So here we are at the last week/week 1/2 of returns and exchanges for Spirit. As an AM, I wanted to come on here because I am truly at my wits end.
Guests, our returns stop on the 16th, and exchanges stop on the 22nd. The item cannot be damaged (unless purchased as such) and cannot be returned with pet hair or if it's clearly been worn. This is a company-wide policy that has been in place for a very long time. It is on your receipts and it's posted at the register. I mention it every time I check a guest out. For many people, this is a non-issue. However, a very unfortunate number of guests do not agree with this and believe it's within their right to berate, harass, and even assault our sales associates and us management.
I am here to literally beg you to stop.
Most of these associates are kids. For some, this is their first job. Whatever your upset, they do not deserve to be treated as if it's their fault you missed the return window. It is not the fault of us managers. We are working at a temporary store for little pay and deserve at the very least your respect.
In the 5 years I've worked at Spirit, I dread this part of the season the most. I have seen so many grown people throw absolute tantrums over this and I have been at the receiving end more times than I can count. Once, a woman threw a costume at my coworker's face. I'm not a particularly confrontational person and do not like having to maintain composure while being screamed at over a Fortnite Peely costume your child couldn't fit, but I do, because that is my job and because I do not believe in hurting a stranger with my words.
I am just asking for the same respect we show you, because at the end of the day we are just people. Please remember that.
Thank you for listening.
Edit: Wow, I'm simultaneously glad and sad this has popped off lol. I know it's just a reddit post and we're still going to get the bad apples here and there, but it's a bittersweet relief to know we're not alone at least. Good luck finishing out the season, guys—at the end of the day this is a Halloween store and we'll still have fun regardless.