My complaint:
On 92420, I purchased some curtains from the Family Dollar in Gretna, VA. There were two different options (colors) for the rods and I wanted to look at the room again prior to deciding which. At 8:50pm, I realized I would need to hurry to make it before the store closed, as I knew that it was closing at 9pm due to COVID. As I pulled into the parking lot, it was 8:54pm and I could see two employees at the door. I also know that they had to see me coming into the parking lot, as they both scurried away from the door. I parked, put on my mask and went to open the door, which to my surprise was locked. I looked at my watch and could see that it was 8:55pm. I knocked on the glass and the male staff member mouthed, we’re closed. I responded, it’s not 9 yet and pointed to my watch. He turned and walked away. I continued to knock so that I could tell him that I knew exactly what I wanted and would be out by 9pm, closing time. Although he was within sight of me the entire time, he would never make eye contact and I recognized the futility of continuing to knock. I proceeded to go to the Dollar General a short distance away and purchased what I needed. This is also what I will do in the future.
Many people blame Amazon for the decline of brick and mortar retail. It’s not Amazon’s fault, it’s the lack of customer service that one receives when shopping in person. I have worked retail and understand what it is like to close, but I also understand that a 9pm closing time means customers have access to the store until 9pm.
Suggested solution:
This is clearly a coaching opportunity for the two employees that were working that night. One was a young woman, the other a male. I do not know either of their names.