1 /5 Kimberley Christopher: Yesterday, I went on a shopping spree with my father at LOBO’s boutique which I frequent almost every weekend. While I was trying several dresses, my father asked the store associate Giovanna whom I never saw before, if we could do a return. Giovanna confidently told us you cannot return items marked on clearance but all other items in the store can be returned as long as you do it within 14 days. Once again, when checking out we asked Giovanna can we return because we want to get my mother’s opinion on the items as she was not with us. Again, Giovanna repeated yes you can return as long as it is within 14 days. When I arrived home my mother said some of the dresses are too thick for the hot weather. The following day we went to return the items in question after going to church. Surprisingly the same store associate, Giovanna was working and we asked for a return. Giovanna confidently proceeded to put all items totaling $310 on a gift card. I told her I want to do a return. She said I can only do a gift card. When I reminded her about what she told us the previous day she started shouting at me that this is the store policy. I calmly told her my father asked you about this yesterday many times and you did not mention anything about an in store credit despite being asked at least 3 times. Giovanna started yelling at me and became aggressive telling me I should be educated enough to know the return policy. I was so taken aback by this store associates aggression towards a very dedicated customer. I have never returned anything to the store, and it is not a customers responsibility to read a stores policy online if there is an associate in person who should know and be able to tell you the stores return policy which appears to be an exchange or gift card option. I repeat if you are shopping at LOBO’s boutique be aware you cannot return any items. You can only get store credit or exchange. Worse yet, some store associates do not only have a poor grasp on their return policy or have nonexistent communication skills, they will confidently mislead you at the benefit to the shop. Moreover, a store associate should never aggressively scream, blame, or offend any customer for a mistake they made knowingly or unknowingly. What once was a pleasurable experience, and a shop I loved has become a place I dread to visit as I am forced to revisit to spend $310 and be constantly reminded about a mistake that I didn’t make. After Giovanna threw the gift card at me we asked about how long the card will be valid. She said it does not have an expiration date; however, can you trust an associate that doesn’t even know their own stores policy? This was the worst encounter I have ever had in a shop. I feel personally offended by the condescending attitude of this associate and also insulted about my education level. LOBO’s is the place to go if you want to feel dreadful. If Giovanna is there, you are in luck, your purse will certainly be lighter and your heart will be filled with dread. You might even be treated to condescending and aggressive behavior as you leave the shop hoping never to return. Save yourself the bad experience, there are better places in town with proper customer service.
