January: that time when retail that deals with the mountain of returns/exchanges received as holiday gifts. Equally as frustrating for the customer and especially now when we are in what appears to be a pandemic for life. I received several Malin + Goetz items ordered online but delivered from this specific store location complete with gift receipt. I even called to make sure I could exchange to this location and everything seemed to be in order. I was hoping for a seamless exchange experience. That did NOT happen.
I am very familiar with Malin + Goetz has I worked at a salon as a receptionist and was in charge of selling this brand's line of items. Even I, as a third party, knew it was my duty to represent the brand well. Apparently the store associates weren't made aware of this customer service requirement.
This storefront of the Malin + Goetz brand holds down fort near the corner of Beverly/Larchmont (on Larchmont) smack in the middle of the Larchmont shopping and dining strip (which is half closed right now due to Covid but still 'cute'). For those wondering, "What the hell is Malin + Goetz?" It is a high-end beauty brand offering skin care and hair care products plus some fun stuff like scented candles. Malin + Goetz strives to keep ingredients minimal and even has a no-fancy label policy. It is NOT an inexpensive brand with items mostly ranging from $20- 60. I did my research ahead of time on the website to learn that I would receive about $65 credit.
When I arrived at Malin + Goetz, I was bummed to learn that they aren't letting customers into the actual store due to Covid and all transactions are carried out through a plexiglass at the front door. That's fine: I assumed the sales associates would give great service explaining the products and grab them from the shelves.
I was greeted by a young female and a young male associate (both looked and acted about 20 years old) and for some reason, they instantly made it clear that they were annoyed that a customer has arrived and they would rather socialize. Let's remind that customers AREN'T allowed in the store. This means these associates have little work to do: no cleaning up after customers, no lines, no sanitizing. Plus, they should be HAPPY they have a job as most of us, myself included, are still unemployed from Covid. Third, this is precisely the time to make ALL customers feel welcome being most businesses are shutting doors permanently. Finally, I'm old enough to be your mother, kiddos. Show some respect! Their instant annoyance felt like a slap in the face.
I explained I wanted an exchange, that I have a gift receipt from THIS STORE. To begin, the girl must have been new because she hardly knew what she was doing and kept referring to the guy. No biggie, but he seemed annoyed to have to do any work as well and spoke with an attitude in tone. What did I do to these kids?! They then try to claim that I can't return to the store. I mentioned that I called for the okay AND the products are from this location! They took everything to the counter and after some whispering they admitted I could. I feel they just didn't want to work!
The girl proceeded to ask what I wanted like I was trash. Ummm. I mentioned the face wash and she mentioned one item but didn't explain it, sell it, nothing. She was the queen of one-word answers, attitude, and testing my patience but I made the effort to keep my cool and "play dumb" to her teen angst attitude (this chick thought she was Billie Eilish or something). Everything I asked whether about prices, ingredients or usage was met with aggravation. Jesus Christ.
I ended up choosing the Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and an overnight acne spot treatment. I had a little under $3 remainder which they wanted to put back on the card of the purchaser. This was a gift... who does that? If you can't cash it out due to your system; then tag it on a gift card. Once again these kids acted like I was the pain and then announced they can put it on a gift card. I couldn't get away from this place fast enough!
The Malin + Goetz products are fine and I have no complaints about that. But this customer service, especially when you are supposed to be thankful for any and all customers during this difficult time, was HORRENDOUS! As mentioned, I represented the brand better while working at a hair salon! They were rude, unprofessional, didn't know what they were doing, didn't know about the products/sell them, made me feel unwelcome and bluntly: like shit. I hope a manager sees this because this is coming from a Yelp Elite so I KNOW good versus bad business practice. Unbelievable. If these two kids would rather be on Tik Tok than working... then hire someone else. Many of us need a job.
Skip this location and find another spot to purchase your Malin + Goetz products. read more