Trying to gauge how much time I had, when I realised that I would have to speak with management downstairs, I asked where the bathroom was. She said she could not tell me this, until I made it clear that I just needed to know which floor it was on.

Hurrying downstairs, I spoke directly with a woman who I knew was a relative of the owner, and explained my plight. I made it clear that the urgency was not mine, but my son’s, who was clearly visible in my arms.

She informed me, as she looked away briefly from cashing, that there was not a bathroom for customers available. She then, without seeming remorseful, went back to her cashing, this being more important, you see.

I told her that her callous disregard for the child’s needs probably meant that she didn’t need me to spend any money in the store. Her response, “If that’s how you feel.” So now I’ve been insulted, not just once, but twice.

I asked for the owner by name. I don’t know him personally, but have always seen the gentleman near the men’s jeans section when I have previously visited the store. I was informed, not surprisingly, that he wasn’t in. And with that, I was, again, dismissed.

I don’t expect this letter to change the store’s policy, or even register on its radar, but as a manager of a store that does provide a bathroom for its customers, it leads me to wonder how many other stores have this lack of customer appreciation parading as store policy. I much prefer simple everyday courtesies, to one day with two drinks and a sandwich.

It goes without saying that this store will not be a choice for me in the future. I have no doubt that the absence of my dollars will not cause it to go under, but my satisfaction will be in knowing that I’m not helping its bottom line.

This is cache, read story here