**Very Disappointing Experience - Unprofessional Treatment of My Family**
My family and I visited this store on Sunday, hoping to find some great deals on furniture since two of our sons recently moved into their own apartments. We were excited to shop and potentially purchase quite a bit of furniture. Unfortunately, what should have been a fun family shopping trip turned into a very uncomfortable and disappointing experience.
While shopping, two of my three sons wandered off to look around on their own. They came across some boxed TVs along the back wall, and an employee immediately approached them, questioning what they were doing. My sons, who are both involved in ministry, were raised in church, and have never stolen anything in their lives, thought nothing of it and continued looking around.
However, this employee then proceeded to follow them throughout the store. My husband and I watched from a distance as he continued to keep an eye on them, making them increasingly uncomfortable. At that point, we decided it was best to leave.
As we made our way toward the exit, the employee followed behind us, almost as if he were escorting us out. We stopped briefly to look at one last couch, and he stood right next to my sons in a way that felt intimidating.
My husband finally approached him and asked if there was a problem and why he had been following us. His response? "That's my job."
Let me be clear: We were greeted by a very nice and professional salesman when we first arrived. This particular employee was NOT our salesman, nor had we asked him for assistance.
When I asked for his name, he responded, "I have no name." When we requested a manager, his response was, "Good luck, this is family owned."
I was honestly shocked by the complete lack of professionalism and respect. As a small business owner myself, I understand the importance of protecting your business and merchandise. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to approach customers, and this was absolutely the wrong way.
I cannot help but feel that my sons were being profiled. Whether this was racially motivated, I cannot say for certain, but the way they were singled out, followed, and treated certainly raised that concern for our family. No customer should be made to feel like a criminal simply for browsing a store.
Before leaving, we went back to the original salesman, who was absolutely wonderful throughout our visit. He was very apologetic and informed us that the employee's name was Javi. He also provided us with a warehouse contact card after we requested to speak with management and explained that the store currently does not have a general manager.
I want to make it clear that our original salesman was professional, kind, and helpful. Unfortunately, the actions of one employee completely overshadowed that positive experience.
We came prepared to spend money and support this business. Instead, we left feeling disrespected and disappointed. As a fellow small business owner, I would have loved to give them our business, but I cannot support a place where my family is made to feel unwelcome.
I sincerely hope someone in upper management or ownership takes this complaint seriously and addresses this employee's behavior. Customers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, appearance, or background.
**You never know who is walking through your doors or how much business you may lose simply because of the way someone is treated.**
Unfortunately, we will be taking our business elsewhere. read more