There is a "new policy" instituted "a few weeks ago" which mandates the checking of receipts a-la-Walmart upon exiting the store? (These are direct quotes).
My fellow Yelpers, were you aware of this? Neither was I.
I'm angry.
Really angry and insulted.
So angry I'll communicate with corporate about this one.
Well attention Target shoppers, read on.
Last night, the fiance and I went there after a movie downtown because I needed to pick up a few items on sale.
As a ecologically responsible shopper (and now that Target gives 5 cents off per bag) I bring purse-sized tote bags that unfold to full-size in a jiffy. I always hit the food aisle last because I usually have refrigerated and/or frozen items.
I started in baby items, then to DVDs, went to electronics to buy some Philips EarBuds on sale for $7.99, the fiance got the dryer sheets and the seltzer and met me in frozen foods. I wanted two packages of frozen chicken breasts, which were on sale for $5.79. They only had one package of tenderloins. An employee (who is a sweetheart, I wish I had her name!) called in a rain-check for me but I had to pick it up in electronics, where she said they could ring up my purchases.
Without incident, I gave him my bright florescent orange tote bag which he filled with purchases and he filled two brand-new Target bags, issued my rain-check and I'm off on my merry way.
Or so I thought.
As I approached the exit, two (NOT one) employees were waiting there for me.
WHAT???????
They asked for a receipt. I quipped jokingly "Is this Walmart?" No response. Then I became angry and insulted. I asked when this policy was instituted. One responded the "new policy" was instituted "a few weeks ago."
Absolutely incorrect. Erroneous. Have your bags been checked and a receipt demanded upon exit in the past "few weeks?" I don't think so.
I have a receipt dated 4/5/10 and no one asked to see my receipt at that time. In fact, I used the same florescent orange tote bag.
I just called the store and spoke to Elizabeth, a manager in LP (loss prevention). She reiterated the policy to check bags has always been effect but not implemented due to the previous LP manager's lack of enforcement. However, with the staffing change in LP, these mandates are now being implemented with "big ticket items" which she said constitutes "televisions, electronics, etc."
My largest "big ticket item?" Phillips Ear Buds, $7.99.
Elizabeth also shared that "exposed merchandise" will also warrant an exit check.
"Exposed merchandise?" My florescent orange bag had seltzer and baby food. The other two bags were Target-issued bags filled with the rest of my purchases. A grand total of $39.04.
Maybe this egregious display of poor customer service occurred because I bypassed the cash registers up front? There are cameras all over the store and above the cash registers. Surely some underling saw me purchasing my items in electronics?
And lastly, there is to be one Target employee stationed at the exit, not two, according to Elizabeth.
I spend at least $100 a month at Target in a variety of departments. Never have I been treated in such a way in ANY store.
And here's the kicker, thanks to a change in LP management, you too may enjoy the same style of customer service.
Does anyone have the number for the ACLU? read more