I am an interior designer and purchase approx. $200,000 worth of furniture through client purchases a year. I know all the various retail accessory and furniture stores in Colorado Springs and what types of inventory they have. I also know the quality of customer service that these stores offer and frankly, Pier One has recently provided poor service several times - specifically, the Powers Blvd. Store. I went in to purchase a $200.00 bench on Tuesday, November 8,12:45 PM and was treated in a rude way by two of the employees. The manager, a woman of about 33 years of age, taller with long, brown hair - was particularly rude. I was told by one employee that I could get a 10% discount on any slightly marred/scratched/damaged furniture. The piece that I chose was the floor model and they had no other ones like it in a box. I was told that in order for them to order another one, that was not damaged, it would take two weeks. I told them that I did not have two weeks and would take the discount on the marred piece. That employee then old the manager what I wanted and the manager said there would be no discount - she never even came over to look at the piece. When I insisted she look at the piece, she said she'd get a furniture repair kit and fix the mars and scratches. I told her I don't want furniture repair, I'll take it as is and with the discount. She then argued with me that a 5% discount would be offered - the other employee told me that 10% would apply. When I disputed the 5% comment, she consented to 10% and accused me of yelling at her which was ludicrous as I calmly and quietly discussed this with her so to use the term "yelling" is ridiculous. She stomped off in a huff. When I went to pay, the same first employee reluctantly offered to help me carry the furniture to my car. I was so annoyed that I picked up the bench by myself which potentially could have damaged my back due to a recent injury. But at that point, I was so upset, I took a risk and carried the cumbersome piece by myself to the car. The joy that I normally experience when shopping for clients was taken away from me on that day by two employees with very poor attitudes and poor service.in addition, I was NOT treated like a valued and respected client - I was treated like an annoyance to them and a complete and utter bother. At this point, I will not be shopping at Pier One for my clients or myself.in this economy, with retailers stocked to the rafters with merchandise that is not moving, why would a store object so strongly to providing a customer with a discount that they themselves divulged to me? In addition, once again with the economy the way it is, why are customers NOT treated well and like they are appreciated? Today I shopped at a competing store, once again for client furniture, and had a VERY pleasant shopping experience with even the manager coming over to me to thank me for my business!!! Wow, what a difference. I have been so soured by the poor Pier One shopping experience, that I will strongly hesitate to suggest Pier One as a potential source for purchases to my clients.
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