Complaint Rating:

On 9/13/07 I visited the Babies R US store in Holyoke MA with my 6 months old grandson to return an item received as a gift. As I stood in line with my grandson patiently waiting my turn, another customer came into the line beside me. When it became my turn to do my transaction, the sales clerk ignored me, and acknowledged the other customer beside me letting her know that she will help her. I politely pointed out to the sales clerk that I was next in line. This seem to upset the sales clerk and she continued to ignore me and did not apologized or say hello. In fact, she apologized to the said customer. The sales clerk only concern was questioning me about the return merchandise as if it had been stolen, and opening the sealed box (which was never opened) with the original packaging and tape. Suddenly, the sales clerk stopped what she was doing, and began assisting the other cashier who was by now helping the same customer from earlier. Again, I politely interrupted her, and asked why I was not being helped. I requested to speak to a manager.

The manager to my dismay was very unfriendly. When I added that I felt I had experienced some discrimination by his staff, he totally became offensive. This manager argued with me hovering over my grandson, who was asleep, raising his voice in anger saying... “Well, if you want to hide behind being discriminated against because you are a minority that is your problem!”...“Look around can’t you see how diverse our store is?” To say hiding behind being minority, gay, handicapped, fat, or elderly when discriminated against is stereotyping. To experience any form of unfriendly customer service be it indifference or discriminatory is saying to a guest- "You are not welcome in the store." There should always be a friendly and courteous staff to meet and greet all guests, and make them feel welcome. Especially, a baby store.