topic Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint in Fashion

Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 12:41:48 GMT

Wasn't sure where to post this but since they do sell fashion --- here goes!

I used to shop at Target at least once a week. It was truly one of my go-to stores.

I rarely go any more -- for one thing --- it is always so busy and I have to park so far away!!! Not so much fun when the weather is not great and you are older and have health issues!

Any how --- when I used to go a lot, one reason I really loved it was because of the great service. They had so many cashiers and when it got really busy, they always monitored, and would put on more cashiers immediately.

Now ---- when I go, there are hardly ever more than 1 -- 2 at the most -- cashiers. No matter how busy they are!!!! This is due partly I'm sure because they have several self checkout points.

The last couple times I have been there (yesterday included) it was so busy! There was one cashier and there were about 6 people in her line with buggies over flowing! So, I went to the self checkout point and every one of those was filled, with a long line waiting to use them!

I kept looking over at the regular check out to see if they were move cashiers put on and there were not! I thought this was horrible and ridiculous service!

Anyone experiencing this at your Target stores???

I just don't understand why they are doing this. When I was there it was not even at what I would consider a busy time --- not lunch hour, or opening time, closing time, holiday, etc. Hate to think what it would be like at these times!

There were tons of people stocking shelves. Why have so many people stocking shelves if you don't have anybody manning the checkouts to accommodate people buying things????

And another thing --- especially bad at cosmetics and personal care items -- people stocking things all over - so bad --- you can't even get to what you want to get to! Can't they do this before opening? At least some of it any way.

Just venting!!!! Thanks!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Estates — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 12:51:25 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I feel your pain.I live in a large city so I can choose from several stores to visit.The ones closest to me never has regular cashiers.It's all self check outs.I went to one in a nearby suburb.They had one register open with 6-7 people with full carts waiting to check out.The self checkouts had 10 people in line to get to them. I find it all frustrating and not customer friendly. Therefore,I really limit my visits there.They have cat treat/litter on sale once in a while.I find if I go early around 9am,the self check outs aren't too bad.

Once I had a bunch of cat food tins marked down on clearance.It wouldn't take the price at the self checkout register.I called the lady over and she couldn't get the price right either.They had to open a register for me and tons of people followed me over. The cashier then told them they had to get back in line since she was just opening it for me.

Talk about bad customer service! Grrr.. I recently bought some cat litter on sale and purchased it online for pickup. That worked out okay for me.

I have talked to managers and written many notes to their customer service department.

Crickets......

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 12:56:39 GMT

@Estates

I guess its not just my local store, then!

Then, they wonder why stores of all kinds are closing!!! If you can't get waited on, or get any proper customer service, then it does not make you feel like going to a store. You don't want to waste your time or you don't always have a ton of time to waste! I always prefer to give my business to local stores, but this kind of stuff makes you go to on-line shopping more and more!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences!!!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Estates — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:03:36 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I completely agree.I try to get off Amazon and my computer and find what I want locally.Unfortunately,most times,I can't find what I need or want. It takes a lot of time and energy to get out there only to be disappointed.

As I stated in my last reply,I shop online at Walmart and Target for pickup. That has worked out for me. That way,I can browse when I go to get it.But I lost count how many times I left the items behind because of long lines.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Desertdi — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:04:04 GMT

Target doesn't have clothing that interests me........but I do dash in for some fill-in grocery items. You have to shop at 8 a.m. to avoid lines at the self checkout.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Caaareful Shopper — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:05:26 GMT

I can understand totally how you feel. There's a thread somewhere here devoted to the discussion of the proliferation of Self Check-Outs, Yay or Nay.

I for one, love self check-outs. They are not just in Target stores, they have become the norm in almost every store I frequent, including all of my grocery stores (Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, BJs, and Whole Foods), my CVS stores, and my Target.

Just as you say, the long lines persist at the cashier stations. But I never have to wait, even for one person ahead of me, because I always use self check-out. I prefer the speed of getting all my errands done, no conversations about the weather or what I'm cooking with the ingredients I'm buying, no waiting behind long conversations of the person ahead of me either.

Plus, my Target is attached to the complex of buildings where my office is located. So I am lucky in that I can take the elevator down and go through a walk-way just for Target shoppers. So I'm hardly ever there on weekends.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

qualitygal — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:07:03 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I hope you let Target know how you feel. They can't correct something if they don't think it bothers anyone. So if you did, great, if not yet, I hope you do.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:07:23 GMT

@Estates

Yes, I agree with you! I take a long while making my decisions and comparing prices -- then you go to checkout and it's a drain to wait and wait!!! I almost left my things yesterday because it was so offputting!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:08:45 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
Target doesn't have clothing that interests me........but I do dash in for some fill-in grocery items. You have to shop at 8 a.m. to avoid lines at the self checkout.

@Desertdi

I shop for many things there. Food items, cosmetics and personal care, cleaning supplies, etc. I do occasionally find clothing items. I guess early morning is probably better, but usually can't get there that early!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

tototwo — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:09:48 GMT

I refuse to shop at Target for soooooo many reasons.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:10:33 GMT

@Caaareful Shopper wrote:
I can understand totally how you feel. There's a thread somewhere here devoted to the discussion of the proliferation of Self Check-Outs, Yay or Nay.

