This place is great buuuutttt... unfortunately, I will not be returning…read more
There are a lot of wonderful things in the store, and everyone else who worked there was kind and helpful. Unfortunately, the experience with the owner, Cindy, left quite a different impression.
My mom had a table she was purchasing and had been told she could purchase it once she was finished shopping. While we were still shopping, Cindy got on the intercom and announced, "Whoever has the tag for the table outside, you have 5 minutes to buy it or it's being sold." Definitely an interesting way to handle a customer who had already been told she could purchase the item.
When we asked Cindy if she was the one who made the announcement and politely mentioned that we felt it came across as rude, the situation escalated rather quickly. We were told that she wasn't being rude and that my mom needed to be "responsible" and purchase it when she first came in. Apparently, asking a question about the situation was enough to warrant a pretty disrespectful interaction--in front of other customers, nonetheless.
Then, when we went to check out, Cindy apparently felt the need to get her husband to come stand nearby and "protect her," while he watched and pointed at us throughout the checkout process. That certainly made an already uncomfortable situation feel even more welcoming.
Earlier in our visit, my husband had also asked Cindy a simple question and was met with an extremely dismissive response before she walked away to watch the Sooners game. So, unfortunately, this wasn't just one isolated interaction.
Interestingly enough, her friend mentioned that multiple people had yelled at her that day. While I obviously can't speak for those other interactions, I do think there may be something worth reflecting on there. Sometimes when multiple people are having negative interactions with you, it might be worth considering whether the common denominator could be... well, worth considering.
I also couldn't help but notice the mission statement about how "actions speak louder than words." I completely agree. And as a business that identifies itself as Christian, I would think kindness, patience, grace, and treating others with respect would be especially important values to reflect in your interactions with people.
No one expects perfection, and certainly everyone has bad days. But there is a big difference between having a bad day and making customers feel unwelcome or disrespected. Especially when your faith and Christian values are part of the message your business chooses to represent.
I'm not saying this to be unkind. I'm simply sharing our experience and, hopefully, offering a little perspective. The store itself is great, and the other employees were lovely. Unfortunately, customer service starts at the top, and based on our experience, that's enough to keep us from coming back.
But hey--actions really do speak louder than words.
UPDATE: It was her table she was selling! Maybe don't treat your buyer badly?