Dear Menards,
My mother brought my newly 10 year old daughter to the store to grab something they needed for their farm. She is visiting my parents for a few weeks over the summer. (she brought her own mask)
My mother was stopped at the doors and lady told her that my daughter could not enter because she was not 16 or older. It was storming out and my mother had driven 35 minutes to get to the store. My mother then asked what Menards would like for her to do with my daughter and the women encouraged my mother to leave her in the car.
Since it was storming, my mother was apprehensive but ultimately left her in the car while she ran in quickly.
When I heard this story I was furious. Not at my mother but the Menards. I looked at the landing page for Menards and it explains that no one is allowed in without masks but nowhere does it say children under 16 are not allowed in the store. You must first click the learn more link and scroll to locate this.
I called the store manager in St. Croix Falls, WI. I asked him why my mother was directed to leave my daughter in the car. I asked if this was proper protocol? He went on to say that he did not know who would have said that but children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the store for the safety of others.
I asked him what he suggested customers did with their children who do not have anyone to watch them? He scoffed and stated that he didn't know and that wasn't up to them but they can't be in here.
I asked him why this was in place and he explained that they were following CDC guidelines and recommendations because children put others at risk.
I asked him how they were getting along with this without any lawsuits. He explained that they were a private business and they can do whatever they see fit.
I told him I hope this worked out for them but I didn't see it. He stated they have been doing it for 2 months already without issue. He told me to have a nice and we were done.
I'm sure you can imagine that his tone of voice was not chipper, understanding or inquisitive. He was downright rude and insensitive. I went to the CDC guidelines for business and nowhere does it suggest anything about banning children from your business to protect your customers (their parents) from them.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
Menards has already implemented special shopping hours for those who are more vulnerable and I can understand not including children during these hours.
Why, why Menards have you made it more difficult for families to shop at your store? We cannot have others watch our children when the child care and schools are closed. We may be single mothers or fathers. We may have our husband or wife still stuck overseas because COVID kept them on deployment for months after they were to return. One parent could still be an essential worker leaving mom or dad with the child(ren) and he needs to pick up a replacement part for the sink. Or grandparents who aren't technologically savvy don't have the ability to use your online options. Perhaps your customer can't wait for your online pick up options either since your stores are stretched thin.
I was very disheartened by the news I received today and how I was treated over the phone. I just want you to know that Lowe's and Home Depot, at least where I live, have not discriminated against children and families during this time. I hope that instead of feeling good about protecting your customers, you understand that many of them are placing their vulnerable children in cars (at a very young age) in your parking lots in order to get those replacement parts to fix their appliances. I hope you change your stance and understand the potential consequences and hardships that come from how you have chosen to do business during this time.
Good day to you! read more
