Support Local Businesses? Buyer Beware!
My husband and I have always believed that buying local is the best way to go. We try to practice this belief as much as possible and shop in Leduc as well as use local services. On Saturday, May 20th, my husband visited The Eye Centre in Leduc Common to look for a pair of sunglasses. He ended up finding and buying a pair of Oakley sunglasses. On Sunday we made a trip into Edmonton with our kids and were greatly dismayed to discover the exact same pair of glasses were $70 dollars cheaper at several different retailers. When we returned home we went on the Oakley website where they are also listed for $70 less. My husband emailed the company and were told that the suggested retail price was $230 but that individual businesses had the option to set their own prices. Indeed! I called the business where he made his purchase on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am and asked to speak with the owner. He did not return my call. I phoned again at 5:45 pm and my call was taken by an associate named Krystal who stated that "their business did not price match" and that "my husband had the option of buying his sunglasses elsewhere". Good advice Krystal but too little too late. Their store policy that ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO EXCHANGES OR REFUNDS. is clearly stated on their reciept. This initially did not concern my husband as he was satisfied with the glasses until he realized they were being sold for $70 less at other retailers. I asked Krystal for the owner's first and last name and she refused to give me the information. My advice to residents of Leduc would be to shop around first and not expect fair prices just because you're shopping local. If you choose to shop at The Eye Centre in Leduc Common, be forewarned that buyer beware is definitely in order. read more