I must say first, this is the only review I've ever written on yelp, or any other site. After visiting Jos.A.Bank in Utica Square this afternoon, I feel the need to let people know how completely inappropriate, and embarrassing the store manager, John R. Burgin was.
I came into the store and was greeted by a female sales associate who was kind, and helped me with sizing. I informed her that I was looking around for options /ideas for my upcoming wedding in October. I also told her that I was planning to come back tomorrow with my fiancé to make more decisions, and for him to try on suits as well.
At this point the sales associate says "so you're not buying today?" I said no not today, but probably tomorrow.
Then a man comes out from the back of the store and rushes straight to me. "CAN I HELP YOU!!!??"
I explained to him my story, just as I had to the other sales associate, but he wouldn't leave me alone. His behavior wreaked of pushy commission driven desperation.
I tried on a few jackets, and one shirt. Nothing worked. I then went to the restroom. As I was leaving, I thanked both of them and said I'd be back tomorrow.
This is when things really crossed the line. The pushy salesman ,(Store Manager John R. Burgin) followed me to the front of the store and said," you don't mind if I check your backpack do you?"
I was completely shocked. I said, "of course not, go ahead."
He replied "I didn't think you'd mind!" I opened up my backpack so he could see I hadn't stolen anything, and then told me to "have a nice day"
Here's the thing.... I used to work retail in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles for over 12 years. I know the drill when it comes to theft prevention.
In his defense, he was doing what they train you to do when you suspect a shoplifter. Be pushy and annoying with your customer service. That part he definitely got right.
Where he failed miserably, was that I planned to come back and spend quite a bit of money in his store. When he asked me if he could look in my backpack, it was clear that he thought I was a shoplifter.
I don't believe you're allowed to ask a customer that, and I certainly didn't have to oblige, but I did because I'm not a shoplifter.
Shoplifters come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages.
I however am not one. And I most certainly won't be shopping at Jos.A.Bank ever again. Neither will my fiancé, or my 10 groomsmen.
That would have been a nice chunk of change they could have made if I hadn't been "pretty woman'd " out of the store.
I plan on contacting the corporate office to let them know about my experience!!! read more