After this evening, I will no longer be shopping at this store. As a previous employee of a Hallmark for over 7 years, I am very familiar with how the sales and function of the company works both in the franchise and corporate store setting. I went to purchase Christmas ornaments for the year, as I have been doing at this store for the past few years since moving to the area. After looking around for about 15 minutes (without being greeted, asked if I needed help or let alone an "I'll be right with you) and choosing 7 or 8 Keepsake ornaments, I needed help with 3 ornaments that I could not find on the shelf (display was the last one). When I told the employee I couldn't find them, she didn't even try to look for them in a different area or check the stock herself as sometimes items can be in a different area. She quickly told me she couldn't sell me the display. When I questioned why, she went to check with someone in the back. I was told by the 2nd employee that they could not sell me the display until they were out of stock (which they were, they only had the display left). When I pointed out that there's no more on the shelf, I was told, until they hear from Hallmark that they are sold out, they can't sell the display. I showed her the numerous other empty displays that have already been sold and asked why those were sold but the 3 I want, they couldn't sell. She proceeded to show me a tag on one sold display that stated something about it being sold out. However, that tag was not on all of the other empty sold displays. Her reasoning with inconsistent. I was told that they don't know the stock and if they will be getting anymore or not. I would have to wait. I asked why they can't sell the display and IF any more stock even comes in, they can take one out and put it out. I was then told the store manager does not want to do that. I was told I can look online. Phrases like that are why Hallmark stores are disappearing left and right because business isnt the same. I was very put off by the situation and put the over $200 worth of ornaments back. I did not look for the other items I was going to purchase either ( cards and singing snowman) because apparently the employees and Manager's policy is not right. During a time like we are in now, turning down a sale of any kind is astounding. I will be driving farther to another Hallmark store to make my purchase and give my business to. read more
