Dear Waitrose
My wife and I visited your Ringwood store today, and unfortunately, we had a rather uncomfortable experience. I'm 36 years old, work hard, and have a young family, and this is the first time I've felt so unwelcome in a store.
While browsing, my wife showed me an item my daughter liked. After picking it up to show me, she placed it back on the shelf. However, we noticed a security staff member leaning over to check if it had been returned, which felt unnecessarily intrusive. Additionally, another staff member repeatedly passed by and stood at the end of the aisle, giving us the impression we were being watched closely. This behavior made us feel uneasy and unwelcome.
I understand the need for security, but I believe your team could benefit from further customer service training to ensure shoppers feel comfortable rather than targeted. For reference, I was wearing my work clothes, which, while practical, are quite expensive and certainly not reflective of any wrongdoing. I would also suggest that the appearance and hygiene of your security staff be addressed, as it does affect the store's overall image.
On a positive note, the cashier and the gentleman collecting trolleys were both a pleasure to interact with, and I appreciate their professionalism.
We were walked passed many more times in this time.
Lastly, I noticed that the cyclamen plants on sale looked poorly maintained. If plants are part of your inventory, I recommend ensuring they receive proper care.
I hope this feedback helps improve the overall experience for future customers. read more