Greetings Everyone! I was in my hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrating my 20th Year High School Class Reunion this past weekend.
I wanted to purchase a new shirt for the formal dinner later that night (July 23, 2016). As I approached Rivertown Crossings Mall I saw HOBBY LOBBY in a strip mall very close to the main mall. I decided to stop in. We have HOBBY LOBBY stores in the Detroit Metro Area, but the locations are very far from where I live (Royal Oak, MI). I was VERY impressed by the wide variety of merchandise in the store and the affordable price points.
This was my FIRST TIME ever entering HOBBY LOBBY. As I browsed through the watercolor section of the art supplies, my cell phone began to ring. I silenced my phone and placed the phone back into the side pocket of my khaki cargo pants. I do not like to talk on the phone while shopping.
Seconds later an older female FLOOR ASSOCIATE approached me and asked me if I needed help. I said, "No, I'm just browsing the watercolor supplies." Then she said, "Well, what did you put in your pocket?" For a split second I laughed because there is no need for me to steal anything and I had my wallet in my hand the entire time I was in the store? I then told this FLOOR ASSOCIATE, "Oh, that's my cell phone. I silenced it and put it back into my pocket." I then pulled my phone from my side pocket to show her. In my opinion, I should not have even taken that step to prove that I was innocent and clarify the situation. Then I said, "There's no need, there's no need..." Implying that there's no need for me to STEAL anything from this store. The FLOOR ASSOCIATE replied, "Just checking." I was very insulted by this experience and I really wanted to maintain my composure. I did not want this situation to escalate.
I continued to shop and finally made my way to the checkout line. The cashier was kind and completed my transaction quickly and professionally. I asked the cashier if she would alert the Store Manager, Scott Murphree, because I wanted to share my FIRST experience at Hobby Lobby with him. Shortly after Scott Murphree was called, he came to the checkout lane and I recounted my experience with him. He heard my story and apologized for the unpleasant experience. Scott mentioned that he would address my issue. I did not obtain the FLOOR ASSOCIATE'S name, but she had A LOT OF NERVE asking me what did I put in my pocket? I am 100% confident that she heard my LOUD iPHONE 6 ring and then was silenced. I was not talking on the phone and I had to put my phone somewhere? Anyway, I was very impressed by the wide selection of merchandise at Hobby Lobby and I plan to visit the store again. Hopefully this experience was an isolated event.
Thank you Mr. Murphree for having a professional demeanor and listening to my experience. Like I mentioned, I did not get the FLOOR ASSOCIATE'S name, but she was really doing too much! I am confident that when she approached me that response was not in line with Hobby Lobby's protocol. I will remember this experience each time I wear Cargo Pants. That's sad.
I am an Advertising/Marketing Professional (with over 15 years of Professional Experience) located in the Detroit Metro Area and I consider myself an amateur mixed media artist. I am a Michigan State Graduate and I consider myself a well rounded individual. For that FLOOR ASSOCIATE to approach me and accuse me of stealing VERY INEXPENSIVE merchandise was a MAJOR insult. I hope she finds comfort in her weekend job at HOBBY LOBBY. Although this experience was negative, I won't let it change my positive outlook on the overall experience at HOBBY LOBBY. This store has great merchandise!
Have a nice day! read more