topic Re: Found out why stores are closing! in Community Chat

Found out why stores are closing!

this is my nic — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:22:57 GMT

This afternoon I found one reason why stores are closing!.

I do most of my shopping on-line, but decided to go to a couple stores today for things I need and wanted to look at in person. What a lousy experience!

In store #1, they didn't have what I needed and they aren't going to carry this item in their store any longer, but I can order it through their web site.

Store #2, was Ulta. Saturday afternoon and I saw one employee in the makeup department. She was busy with a customer so she couldn't help me. I was able to find what I needed, but the store could have made more $$$ if I had assistance. When I went to check out there was a long line and I mean a line like you see at Christmas! Only 2 registers were open! This was a Saturday afternoon! It doesn't take a genius to know extra help is essential on weekends. So, I stood in line while my husband fumed while he waited in the car.

Store #3 was Michaels. ONE register was open, and another long line. I left my full cart in the store; didn't buy one thing.

Horrible customer service is at least partly to blame for stores closing. I will be ordering on-line even more. I wasted a good part of the afternoon driving to the shopping center, waiting in lines, and leaving without what I wanted to purchase. Frustrating!

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

croemer — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:26:28 GMT

Plus lack of inventory. I would like to buy local...but I do not like moving from store to store and not finding what I need or want.

I never have a problem at Ulta...ours seem to be well staffed.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

roxxy1 — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:26:35 GMT

I feel the same. I went to Macy's to return something the other day, and the line was ridiculous. I left without waiting, and the thought of going back is just........ugh.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

libbyannE — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:36:31 GMT

Agree. I gave up shopping in brick-and-mortar stores years ago. The few times I have tried have proven a waste of time. I don’t feel sorry for the retailers, because even before online shopping was a thing, the service at retail had become practically nonexistent, and the offerings at once-interesting department stores had become boring and pretty much the same from store to store. If I have to shop, I can see more variety more quickly online.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Twins Mom — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:38:37 GMT

Yesterday I did self-Scan at Walmart to avoid lines but no larger bag available to put my items in. On way out there stood employee watching front of store for people who order on line and pick up. In store customers of lesser value than on line. Sad State of affairs.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Kachina624 — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:39:30 GMT

@this is my nic wrote:

This afternoon I found one reason why stores are closing!.

I do most of my shopping on-line, but decided to go to a couple stores today for things I need and wanted to look at in person. What a lousy experience!

In store #1, they didn't have what I needed and they aren't going to carry this item in their store any longer, but I can order it through their web site.

Store #2, was Ulta. Saturday afternoon and I saw one employee in the makeup department. She was busy with a customer so she couldn't help me. I was able to find what I needed, but the store could have made more $$$ if I had assistance. When I went to check out there was a long line and I mean a line like you see at Christmas! Only 2 registers were open! This was a Saturday afternoon! It doesn't take a genius to know extra help is essential on weekends. So, I stood in line while my husband fumed while he waited in the car.

Store #3 was Michaels. ONE register was open, and another long line. I left my full cart in the store; didn't buy one thing.

Horrible customer service is at least partly to blame for stores closing. I will be ordering on-line even more. I wasted a good part of the afternoon driving to the shopping center, waiting in lines, and leaving without what I wanted to purchase. Frustrating!

@this is my nic The reason stores are closing is highlighted in the first line of your post; people are shopping online...In droves.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

this is my nic — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:44:38 GMT

@Kachina624

Of course! A big reason so many people are ordering instead of going out to the stores is due to lack of customer service. We have definitely changed how we shop; I just can't understand why all the stores were so busy!

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Equuleus — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:48:03 GMT

Stores are closing because less and less people are shopping in them The cause being more and more people shopping on-line. People shopping online complain about S&H and then you go in-store and don't get the service you want because their efforts are being directed where people are spending -- on-line. You can't have it both ways.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

bikerbabe — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:02:35 GMT

The lack of service and inventory is the result of online shopping and it becomes a viscous cycle that discourages further brick and mortar shopping.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Sooner — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:03:02 GMT

Yep. Store clerks stand and gossip and don't wait on you, seem surly when they do finally relent and come help you, and have few people skills, nor do they know what is in the store, what it does or how to check you out.

I was thinking that when the list of store closings was posted. It's not a pleasant experience any more. You don't feel welcome or valued.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

TW — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:18:06 GMT

It also depends on where you live. I went to JC Penney's today and got excellent customer service. Part of the problem is overcrowding. Too many people. Also, stores have difficulty filling their positions. In my town restaurants, stores, all customer service dependent businesses can't fill their positions. People show up for work for a week or two, collect their first paycheck, never to be seen again.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

NicksmomESQ — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:44:41 GMT

DH & I were in Marshalls today. There were 2 registers, & one huge line that wasn’t moving.After 15 minutes we left our cart & headed for the door. They lost a $200 sale!!

When we got home DH purchased the items online & saved $ with a 20% off coupon.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Katcat1 — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 05:03:44 GMT

I know a lot of baby boomers shop on line. I never shopped online but once I got in my 60's, I got sick of long lines. It seems to be the way of future shopping online. What needs to happen is your regular grocery stores need to offer clothes. I know some do but not all. I still go out to the grocery but most grocery stores now deliver which is great if you can't get out.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Snowpuppy — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 05:26:41 GMT

Can't agree more!

