Exceptionally poor customer service at Laura Ashley store in Summertown, Oxford

I have just encountered possibly the worst customer service at Laura Ashley "Home Furnishings" store in Summertown, Oxford. The store manager was so appallingly rude to me that for the first time I feel compelled to write a negative review and complain to the head office. In summary, do not shop in this store. I telephoned the store to check stock availability and sale price of an item. I spoke with someone who confirmed both that the item was in stock at the store and that it was indeed on sale at the price specified. About half an hour later (5min before closing) I arrived at the store. Although the item was available, it was not priced at the sale price. I explained that I had just called and had had the sale price confirmed. While we were trying to this sort out at the till, the store manager arrived. She proceeded to tell me that I incorrect about the price and that I could not have possibly phoned their store that afternoon. I later double-checked my phone records and had indeed called their store. The store manager was extremely unhelpful and continuously interrupted me and then proceeded to argue with me in a loud and hurried manner. I felt that she was trying to push me out the door. She repeatedly told me that the price they had today was the price stated and that was the end of it. The only concession she made was that they would place the item on hold for me and I could come back for it another day if the price dropped. I found her manner exceptionally rude and completely inappropriate for someone working in professional customer service. In fact, the other two sales associates in store were much more courteous. While I am happy to waive away the actual sales incident, it is the manager's rude conduct and dismissive manner that cannot be excused. I have encountered bad customer service in the past, yet nothing as extreme to prompt me to write a negative review and a letter to the main office. I am resolved to never shop at this store again.

J Bell - 15/06/2011 | report this review