[Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart

Thu Jul 16 18:44:12 UTC 2015

Fabulous! I sound like a broken record, but keep us updated.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 16, 2015, at 2:02 PM, Charlotte via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Sorry, my paste didn't work too well. My response was to provide the requested info and to say that this was the first response I'd had of any kind even with the 2 complaints I'd made to corporate.
> 
> Charlotte, we are disheartened to hear that this type of encounter happened in one of our stores. You took the time to notify the store manager you were arriving and informed him of the kind of assistance you would be needing, so the manager should have planned accordingly to ensure you were properly taken care of. We regret you were put in this uncomfortable situation. We will be reaching out to upper management directly to make sure your issue is properly addressed and you receive the follow-up you deserve. Before we are able to pass this message along, we'd appreciate you clarifying a few details regarding the store. Please confirm the location (city and state) and date you were shopping. Also, please provide us with your full name, phone number and mailing address through a private message. We look forward to your response.
> 
> 
> 
>> On 7/16/2015 1:00 PM, Charlotte wrote:
>> I just received this post in response to last night's post on Kmart's Facebook page. I thought I'd pass it along.
>> 
>> 
>>> On 7/16/2015 7:13 AM, Cheryl Echevarria via blindtlk wrote:
>>> FYI, just remember we have taken on TARGET had to sue them, now they are
>>> working with us and sponsor of our National Convention. We need people
>>> documenting everything, and then sending information to the NFB Legal Team.
>>> You can call 410-659-9314. You do not need to be an NFB member to inform us
>>> of issues, we don't know and cannot fight on things we do not know about.
>>> You can also email the paralegal team at vyingling at nfb.org
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Cheryl Echevarria, President
>>> National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division
>>> A proud division of the
>>> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the life you want"
>>> www.nfbtravel.org
>>> To join the talk list
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
>>> 631-236-5138
>>> cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
>>> 
>>>        The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
>>> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
>>> between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
>>> blindness is not what holds you back.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>> Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel for all
>>> ages is our passion!
>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>> 631-456-5394
>>> 
>>> Visit my website to get my FREE report, "Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a Travel
>>> Professional"
>>> 
>>> I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to friends and
>>> family members that deserve the best vacation that they can imagine
>>> 
>>> P.S. - Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just starting
>>> out and looking for that romantic destination for your destination wedding
>>> or honeymoon. Booking that planned family vacation to Walt Disney World or
>>> that bucket list trip that Grandma  & Grandpa are planning for the family, I
>>> would love to help you.
>>> 
>>> We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all her
>>> braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray
>>> via blindtlk
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:08 AM
>>> To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>>> Cc: Cindy Ray
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart
>>> 
>>> Sears owns them now, but many of the stores are no longer in business.
>>> Cindy
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of River Linda
>>> via blindtlk
>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 10:33 PM
>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>> Cc: River Linda
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart
>>> 
>>> Sorry that happened to you. I am not surprised, though. Everyone seems to be
>>> stressed and on edge all the time these days. I thought Kmart had gone out
>>> of business.
>>> 
>>> On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Charlotte via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> I've been in the customer service industry before and still am
>>>> somewhat with making my own products. I would never in a million
>>>> hyears treat my customer this way, especialy when they were shopping
>>>> and spending a significant amount of money with me. I'd be like thanks
>>>> ladies for your business. Is there anything else we can do to help?
>>>> But no, instead, I am berated in front of other customers and
>>>> employees
>>> for taking up their time.
>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/15/2015 10:08 PM, Cindy Ray via blindtlk wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Wow! I don't even know what to say. That is awful.
>>>>> Cindy
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>>>>> Charlotte via blindtlk
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 10:02 PM
>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>> Cc: Charlotte
>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart
>>>>> 
>>>>> A few days ago my best friend and I were talking about the good deals
>>>>> she got while at Kmart with another friend of hers. They had sales on
>>>>> swimsuits, clothing, shoes, etc. and I was looking to purchase some
>>>>> of these same articles. She said she'd like to go back as well so we
>>>>> planned a trip for Friday, July 3, to go to Kmart on paratransit to
>>>>> get the items we wanted.
>>>>> I
>>>>> told her I'd call ahead the next day and let them know we were coming
>>>>> and that we would be there quite a while as we were two blind women,
>>>>> one in a wheelchair, looking for clothing and accessories. The next
>>>>> day I called to let them know. I spoke to the manager on duty. He
>>>>> assured me it was no problem. I didn't feel very satisfied with his
>>>>> brush-off quick response and told my husband about it. He then called
>>>>> again and spoke to a customer service lead. This time he, too, was
>>>>> assured that it would be no problem.
>>>>> He
>>>>> gave the times we'd be there and she said she'd get it taken care of
>>>>> and leave a note at the service desk so they could get someone in ladies'
>>>>> clothing or a similar department to help us. We again told her the
>>>>> length of time we were looking at and that there would be two of us.
>>>>> We arrived at Kmart Friday and I went to the service desk. I again
>>>>> said I had called ahead and spoken to two people and told them we
>>>>> were coming and that my friend and I would need help shopping. Not
>>>>> only were my two previous calls ignored, but we were given a male
>>>>> cashier who knew nothing about clothing. He, as an employee and a
>>>>> person, was fantastic. But I did not feel the most comfortable
>>>>> shopping for intimate apparel with a male not related to me.
>>>>> We proceeded to begin shopping and purchased some shoes, swimsuit,
>>>>> and were looking at pants. We had been shopping for about 2 hours. My
>>>>> friend and I were in the women's fitting room trying on clothing. All
>>>>> of a sudden there is a loud bang on the door. In a raised, scathing
>>>>> tone, the general manager of the store inquires how much longer we
>>>>> intend on tying his employee up.