I for one, love self check-outs. They are not just in Target stores, they have become the norm in almost every store I frequent, including all of my grocery stores (Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, BJs, and Whole Foods), my CVS stores, and my Target.

Just as you say, the long lines persist at the cashier stations. But I never have to wait, even for one person ahead of me, because I always use self check-out. I prefer the speed of getting all my errands done, no conversations about the weather or what I'm cooking with the ingredients I'm buying, no waiting behind long conversations of the person ahead of me either.

Plus, my Target is attached to the complex of buildings where my office is located. So I am lucky in that I can take the elevator down and go through a walk-way just for Target shoppers. So I'm hardly ever there on weekends.

@Caaareful Shopper

That's a good setup that you have!

It used to be that way here. With numerous stores, the self checkouts people were hesitant to use them. Now with the reduction of regular cashiers, more and more people are using them and you often have to wait in lines which are often just as long or longer as the regular lines!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:11:50 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
@AngelPuppy1 I hope you let Target know how you feel. They can't correct something if they don't think it bothers anyone. So if you did, great, if not yet, I hope you do.

@qualitygal

I did not. At the time I left, I had been shopping for hours and was so tired and was expected home for dinner. I should do so, What do you think would be better? To do so by what method? Go to the store, do so by phone, e-mail, letter, or what??? Thanks!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

qualitygal — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:13:36 GMT

I'd write the company. Those things on those changes usually come from the top. Maybe that would help to get resolved in other stores too. Good for you!!!

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

violann — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:14:39 GMT

My experience with Targetwas kind of funny, but it caused me to stop shopping there.

I got a RED CARD probably as soon as our local Target opened, mostly because I thought the 5% discount for using it was a cool idea.

I hate our mall, so I'd typically make a list of what I was planning to buy and go to Target once in a while to shop for my list.

THEN- without notifying me, they reduced my credit limit to a relatively small sum, and the day I went to buy an iPad I was told rather loudly at check out that I couldn't use my credit card to pay for it.

SO- I STOPPED SHOPPING THERE.

Who won????

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Sadiesadie — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:22:24 GMT

@violann : The Red Card isn't a credit card. How could they lower the limit on your personal credit card? Strange.

Our store is a pleasure to shop in. We have no complaints.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

on the bay — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:35:36 GMT

@tototwo -

It is not my favorite store though all my children use it the most.

I am interested in why you don't like it if you are ok with sharing that.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

violann — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:42:25 GMT

@Sadiesadie wrote:
@violann : The Red Card isn't a credit card. How could they lower the limit on your personal credit card? Strange.
Our store is a pleasure to shop in. We have no complaints.

Thank you @Sadiesadie for clarifying. Could that be a difference from state to state? In the very brief amount of time in which I used it, I got billing statements, paid them immediately, and had never carried a bonus.

Store credit? I have no idea. I pursued it to a level above the store, and was told I "didn't buy enough". When I pointed out that buying as much as I did was more than the nothing I'd be spending moving forward, they were unimpressed.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Denise in PA — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:52:28 GMT

I work in such an environment and I can tell you this is the new way of cutting costs. We have cut hours of cashiers and the company is SAVING MONEY, which is the bottom line for retail. Such a shame! We get complaints daily but can do very little to change the situation. On-line shopping has helped create this situation. Brick and mortar suffers.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

Shanus — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:54:09 GMT

I don't think the self-checkout lines are there to be an advantage to the customer. The management is cutting back on hiring this way.

I find it slow going either way especially since so many people now bring dozens of small fabric bags that take forever to load, arrange, re-arrange, try to fit everything in and then come up short and try again.

We have a few mom & pop, mostly veggie based, more farm stand type food stores that also carry all the basic groceries...not chain stores. They're very environmentally conscious and do not provide bags. You have to bring your own bags.

Re: Target shoppers -- an observation and a complaint

magicmoodz — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:02:07 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I'm sorry to hear you are frustrated with Target. I recently had an issue with a product (valued at $10.00) I ordered for pick-up. Ironically I received an email survey for that same pick-up.

I completed that survey providing honest, constructive feedback. A few days later I received an email from the store manager apologizing and requesting my name and address. Within another few days I received a thank you card for my business and an apology and gift card for my trouble. I would urge you to contact your store manager to share your concerns. You might be pleasantly surprised.

I am a Target fan--I live in the same city as their headquarters. Our stores are very nice and while my neighborhood store is medium sized, the big Target I also shop probably has 20 stations for self checkout divided between opposite ends of the store so there are never long lines. Truthfully big box type stores are anxiety-creating to me. When I have been with my husband and we need something from Home Depot or Menards I cannot wait to escape. Walmart is not even on my radar. I fear I will get lost in Ikea--seriously they have arrows on the floor much like breadcrumbs so we can find our way back.

The only box store I can tolerate and actually like is Target. I hope you get some resolution to your issues with Target or have a viable alternative that provides an enjoyable shopping experience.