Poundstretcher

I was shopping in the store on Walworth Road SE17 London on Saturday 19th April. It was approximately 11am.

I was shopping for some supplies for my local business which I own down the road, Barefoot Yoga studio on Browning Street.

When I arrived at the til to pay for my items, I soon realised that I didn't have my phone to use my Apple Pay. I explained to the lady at the desk that I had had my phone stolen the night before and it had slipped my mind and I wasn't carrying my cards ( it was verbatim the truth). The lady replied " I've heard this excuse before, can I check your bag?" Mindfully, I emptied my bag, it was pretty clear that I wasnt stealing because all of the items were laid out on the counter. I was given no apology .

The woman was extremely rude and seemed to have an attitude about her, snarling and cursing at me in disgust.

First and foremost, I was shocked that I was being asked to empty my bag but the way in which the lady spoke to me was unacceptable. I have never been excused of stealing before. I asked to speak to the manager. The lady posing as the manager did not apologise for the women's behaviour and at no point was I treated with respect or sincerity.

The manager would not give me her name and she was not wearing a name tag. I asked for the name of the General or Regional manager. She said that there wasn't a General Manager for the store and was most unhelpful.

As a business owner who regularly shops in this store, I was appalled by the manner in which these ladies conducted themselves. I also employ staff and it is absolutely imperative that if you work in customer service that you are personable, and most importantly apologetic and humble if you get something wrong.

As I left the store, I mentioned that I would never shop from there again because I wouldn't want to be treated in this way, equally I wouldn't wish other customers to be spoken to in this way.

The assistant then replied " I hope you don't come back". I left feeling very upset and discriminated against in the most unprofessional capacity.