I was getting my hair done at Ulta and walked around store was empty. Was looking for my hairspray on sale. None to be found. Selection of NARS was dismal. Went home and ordered online.

I gotta say I had a great salon experience, tho.

I'm considering getting SHIPT. Done with the big box grocery.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

denisemb — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 05:54:46 GMT

I have another one for you about clueless employees at B&M stores.

DH went to Family Dollar this week to get me soda - 7-UP or Sprite. All they had were the large bottles (which is fine, if that's all they carry).

However the 50ish manager claimed "Oh, NO one sells 6 or 12 packs anymore". What a joke.
.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Spurt — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:00:14 GMT

Let me play devil's advocate.....

Disadvantages Of Online Shopping

1. Lines are long and stores are crowded maybe because people still like to shop at brick/mortar stores, (perhaps management under estimated customer traffic and will now hire more people---more jobs)

2. Problem---The item you purchased online doesn't seem the same in person (quality isn't there, cheap and chintzy) or didnt perform as advertised.

3. Problem---When you add in shipping and handling its actually more expensive than you thought....sure some stores offer free shipping, but did they increase the price to actually hide the s&h. Or did you impulse buy to reach a certain amount to get free shipping?..Having to wait for an item after ordering..But you say there's Amazon Prime....unless you make over 30 purchases a year you're losing money.......

4. Problem--RETURNS!

A. Some retailers require you to call them first to see if the product qualifies for a return, and you might only get a store credit, not a refund

B. Problem --If a product is defective you may be required to pay shipping to get a replacement (example Tempt-tations)

C. If USPS pickup is available and you use the return label, a return is easy. BUT if it's not available then a trip to USPS is necessary---talk about waiting in long lines. Or you pay for UPS to pickup.....

5. Problem-- Can you even trust a return to be left at your front door??? Or have a purchase delivered and left at your door?---porch pirating is a whole new industry. One Amazon delivery person took a photo to confirm he had delivered a package, but a security camera confirmed he also picked up and stole that same package......

6 Problem --Sizing, fit, and quality of fabric/material in clothing and shoes is inconsistent. So much better to go to a store and try items on and feel/touch the merchandise, and see how it looks on YOU.....And NO SHIPPING!

7 Stuck in the house and never getting out --some suffer from medical or mobility issues, so it's difficult to leave the house, so online shopping is a real blessing. However, others phycically able may grow tired of seeing these "same 4 walls" and never getting out and about mingling with people (which can be enjoyable OR a curse).....

8. Problem--Shipping delays or items are lost despite having tracking info..

9. Problem--Fraud--exposure to identity theft, not a good idea to store credit card info on websites. Is a site legitimate, is it secure???

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

MW in Iowa — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 06:09:37 GMT

Spurt , i just want to compliment you on an excellent post , it was detailed and well written . This wasn't a negative , just both sides of the story , we are living in different times now for sure.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

beach-mom — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 06:13:52 GMT

Like a lot of you, I like to get gifts that are personal and mean something. So I needed a gift for our one-year old great nephew. I would buy it, wrap it, and send it. Toys R Us is gone, so I went to one of the other stores who expanded their toy section.

I found the perfect gift on the shelf. The price wasn't marked; none of them were. I looked for an SA. Finally found one young man who took it to scan. The number wasn't coming up. I had to find the manager in charge who was in another department. I waited while she helped someone in that department. Another SA came over and ASKED if she could help. I explained. She said I had to talk to the one manager. Finally she was free. She was pleasant and knew right where the toy was located on the shelf. She scanned it - nothing. So she took all of them and went to a computer. The others came up, but of course the one I wanted didn't. She finally found it. During this time we were talking, so I told her who it was for, etc. She leaned over and said, "Do you have Amazon Prime?" We do - mostly for college textbooks. She said she would have to walk me to the register, which was OK, then she figured she could write the SKU number on paper and initial it. All of this took me about 30 minutes. When I checked out the cashier had no trouble.

I came home and tried to find a box that would fit the toy for mailing. No luck. I went on the computer, ordered the toy ($2 cheaper) and one that went with it, and checked gift wrap. When I saw the price for gift wrap, I changed my mind. I clicked send. Two day delivery. Our nephew and his wife are having a huge family and friends party (we live too far away) and great-nephew will get plenty of gifts. I feel a little bad I didn't wrap it myself, but I think with the cost of mailing those days are going to be coming to a stop. They had a huge selection online, and it was much less expensive. And the best part - it only took me about 5-10 minutes!

It's sad what is happening in our stores, but I don't have time to wait around for the help I need.

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

Spurt — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 06:18:24 GMT

@MW in Iowa wrote:
Spurt , i just want to compliment you on an excellent post , it was detailed and well written . This wasn't a negative , just both sides of the story , we are living in different times now for sure.

@MW in Iowa

Thanks for your kind comments....

Actually I do a combination of in store and online shopping and experienced the pros and cons of both.....

Re: Found out why stores are closing!

chiclet — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 11:46:25 GMT

I have never been someone who loves to shop. I know plenty of women who could shop all day every day. I would like to be able to go to a store and try on shoes, bras and other things that need to fit correctly but half the time when I go they don't have what I want or are looking for. The traffic and amount of serious car accidents in the area I live make me almost hate to go out. If there had been online shopping when I was young and worked fulltime and had children it would have been great.