I stopped at the Maplewood Menards Garden Center and found a couple potted plants that I liked. There was a sale sign saying they were $10.99 for a 10-inch container but I only saw 2 of that size. I inquired if they had more and was told 'no'. I asked if they could tell me if other stores had them available, but they said they don't inventory seasonal garden plants. An associate suggested I try the Oakdale Menards so I drove over there.
I located the items and brought 5 of them to the checkout. Unfortunately, they rang up at $14.99 each. I asked why they were not the same price as they were in Maplewood and the cashier called for a manager. The manager reiterated that the price was $14.99 so I asked if she could contact the Maplewood store and verify the difference. She walked away and started helping another customer.
At that point, I called the Maplewood store myself. The man who answered, listened as I explained the situation and I told him exactly where the plants in question were located -- at the garden center entrance, sitting on a small stone wall in front of the water features. He put the phone down and was gone for what seemed like an eternity. (In hindsight, I think he may have hoped I would get tired of waiting and just hang up.) Finally, he returned and answered the phone like he had forgotten who I was and why I was holding. I refreshed his memory and then he told me that they didn't have any those plants, but if they did, they would be $14.99. I said I was just there 20 minutes ago and saw them! He told me that items in the garden center sell quickly and there was nothing he could do for me.
So, I drove back to the Maplewood Menards and there sat the 2 plants in the same place I had described. However, the $10.99 sign had been removed! On my way into the store, I also noticed a rack of annuals in front of the main store entrance and saw 5 additional containers with the same plants that I wanted. SO, I WAS LIED TO!!!
At the garden center I requested the cashier call a manager, preferably the man I previously spoke to on the phone. I was told that he was the store manager, but that another manager would come talk to me. Needless to say, I gave that manager a piece of my mind.
If the $10.99 signage was incorrect, I would have appreciated an explanation -- maybe the sign was for a sale that was no longer in effect and accidentally not taken down. I would have understood that. I just resent the fact that Menards management took no responsibility and tried to cover up their mistakes. This is the worst kind of customer service -- untruthful and underhanded!! read more