I went to True Value this afternoon to get a few small pots to put some starter plants in and needed some help because I had forgotten my glasses (I need them for close up).
First of all, when I entered the store I asked where I would find "plant pots". He said, "What? What are those?" Hmmm ... I knew at that point this wasn't going to be a real pleasant experience. Next, I had to ASK for assistance, explaining my awkwardness having forgotten my glasses. He exuded a lackadaisical attitude from the get go and it was obvious I was putting him out. I also wanted some Schultz's Plant Food. I tried to find it myself after he POINTED to where it SHOULD be ... and, yet, still know that I had no glasses, he didn't even offer to help me find it. I looked for it, to no avail, and made a remark to him that if they have it, I can't see it, without my glasses. Get this, he shrugged his shoulders at me. I said to him, "I guess you don't help people." Imagine, he was a bit defensive and let me know that he does plenty of stuff. Well, you couldn't prove it by me. I hope he's a better employee for the store, than he is with helping their customers!
If you aren't willing to assist customers in your store, you're in the wrong line of work and True Value Store made a poor decision in their hire of that fella. He barely wanted to take my money. I think he was afraid I might ask him another question. I did change my mind on the size of pots, because of the total cost. I then asked him if he wanted me to put them back (most places will do it later); he willingly told me, yeah (not even nicely, it was as if I owed it to him to do that).
I am in retail and even though I have days I'd rather not even be at work, let alone help customers. If I'm having a bad day, I at least try to humor my customers and not make it obvious I'm having a bad day.
Next time I will probably take the extra time and gas money to drive to Ace Hardware; they're people are properly trained and are always helpful, and kind.