Now listen....
If you know me, you know that there is a certain threshold that, if crossed, you will regret. I am so proud of myself for keeping it together and maintaining my composure while in store today at Forever 21 in Carolina Place Mall. Check it....
***Begin Scene- Ashley Fierce on her way to Forever 21 in CPM with bag in tow, happily prancing about the way.***
Lol. Let me just give you the highlights.
I wanted to return a dress that didnt exactly "support" my ladies as I would have liked it to. I bought the dress from forever21.com (Faith 21- the plus size line). My goal was to return the dress and gain store credit so that I could continue my love affair with F21. The manager was not willing to return the dress because it being the Faith 21 line. I was ok and understanding of that. If she had stopped there, I would have kindly put the dress back in my sackkie and kept it moving, with a smile I might add....THIS HEFFA SAID "Well you cant wear anything in the store, so it would not make sense for me to give you a store credit for you to use elsewhere." My heart stopped. My neck litterally felt like it was turning clockwise and the exorcism was about to begin... But I caught it- the blood of my savior is strong. (lol) I politely stated to her, "Im in here buying things every week! What you you mean?" She mumbled something, and I had literally HAD IT with her foolishness. My arm traveled across the counter and I was preparing myself to rearrange the entire store for her, and wipe that counter clean! (in other words, I was getting ready to tear up all of the displays, shelves, racks, you get the picture.) But I caught myself. I politely asked her name, and I could tell she gave me a phony name but trust, it will be alllll right.
The problem is not that I couldnt return the dress....its how she addressed the situation. Who gave you the right, with your severely cracked up lips, braids from 1993, and ruffle vest from 3 years ago that is SO OVERPLAYED, to tell me that you will not allot a store credit because I CANT WEAR ANYTHING IN HERE? Is that not discrimination toward larger sizes? We are known to "make it work" and grab a "skinny size dress" and turn it into a fabulous tunic....UUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I have never felt so disrespected! Ever! That was my favorite Forever 21 store and I have seen her many many times. I feel betrayed. Ugh. Needless to say, I will no longer be shopping there. What would you do, guys? sigh.....
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++UPDATE
Ok guys, I had a huge chat with the DM of that specific store and just as everyone else was, she was horrified, and stated that there was absolutely no excuse for that behavior. She actually sat all of the employees down and had a meeting with everyone to discuss the matter. One of the male associates at the wrap that I identified confirmed my story. To top it off, the DM informed me that I COULD HAVE RETURNED THE DRESS! Im thinking WTH? Clearly some hateration in the air. The DM was so sweet and so nice, and said there was no reason for her to refuse your return, and no excuse for her poor behavior. In addition, I have a PHYSICAL meeting with a corporate representative next week. I appreciate the fact that they are not taking this situation lightly. At first, I was hoping that she would not be fired- this is a very harsh economic climate, and I really didnt want her to lose her job (i dont know what her situation is, and sometimes we really have to have compassion for those who could care less for us) but from what I understand, this isnt her first offense to a customer. Soooo....whelp there ya go.
Honestly, I dont want my readers to think of this as a fat vs skinny thing- Its not. I always shop in the "regular sized stores", prob more than in the plus size stores! Forever 21 is seriously one of my weekly stops and this situation was outrageous. I have never ever ever had any problems in any store- maybe just a few in Torrid (for the lack of customer service sometimes ugh!). Most of the girls in the "straight sized stores" compliment me on my creativity and style! This was completely different- she was simply disrespectful. Thanks for all of the support and feel free to continue commenting.