It happened at Sephora..

mdgrammy · ‎03-10-2010

Saturday, I was in a mall with my elderly mother.
She forgot her walker, and the cane wasn't helping her.

She was in pain and I just wanted to get her to the car.
I had her sit in the Mall while I checked to see the quickest way out.

(it was a new mall to us).

I realized I could walk thru Sephora and come out on the other leg of the Mall.

I helped mom to the store, an employee met us at the door and asked if she could help.

I said not today thank you, Mom is having trouble walking and we just want to take a short cut. The employee touched my arm to stop me and said,

"just to you know, we are graded on how many people walk in but don't buy anything

so it would be nice if you made a purchase!"

Wow, I just looked at her and said " I said not today"

I couldn't believe how rude she was.
for sure I won't return to that store.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@mdgrammy Wow! just Wow! I thought the employee was going to hold a door for you or do something nice or say something kind.

I think I'd contact the manager and mention it, in light of the fact that you had an elderly person with you who obviously needed your help navigating.

EDITED TO ADD: Since this was the manger's idea. contact that person and advise staff to only do this on a case by case basis. In this case it was inappropriate.

manny2 · ‎05-24-2010

@mdgrammy wrote:
Saturday, I was in a mall with my elderly mother.
She forgot her walker, and the cane wasn't helping her.
She was in pain and I just wanted to get her to the car.
I had her sit in the Mall while I checked to see the quickest way out.
(it was a new mall to us).
I realized I could walk thru Sephora and come out on the other leg of the Mall.
I helped mom to the store, an employee met us at the door and asked if she could help.
I said not today thank you, Mom is having trouble walking and we just want to take a short cut. The employee touched my arm to stop me and said,
"just to you know, we are graded on how many people walk in but don't buy anything
so it would be nice if you made a purchase!"
Wow, I just looked at her and said " I said not today"
I couldn't believe how rude she was.
for sure I won't return to that store.

@mdgrammy That is disgraceful, and should be reported.

LisaMofSLC · ‎11-12-2010

I'm sorry, but unless she refused to let you through, there should be no issue. She may not have known why you wanted the shortcut, you explained from your POV, and she explained the reasoning made by management. You said no, so if she accepted that, why blame her. If she wasn't actually rude in tone, why call her rude. This is why people are quitting in record numbers.

PhilaLady1 · ‎03-11-2010

So unkind. I am sorry that this happened to you and your mother. People can be unaware of how clueless they are. Hopefully this salesperson will gain wisdom as they they grow older.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@Love my grandkids isn't it the manager who tells the floor staff how they are rated and who herself is rated by those above her who look at the count, not at the reason for the count?

the rule is off putting but once it's in place, I don't blame the employee and call her rude. That decision is way above her pay grade.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@millieshops @mdgrammy Very good point. Then I would suggest the OP contact the manager and tell THAT person that doing this is not appropriate in the OP's situation.

Maybe the Manager should tell the employees to use this tactic on a case by case basis and actually do a little thinking before hand.

manny2 · ‎05-24-2010

@LisaMofSLC wrote:
I'm sorry, but unless she refused to let you through, there should be no issue. She may not have known why you wanted the shortcut, you explained from your POV, and she explained the reasoning made by management. You said no, so if she accepted that, why blame her. If she wasn't actually rude in tone, why call her rude. This is why people are quitting in record numbers.

@LisaMofSLC The OP clearly says my mother is having trouble walking, and she is assisting her mother. You think an insensitive request like make a purchase while you hold up your elderly mother is not a problem?

mdgrammy · ‎03-10-2010

she could clearly see I was helping my distressed mother walk but I'm supposed to stop and make a purchase?

I do call that rude.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@mdgrammy I agree. I would tell the manager to re-think using this sales tactic depending on the situation. The employee is likely under the gun to do this, sadly.