Do not shop at Work n' Gear on Route 22 Union, NJ, they do not allow customers to use their…read morebathroom. I was told "we do not have a public bathroom".
I put the boots back on the shelf, put my "public money" back in my pocket and left the store. Shown below is a letter that I sent to the CEO of the Corporation. I am done with them
February 15th, 2021
Mr. Anthony DiPaolo, CEO
Work 'N Gear, Inc.
2300 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, MA 02169
Re: Denied use of bathroom at
Union, NJ - Work n' Gear store
Dear CEO DiPaolo,
1. On Saturday, January 9th, 2021, I had the most unpleasant experience at your store on Route 22, Union, NJ. While in line r to purchase a $200 pair of Chippewa Boots. When I got to, I asked the cashier "can I use your bathroom" her response of "we don't have a public bathroom" took me by surprise. They were willing to accept my "public" money of $200 however they would not allow me to pee in their toilet. I was inside the store for about a half hour fitting several different boots before I made my final decision.
2. I stated because I cannot use your bathroom I will not buy the boots, I returned them to the shelf and left the store. Since I knew the brand, size and color I wanted, I went home and ordered them from midwestboots.com, the cost was $5.05 less than Work n' Gear.
3. I am a 35 year member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 25, I have purchased at least one pair of boots from this store every year for the past 20 years. I have also purchased Carhartt and Riggs clothing along with safety and cold weather gear. Attached is a photograph of three (3) pairs of KEEN Boots that I purchased from the Union store. The other photo is my most recent boot purchase from REI, EMS and Mid-West Boots.
4. I actually prefer to shop in "brick and mortar" stores because as a former elected official (I served as Council President of the Township of Irvington, NJ) I know first-hand how important these business are to our local economy and employment opportunities. I am willing to pay more out of pocket to support the merchants in my community.
5. I will never purchase another item from any Work n' Gear store. It is nice that the internet offers so many options. I refuse to do business with merchants that show a lack of respect for their customers, clients and the public.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Respectfully,
John Sowell, Former customer
Work n' Gear, Union, NJ