I genuinely cannot believe I am even having to sit down and write this, because up until today, I have had absolutely zero issues with this location since the day it opened. I have been coming here consistently and honestly, almost every single day and have spent what I would consider to be a very significant amount of money over time. This has been my go-to store, a regular stop in my daily routine, and somewhere I've always felt comfortable shopping... until today.
Let me paint the picture clearly. I ride a motorcycle. Not only do I ride a motorcycle, it is my ONLY form of transportation. I don't have a car sitting at home as a backup option, this is what I use every single day to get around, run errands, and yes, come to this store. Today, I stopped in for what could not have been more than two minutes literally just long enough to grab a 24-ounce Coke to go with my dinner and head out.
Now, here's where things take a completely unnecessary and frustrating turn. As I'm leaving, the Indian women at the front door stated she was acting under instructions from management or "higher-ups" stops me to tell me that I need to remove my helmet when entering the store. This immediately confused me, because I ALWAYS take my helmet off when I come inside. Every single time. Without fail. Today just happened to be the one and only time I didn't, simply because I was in and out so quickly that it didn't even cross my mind as something necessary.
When I questioned this, I was met with reasoning that honestly left me stunned. I was essentially told that they don't know if I could be carrying a weapon or intending to harm people in the store. So let me get this straight... because I walked in wearing a motorcycle helmet for a couple of minutes, I am now being treated as a potential threat? A criminal? Someone dangerous?
That is absolutely ridiculous.
It is beyond frustrating to be singled out and made to feel like I'm doing something wrong, especially when I've been a loyal, consistent customer since day one. I spend money here regularly. I come here daily. And this is how I'm treated over something so minor and situational?
So, moral of the story apparently, if you ride a motorcycle and walk into this store with a helmet on, even briefly, you are automatically viewed with suspicion. You are no longer just a customer; you are a potential problem in their eyes.
I also want to make it very clear that I am a hardworking individual. I have a good job, I support myself, and I am doing just fine financially. Riding a motorcycle does not define my character, nor does it make me any less of a respectable person than anyone else walking through those doors. It's honestly insulting to be judged so quickly and so harshly over something like this.
I never thought I would be writing a review like this about a place I've been so consistently loyal to, but here we are. I truly hope this message reaches someone in a position to reflect on how situations like this are handled, because this experience was unnecessary, frustrating, and completely avoidable.
Thanks for making me feel like a criminal over a helmet and for managing to ruin what should have been a simple, routine stop. read more