I've been a regular customer at this Five Below for a while, coming in a few times a week and always purchasing the same items. Typically, my visits are quick and straightforward, but today was a completely different experience.
When I got to the self-checkout and finished scanning my items, one of the employees (an older woman who's usually there) approached me and asked if I had taken 8 pieces of candy. I told her no, I had 5, but she walked up and looked into my bag anyway. To make things clear, I pulled out the candy and counted it right in front of her--5 pieces, as I had said. Instead of apologizing, she laughed and walked away.
I told her not to treat me like that because I come in regularly and always get the same thing. She responded by saying that she's "supposed to ring customers up," which I know isn't true because I've always checked myself out at this location. I felt disrespected and embarrassed, especially since there were other customers nearby.
I decided to return and speak to the manager. When I came back, I saw two customers using the self-checkout while the older employee was stocking items in another aisle. I asked her, "I thought you had to ring everybody up?" She laughed again.
When I asked to speak to the manager, I was told by another employee (a girl with glasses) that she was the manager. I explained the situation, and she acknowledged that I'm a regular. However, instead of addressing the problem, she brushed it off, saying, "Well, she's old, just give her a break," and claimed to have already talked to her about it.
I left feeling humiliated and unheard. The manager seemed to think the employee's behavior was excusable because of her age, but old or not, she should know better than to treat a loyal customer that way. Unfortunately, I won't be returning to this Five Below. This experience completely soured my perception of the store. read more