This location is not welcoming to anyone with autism. I was met with two employees who were very rude to me. I am an autistic adult, and I do my best to communicate and understand rules and settings.
Two days prior to my visit I called the location, I found the store phone number on Google Maps and connected with a gentleman. Because I shopped at another location, they told me that they were only accepting 12 months and up clothing sizes, and spring and summer seasons. So I called to make sure I would bring in the right product, and the employee stated that they were accepting all sizes and seasons. That lead me to believe just that.
So when I got there today I had two boxes, one of clothes and baby items, and a boppy pillow. A female associate approached and let me know that their wait period is at least until 7:45, which I was understanding. We were passing through and didn't have time to wait. But she argued with me that she didn't want the clothes that I brought in because they particularly wanted sizes 18 months and up, and only summer season. I said that I was told differently over the phone, first she accused me of calling the wrong store, and berated me about it. I showed her the phone number I made the call to, and she said someone never told me that. I really wasn't looking to argue, and I wasn't expecting to get my way, I just wanted to assure her that someone was giving false information. At least take ownership that someone messed up, I said I wished I wasn't told differently and she finally admitted that I shouldn't have been told that. It was only upsetting to me because I could've brought exactly what they needed.
I didn't want that to ruin my experience, I still enjoy shopping for clothes from this company. I found a rack with a sign that read "10 items for $10" so I grabbed those and brought them to the register. When I was checking out the same female associate took the clothes, and I mentioned the deal. She again berated me and said it doesn't qualify unless it's on the tag, I didn't want to be rude and smart. I held my tongue and didn't say anything about finding those products on that rack.
She then walked away, I assumed she was ringing me up but she passed me off to another female employee. I was being kind and making small talk, but she didn't answer and didn't make eye contact. This makes it hard for me, I do my best to communicate with others since I struggle with both. So this felt like a cold interaction.
I didn't feel like I was welcomed there, it was an uncomfortable environment and I will not be returning there. I've shopped at two other locations and was met with kindness. I'm only asking that the employees there should learn how to treat others with kindness and to be understanding. I would've contacted the location itself, but I feel that it was the owner who was berating me, and I would not want her to contact me. So I emailed corporate, I'm hoping that they can implement sensitivity training to their employees, I would hate for anyone else to experience this. read more