Just Because...: Ying & Yang...

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Ying & Yang...

I've come to realize that sometimes life is all about balances. When you get dealt a swift (or in my case annoying) blow, there is always something that will counter it. I.E.- Bad day at work - inevitably someone will make you laugh; bad service at one store - superb service at another.

Like, in my case - Pier1. Last night I went into Pier1 to purchase some new things for the new abode. As I had a coupon for $20 off my order of $100 or more, I wanted to take advantage of the huge winter sale going on now and maximize my bang for the buck. I entered the store at 8:30 at the Florida Mall and, upon walking into a store that had one other customer besides myself in it - not one ounce of acknowledgement from the staff. Fine by me - I can shop in peace. I wandered around the store, picking up some pieces to consider such as a new vase at 50% off (in my teal/brown color scheme), some drapes for the new apartment, a couple reed diffusers and various other items. I even ignored the idjot (gotta love that spelling - Thanks Creole in DC) that almost knocked my butt over so he could rearrange wrapping paper. At 7 minutes of 9, I put my full basket on the cash wrap station and told the clerk, Robert, that I was definitely getting those items and wanted to look at one other thing (the vase facing the cash wrap station). As the vase was heavy, I couldn't balance that and my already full basket. Wanna know what Robert's response was "You understand we're closing in 2 minutes, right?", delivered in a tone that bordered on annoyance and sarcasm. Oh. No. He. Didn't. I sniped back "Yes, Robert I'm fully aware." Then I thought who the hell is this little rugrat to even think he is entitled to speak to anyone, let alone a paying customer that way. I told him, "You know what, Robert. I don't want to keep you. I'd much rather give my business to the Altamonte location" and he so kindly offered to return the items in my basket to their rightful places. I turned on my stiletto to depart and then asked him what his manager's name was and informed Robert that his manager, George, would hear from me in the morning. He said "You do that".

Well, I did that. Today - I had a long talk with George. I got to hear that Robert most certainly knows better, regardless of him wanting to leave early. After assurances that George would deal with Robert today, I said I would not delete my housewarming registry just yet and would give Pier1 another chance.

Then tonight - I made out like a bandit. The Altamonte Springs store is the bomb! I wound up getting not only curtains, but throw pillows for the soon to be new couch, new smoky/chocolate martini glasses, a gorgeous blue dish for the new bathroom, and many nice little touches for the new place. And for $100.00. And not only that, I perhaps found my couch and perhaps comfy chair for the price of one of the chairs in some of those fancy schmancy furniture stores. So a decision is going to be made and I'm curious to see people's opinions of Pier1 furniture over something like... let's say, Ashley Furniture, Haverty Furniture or Rooms 2 Go...

I must also say that if you are in the Orlando area - go visit Jackie & her staff at the Pier1 in Altamonte - they truly are representations of what customer service should be. Robert - you might want to train with them.

Labels: Altamonte, Random Mess, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 11:18 PM :: 1 comments

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Just Because...

Thursday, January 18, 2007