On Saturday (8/2/2014) my 14 yr. old son purchased the bulk of his school clothes at Zumiez. When he got home on Saturday he realized that he didn't want two items. He had already taken the tags off so he called the store and spoke with a guy that told him that he just needed to bring the receipt back. Fast forward to today (8/6/2014) I was off of work so this was the first chance I had to take him to the store.
We arrived around 11:00; I waited in the car while he went in to get the refund. About 45 minutes later he can back to the car with a bag. I asked him what took so long and he explained that because the tags were not attached but in the bag they would not refund his money. I explained that I have on many occasions returned items without the tags and it was never an issue. I asked him if he wanted me to go check to make sure that he understood what they were saying.
I went into the store and up to the register and talked to a lady that was behind the counter. I later found out she was the store manager. I asked for clarification on the policy, explaining that he had the tags. She explained that the policy is no returns if not in the original condition. I said that was a ridiculous policy as the clothes had never been worn and that her employee had said we just needed the receipt. She said that she would find out who said that because he was wrong.
I said that I would call the corporate office to complain.
At that point she went and got the two items and said that they smelled like a "house" not sure what that means. Then she proceeded to say "I'm not saying you people are dirty..." (I happen to be African American) I am not sure what she said after that as I was in utter disbelief that I was hearing those words. I repeated the "you people" phrase back and simply said I was leaving and began towards the door. At that point the Manager yells something to the effect "nice, go ahead and play that card".
My son, who suffers from severe social anxiety, and I simply left the store. I then called the Fort Collins location to inquire about the return policy and they explained exactly what the original person we talked too had said that as long as we had the receipt we could return.
I will never return to the store again! read more