[Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart

Fri Jul 17 16:17:48 UTC 2015

Good morning Cheryl and everyone,

			It's becoming better stewards of your time and money and living the life you want.

Peter Donahue

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cheryl Echevarria via blindtlk
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 2:26 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Cheryl Echevarria
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart

I would like to say, becoming hermits and not getting out of the house and traveling? As stated early live the life you want, and I am totally for those who want to not go shopping without other people with you, but when you do go shopping. on in restaurants, etc. That we show independence.

Sitting home doesn't give that. I also order online, but remember staying home the outside world doesn't learn about blind people.

Things like the KNFB Reader which is now an app on your sell phone can help with this for shopping. It can tell you want you are looking at or at least read a code, and there are exciting other inventions on the horizon. Google Glass, which we tried at the NFB Travel & Tourism, and other divisions at convention. Michael Hingson was part of the group.

Many things new and updated  at convention.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Charlotte via blindtlk
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 2:30 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Charlotte
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart

Hi. Our paratransit is pretty much 24/7 so I would be okay with coming at a time that was less busy. It was 2 hours when the manager came in, not 4. We were planning to stay for 3. I asked the cashier when we started shopping if that was acceptable and he said it was. I've had to change employees before and was totally okay with that. One time I had to wait 20 minutes for another employee to come off break and was okay with that because I knew about it ahead of time. I am very willing to work with people if they are willing to work with me. I know I take a bit longer because of my mobility issues and am totally okay with rotating employees or waiting 20 minutes or so for them to get someone else.

On 7/16/2015 1:01 PM, Judy Jones via blindtlk wrote:
> My concern about calling in ahead of time, although I understand why it was done, is that, if you start them thinking you need special arrangements/help, then in future they may get the idea to ask you to only shop certain times when they CAN offer the time and attention you are asking for ahead of time.  You might want to go during a time you can use your paratransit, but the store may then say, well, we don't have the personnel or scheduling to be able to accommodate you, you need to come at such-and-such time.
>
> In other words, if you start asking for special ahead of time help, they could start putting limits.  They shouldn't but that may get them thinking in that direction.
>
> A long time ago, when I went into the Winn-Dixie late at night to shop, I was told to come back during the day when there was more staff to offer customer assistance.
>
> I told them that I worked and commuted, and had to come when was convenient for me.  With that explanation, I was promptly offered customer assistance, and have never had a problem since.
>
> Also, with employees, they are needed in certain departments doing certain tasks, and the shift's schedules are made accordingly.  To take four hours to shop with one employee can upset the scheduling and possibly disrupt that employee's lunch break.  It might be good to check with your shopper to make sure the time frame will work with them.  A solution is to work with one shopper for a while, then trade to another if the first employee needs to take his break or clock out.  As I understand it, they are strict with their employees and clocked time, something we as customers don't usually have to think about, but we should be considerate of those factors.
>
> Judy
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
> Charlotte via blindtlk
> Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 11:46 AM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
> Cc: Charlotte
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart
>
> That definitely had an impact on it for sure. Also, there were 2 of us, both totally blind and one in a wheelchair. That added onto the time.
> That's the main reason I called ahead and told them.
>
>
> On 7/16/2015 7:47 AM, justin williams via blindtlk wrote:
>> Yeah, not having the knowledgeable employee is what may have caused it to be so time consuming.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>> Charlotte via blindtlk
>> Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:46 AM
>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>> Cc: Charlotte
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] A Horrible Experience at Kmart
>>
>> It was 2 hours when he banged on the door and there were 2 of us and we were looking for several items that took a long time to find. Also, if they'd given us a female it would've went a lot quicker. Also, if that were going to be a problem, we could've been notified of that when we, twice, called ahead.
>>
>>
>> On 7/16/2015 2:16 AM, Paul Wick via blindtlk wrote:
>>> No offense meant, but I would never tie up customer service for 3 1/2 hours… but that doesn't excuse his rather narrowminded behavior.
>>>
>>> Paul
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On Jul 15, 2015, at 8:02 PM, Charlotte via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> 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.
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>>>>
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>>>>
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>>>>
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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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>> --
>> 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
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>> 2%40gmail.com
>>
>>
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>> comcast.net

--
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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