YESTERDAY, whilst passing some time while my partner went to the chemist, I ventured into a locally-owned store.
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I've often ventured here before, and have purchased here a few times before as I like to support local businesses.
In browsing the store, I spotted some very expensive dining place mats.
They were beautiful and I was considering them for home.
Unsure what I would think of them on my dining room table I took a pic with my mobile phone.
Very quickly I had a presence beside me and an assistant asked pointedly if I was going to purchase the item.
I explained that I didn't know and I was considering it for my dining room table.
She repeated her question pointedly and then said aggressively that they don't like people taking photos in their store.
I was bewildered and said okay and wandered off.
I was going to purchase some other items but feeling shocked and bewildered at my interaction I realised I no longer felt comfortable purchasing anything and gradually left the store.
Whilst reeling from the interaction in a nearby shop I decided to re-approach the shop assistants to the let them know how I felt about the interaction, and reiterate my reason for taking the photo.
On explaining this very politely, I was told that people scan the codes to purchase them on the internet, that they didn't know who I was, I could be anyone and that in Melbourne they have signs up.
This was explained equally aggressively by both shop assistants.
I explained that the interaction left me not wanting to purchase there.
They continued to aggressively defend their position.
I left the store.
I discussed this interaction with my family and sister.
My sister explained that she knows a lot of the CBD retail shops are struggling, and losing sales to internet purchases but she also reported having heard many stories of local retailer service being quite aggressive recently.
This really saddens me.
As mentioned before, I frequently support local businesses, as I own one myself.
I feel that if local businesses are to compete that customer service must be of a very high standard.
I hope I don't come across this again.
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