personal conversation.
As we walked towards them & approached to ask if they had any OnClouds, they kept talking to each other even though they had seen us walking towards them. Then as I was standing in front of them, I even had to say "excuse me" because it was apparent we were disturbing them lol. I'm totally 100% serious and being truthful. I shouldn't even be wasting my time writing this.
But truth be told? I'm trying to help because I don't like to see places go out of business when one of main reasons is due to awful customer service from teenagers or young adults, who don't get it nor care about anything other than themselves.
It was then I realized why Shoe Palace was jammed packed on a Friday night...and why Dick's is the #1 Sporting Goods store in the U.S...and realized why this Finish Line belongs in the End Zone.
And what did one of them respond to us when asked if they have any OnCloulds?" With a disturbed look on her face for not being able to talk to her colleague/friend and answer our question..."look on that rack over there" while pointing towards it with her chin lol then continued their conversation. It's funny but it's not. And "that rack" was simply a discounted display with some scattered shoes & sizes -- no OnClouds.
At least at Dick's (where we purchased some Nike Slides) they suggested we check their website and mentioned checking out Shoe Palace. At least at Shoe Palace we were told "we get new inventory every 2 weeks if you want to check back...and you can also see if Finish Line has them" with a smile.
True Story: one summer while still in high school, I had a job at a very popular shopping mall in the Westside of Los Angeles, at a store called The Complete Athlete. One of my best friend's was my co-worker. We became good friends with our other 2 co-workers, and all 4 of us became very friendly with the GM and his assistant manager.
We all loved our jobs. We were grateful and thankful for being able to be employed here and earn money for the summer, because there was a waiting list to work here. We had pride in ourselves & team.
We also loved to talk to each other while working -- especially about sports and food.
We were usually busy with customers and when we weren't, we were making sure the store was always tidy, neat and clean. But the moment a customer walked in, we stopped talking and whatever we were doing (unless tidying) and one of us would kindly approach & greet the customers, like a good team player does.
And if you're still here reading?
This, Yelpers & Yelpees, is what customer service and respect is all about. No wonder online shopping is hurting so many businesses. Who wants to waste time dealing with such poor attitudes. Forgive me for expressing myself at length. I love seeing all people succeed & flourish and always root for the underdogs.
If you follow my reviews, you see & read that I love to sing praise...but also not shy to criticize when necessary. And this is one of the few times I'd give a ZER-0 rating instead of the 1-star default Yelp requires.
Unfortunately, some people still don't get it and probably never will. And it's very sad because either store managers & owners are unaware of what's going on when they're not there...or they're the bigger problem too for neglecting their staff and completely oblivious.
End of Rant
Game Over
Go Grab Some Bench at the Finish Line read more