>>>>> I
>>>>> again explained that we had called twice in advance and that I had
>>>>> indeed spoken to a manager on duty. I explained this in a calm tone,
>>>>> only letting a bit of my growing frustration show. Dan, the store
>>>>> manager, then proceeds to publicly, loudly berate me in front of the
>>>>> other customers and employees and tell me how unappreciative and
>>>>> ungrateful I am. He said I had tied up an employee for 3 or 4 hours.
>>>>> We had begun shopping at 11 and it was just after
>>>>> 1 when the incident occured. He said that from now on they are
>>>>> putting a
>>>>> 30
>>>>> minute maximum on any assistance because of my extreme attitude. I
>>>>> tried to reason with him as did my friend and say we were not being
>>>>> extreme. We'd tried to do the responsible thing and if we'd come
>>>>> separate they'd have had two employees tied up. It really hurt my
>>>>> feelings and upset me very much to be publicly humiliated and berated
>>>>> in front of the other customers and employees, and while I was trying
>>>>> on clothes in the women's fitting room.
>>>>> I
>>>>> came out of the room in tears. The gentleman helping us was appalled.
>>>>> He profusely apologized for his manager's rude behavior and said if
>>>>> he were us he'd just put everything back and walk out. I said I'd
>>>>> love to do that but with my transportation limitations, that wasn't
>>>>> an option for me. We did get checked out and went to wait for our
>>>>> ride.
>>>>> When I got home, I immediately called the corporate complaint department.
>>>>> The gentleman who took my call was also appalled by the classless
>>>>> behavior of the manager. I am still waiting to hear the resolution of
>>>>> this complaint.
>>>>> I will never set foot back in that store again unless that manager is
>>>>> no longer working there or at any store. He is rude, unprofessional,
>>>>> and according to the employee helping us, he treats his employees the
>>>>> same way.
>>>>> I've been verbally abused before and that was exactly what this
>>>>> experience reminded me of. My friend said he was accusing us of
>>>>> having an extreme attitude, when he was actually the one acting
>>>>> extreme. I would not recommend any person with a disability to go to
>>>>> Kmart. You will be treated as less than human and given the complete
>>>>> brush-off. If you go to the store on Lake St. Dan will impose a
>>>>> 30 minute maximum on your shopping time. This is not legal by ADA
>>>>> standards.
>>>>> He feels that we are taking advantage of a system and so I feel that
>>>>> he doesn't want us there or our business. Let Dan, the Kmart manager
>>>>> know what you think of what you just read. I have an update to this
>>>>> story. It is now July 15, and I still have not heard any word from
>>>>> corporate of any kind. I called twice and both times was told someone
>>>>> would get back in touch with me promptly. This has not happened.
>>>>> Apparently Sears and Kmart do not care about whether or not their
>>>>> customers are treated in a dignified manner.
>>>>> Charlotte
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> -- 
>>>>> Visit my shop for handmade gemstone jewelry, bath products, and more.
>>>>> Click here.
>>>>> HTTP://WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/SCENTSGEMSNMORE
>>>>> 
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>>>>> 
>>>>> If you're a crafter looking to advertise your wares, or you wish to
>>>>> buy handcrafted products, send a blank email to
>>>>> HandmadeSellNTrade+subscribe at groups.io
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>> 
>>>>> 
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>>>>> 
>>>> -- 
>>>> Visit my shop for handmade gemstone jewelry, bath products, and more.
>>>> Click here.
>>>> HTTP://WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/SCENTSGEMSNMORE
>>>> 
>>>> Need a tasty snack? Love popcorn? Try Hayward Main Street Gourmet
>>>> Popcorn.  Many flavors and gift packs.
>>>> Click Here.
>>>> http://hmsgp.mybigcommerce.com/#a_aid=mamaotter
>>>> 
>>>> If you need a healthy snack packed with protein, try Jerky Direct.
>>>> Beef, turkey, and buffalo in many flavors to please everyone.
>>>> Click here.
>>>> www.mamaotter.jerkydirect.com
>>>> 
>>>> Do You Bake? It's more than a question, it's a wonderful new company.
>>>> They feature everything from dip mixes to dessert mixes, bread and
>>>> breakfast mixes, dinner mixes, ready-made sauces and seasonings, grab
>>>> and go snacks, and a nice selection of gluten free products and
>>>> ready-to-bake treats for your pooch! Check out all the yum!
>>>> Click here.
>>>> www.doyoubake.com/mamaotter
>>>> 
>>>> If you're a crafter looking to advertise your wares, or you wish to
>>>> buy handcrafted products, send a blank email to
>>>> HandmadeSellNTrade+subscribe at groups.io
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 
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>>> 
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>> 
> 
> -- 
> Visit my shop for handmade gemstone jewelry, bath products, and more.
> Click here.
> HTTP://WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/SCENTSGEMSNMORE
> 
> Need a tasty snack? Love popcorn? Try Hayward Main Street Gourmet Popcorn.  Many flavors and gift packs.
> Click Here.
> http://hmsgp.mybigcommerce.com/#a_aid=mamaotter
> 
> If you need a healthy snack packed with protein, try Jerky Direct. Beef, turkey, and buffalo in many flavors to please everyone.
> Click here.
> www.mamaotter.jerkydirect.com
> 
> Do You Bake? It's more than a question, it's a wonderful new company. They feature everything from dip mixes to dessert mixes, bread and breakfast mixes, dinner mixes, ready-made sauces and seasonings, grab and go snacks, and a nice selection of gluten free products and ready-to-bake treats for your pooch! Check out all the yum!
> Click here.
> www.doyoubake.com/mamaotter
> 
> If you're a crafter looking to advertise your wares, or you wish to buy handcrafted products, send a blank email to HandmadeSellNTrade+subscribe at groups.io
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
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