Yikes. What happened to this place?
First of all, I am NEVER one to complain, let alone post a review on a website like this, but I felt as if my experiences lately have warranted this. Now don't get me wrong, some of the employees are great, or should I say WERE great.
I used to shop at this location over the past few years during my college career (2010-2014) at the university which is conveniently located across the street, and it was great! The staff of 20-somethings were a joy to encounter and their passion for their jobs really shined through in their interactions with customers. They were ALWAYS willing to go the extra mile and give recommendations on different products. The environment in the store was always welcoming and overall a very pleasant experience.
HOWEVER, recently this place has really begun to go downhill, and I believe it starts out with the management. On more than one occasion, I walked into the store only to be completely ignored by the short bald man who I can only assume is the manager. He acted as if he was annoyed by my presence in the store and essentially refused to help me when I specifically asked him a question and delegated the question to an employee who was at least gracious enough to attempt to help me out. I just couldn't believe the lack of customer service this manager displayed, he would not even turn his head to look at me before passing me off to someone else.
The new female managers of this location also are particularly cold and unwelcoming as well. I know the Exchange has a high turnover rate in employees, but until recently the company managed to employ persons who were at least personable and able to affectively communicate with customers and make them want to be returning customers. That is pretty much all but gone...
Instead of bashing this store completely, I will point out the lone brightspot of this location. The one manager, I believe his name is Caleb(?), has been the only constant at this location over my tenure in kent. He is consistently the most knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly employee this location has to offer. Caleb is a shining exmaple of what this company WAS and should once again strive to be.
It's no surprise that the good reviews for this location came a few years ago, when they had a pleasant, knowledgeable staff. I'd be willing to bet the unfortunate fall from grace all started when I began seeing the short, bald manager more and more. Truly a shame. I used to love this place and would refer all my friends.
I miss the old Exchange... read more