This evening, I had perhaps one of the worst customer experiences of my life. I wanted to check on the price of a certain shoe that I had seen at Famous Footwear in a previous visit. I only wanted to see the price, as I didn't have the cash with me to buy anything, so I knew I would just be in and out. I approached the door and saw that the store closed at 6:00 PM. It was 5:54 PM so I told my friend, we have about 5 minutes, way more than enough time to look at the price tag. We walked into the store and approached the shelf where the pair of shoes were. Suddenly, from the cash register, the cashier (Ashley) yelled across the store that the store was closed. There were about 5 to 7 individuals in line who all looked over at me. I asked her if the store closed at 6:00 PM and asked the time and looked at my mobile phone which now read 5:56 PM. I said, I am just looking at a price and am not buying anything. The cashier then said beratingly, "You're not buying anything? Are you really not buying anything? Do you promise that you're not buying anything?" All of the customers were watching, some shaking their heads and others smiling or smirking. Again, the cashier asked, "Do you promise that you're not going to buy anything?" I then replied in disgust and humiliation, "I promise I am not buying anything."My friend then said to me, "We should just go if she is going to be that rude and cause a seen because we walked in the store for 2 minutes to look at a price tag." We then walked out of the store. I promptly walked back in and approached the cashier and asked for her name. She rudely replied with, "Ashley", and I left the store.



I have never been put on the spot like that just for walking into a store close to closing time. I have worked many years in both customer service and the in the restaurant industry, and as far as I understood, if the posted hours are to a certain time, then customers will be served until this time. If a store closes at 5:55 PM, then store hours should not say that the hours are until 6:00 PM. And that aside, a cashier, floor associate, manager or any customer service associate should never belittle and demean a customer in front of so many, demanding a customer make a promise in order to be 'allowed' to be in the store before the posted closing time.

If a customer is out of place or being disorderly or disruptive, then it is a completely different circumstance and matter, but when two customers walk into a store, they should never be scolded and 'put in their place' in the manner my friend and I were today.

I have bought shoes many many times over the years at Famous Footwear locations throughout Boise for myself and friends and family. I have always enjoyed the friendly demeanor of the associates, and the excellent customer service. This is the first time I have visited this location in Nampa, ID and I will NEVER be going back. I am debating on ever buying from Famous Footwear again if this is behavior that the brand stands behind. I certainly am letting everyone I know know about my experience today.



Store location visited (street address, plaza name and city, or store number):

TREASURE VALLEY MKTPL

16490 N MARKETPLACE BLVD

I84 & KARCHER RD

NAMPA, ID 83687

(208) 463-1127

HOURS:

Mon - Sat 10:00am - 09:00pm

Sun 11:00am - 06:00pm



Date of visit:

January 12, 2014 5:55 PM



Name of associate (if known):

Ashley