This morning I had the most horrible retail experience I have ever personally encountered at Store #06056. I am writing in hoping that someone can address the actions and the way the store personnel treated me.
The following are details that occurred just less than an hour ago at your store:
I called in my prescription and at approximately 3:00am.
I fell behind a day and needed to get my medication before I started work this morning. The pharmacist informed me it would be ready in 15 minutes and I informed him I'd be on my way.
When I arrived at the store there was a hand-written sign that said? Aisles XYZ are blocked for cleaning.? I proceeded into the store to get the following: 1) My prescription 2) Ice Cream/Orange Juice 3) Cold medicine. 2 and 3 were for my finance who is suffering from a cold.
I began to navigate my way through the store, first to the back then back to the front trying to get to the item I needed. There was yellow tape blocking the areas being cleaned. The assistant manager of the store asked if he could help me. I said,? I'm trying to find a way to the back to get my prescription and some Ice Cream.? He informed me I need to go through the drive-through. I said, Can you just go back and grab the ice cream for me? He said sarcastically, There will be no Ice Cream for you. I walked closer to him and saw he was the assistant manager. I said, Don't you think it would make better sense to block off sections so customers can buy things and navigate? He said once again, very sarcastically, This only happens twice a year, you should've seen how pissed people were yesterday when they couldn't buy Mother's Day Cards. I replied, That was a horrible business decision. He then said, Tell me about it, Walgreens will probably go under.
My cell phone rang, and I took the call and walked away from the Manager to an area of the store not blocked off. As I was talking to my finance trying to if she needed anything else, two store employees walked up to me and continued to tell me I couldn't go this way or that way. I asked, Where am I allowed to walk? All this occurring while my fianc's on the other end. The store employee (I didn't catch his name) began to stare me down and approached me.By his look and actions I was worried he might get violent. I still had the phone to my ear and asked him, What are you planning to do? He said, We are not selling anything to you and you must leave.
I walked out as instructed. My finance still on the phone, we were both shocked by the way I was treated.
I worked in Retail for 12 years at all levels. Not too long ago I was a General Manager myself operating a 60 million box. So I understand there are employees who don't always follow the rules or can be rude at times. However, anyone in a leadership role behaving anywhere near that of the people I dealt with today would be held accountable. I expect disciplinary action to be taken and immediate accountability enforced for this intolerable experience I received today. My words cannot express how upset and discouraged these employees made me feel. To top it off, to be treated this way by the store's Assistant Manager!
Since it was 3AM I wasn't dresses in my normal attire I wear during the day.in fact, I had on a pair of goofy sweat pants and a tank top. The tank top was exposing tattoos on my arms. Perhaps this was a form of discrimination? It sure feels that way to me.
If the attitude of the Assistant Manager and his employees reflects Walgreens policies or even just this store's policies I would like to make sure I clearly understand what are Walgreen's expectations for consumer etiquette? Are customers treated differently during different hours? Are they treated differently during floor cleaning time? Or maybe the employees pick and choose who they treat which way and how they feel like selling to.
I hope you sense the frustration in this letter as I am still feeling it as I type this to you. If this is being read by the General Manager of the store, I hope you will address this quickly and appropriately.
I would like a phone call back outlining the steps that are being taken to address my complaint and why I should continue to do business with Walgreens.
Scott
Cottage Grove, Minnesota
U.S.A.
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