Why do I keep going back to this place???
I've been going to this place for decades and I've seen the service drop precipitously in the last 10 years. Sales are relatively decent if you don't mind standing on long lines. I always expect bad service, but my recent experience there need to go down in the annals of "Macy's Worst Customer Service Moments."
When Christmas was just around the corner, I went to this location with my parents looking for a down jacket for my dad. We walked straight into the men's department and I immediately spotted a nice one in the Nautica section. As luck would not have it, there was none in the size large. Chagrined, I walked over to the cashier and asked if she could check in the computer to see if there were any left in the size large. Looking slightly bothered, she checked and there was indeed two of those jackets in size large. That was a good sign. BUT, I would have to wait, she said. I don't like waiting, but I wanted to get this jacket for my dad. So I waited with the rest of the paying customers. (What was I thinking?)
When it was my turn, I reminded the cashier that my dad was interested in the size large jacket. She said she had to remain at her cashier station. I asked, "Is there someone else that can go to the stock room?" (Reasonable question, I thought. But what do I know?) She just repeated that she couldn't leave. "Is there a manager that I could speak to?" I asked. She didn't reply.
I went to another cashier in a different part of the men's department. I was informed customer service was on the third floor. We all took the escalator there and I know my parents didn't want me to start up, but this type of behavior shouldn't be tolerated by any customer.
There were two ladies behind desks that didn't appear too busy. I explained to the one on the right of my dilemma. In my naivete, I mistakenly thought I was going to find customer service in Macy's customer service department. (News flash: Macy's and customer service is an oxymoron.) She made a couple of calls and I heard her say, "Yes, I know you're busy down there...." Afterwards, she looked straight into my face and said, "I'm sorry but no one is available to go to the stockroom. We can ship it to you." Incredulous, I replied, "You just lost a customer."
I was livid. When I got home I wrote a letter to Terry J. Lundgren--
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Macy's. I told him it was with deep regret that customer service is non-existent at this particular Macy's, etc.
I didn't expect a response, but a week later I received a letter of apology and a nice gift certificate for my troubles. I was even informed that the manager of the store was spoken to and he has addressed his staff of my complaint.
I haven't gone back yet. But when I do, I'll be sure to report to you what the level of service was like. But don't hold your breath. read more