Linen Things - I Won't Be Back !!!!

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:17 pm

BLACK FRIDAY - SHOPPING

Anyone else go out shopping today ? What was your experience?

Here's my experience

I arrive at Linen & Things @ 8:20 A.M., with my sale ad that has a 20% disc. coupon towards your purchase. There's 2 cash registers open (that was my 1st clue to run),theres not a cart to be found (2nd clue to run) I work my way thru the maze of people and stand in line with 2 items. I chat with the ones around me - and chat and @ 9:35 A.M., I reach the cash register. Cashier says which item would you like to apply the 20% towards? What?? Coupon will only apply to one item - are you kidding me? I just stood in line for 45 min., you have 2 registers open, and you won't apply the 20% to my balance? Cashier says, you can bring in more than 1 coupon, I blew a cork - what kind of sense does that make - So, 45 min. in line, 2 registers open, and you have your manager standing around with his finger up his ass - doesn't he know how to run a register ? And I won't need to apply for that charge card your pushing cause I won't be back.

I thought I was pretty patient up to that point..I was doing good 'til check out..!

Other than that I enjoy Black Friday - festive spirit

HO Ho HO

Patsy

Erinna1112 · Post by **Erinna1112** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:29 pm

There is absolutely nothing I want enough to endure this kind of experience. I did not open my front door today.

LilacDragon · Post by **LilacDragon** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:33 pm

Erinna1112;468394 wrote: There is absolutely nothing I want enough to endure this kind of experience. I did not open my front door today.

LOL!!

I know what you mean but my darn dog wanted out! :rolleyes:

I did run to the smoke shop for cigarettes and the grocery store for trashbags. I could have gotten those trashbags cheaper at Wal-Mart, but you couldn't pay me enough to go to Wal-Mart on Black Friday!!

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:53 pm

Sometimes, Patsy, SOMETIMES... asking to speak to a manager will

work. Yeah, you're going to **** off the people in line behind you, but

in my experience they will say "Give it to her". I got a REALLY great

deal on running shoes earlier this year because I did that. Went in early

a.m. for a sale and nobody around shoe department. I asked to see

a manager, calmly stated my case, and got like 60% off TWO pairs of

shoes.

I understand "voting with your feet" problem is, that doesn't get to the

people who can do something about it or change things. They won't know

why you don't shop there any more (or that you could be convincing

several others not to!)

:-6

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:03 pm

Val

The manager was standing right there - with his finger up his ass listening to me.

He was standing right with the 2 cashiers - thats what pissed me off so much - PR.

Again poor PR - he should've stepped right up and given me my 20% disc.

The guy behind me buying 2 chocolate fountain things was very mad - he had 1 coupon, he plans on calling the company.

The whole coupon policy didn't make sense. I wasn't in a hurry - I really was patient - I figured I'd have to wait on this B.S. Friday Ho Ho shopping day, no problem - I wasn't bothered by the traffic - crowds - the policy sucked..

Patsy

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:09 pm

When you said "standing around" I didn't realize you meant RIGHT THERE!!

Well, in that case, a call to corporate? Tell them how you feel about

your experience in their store today. Then have a plan in place about

what you would like to be a more satisfied customer, which should be

their goal.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:25 pm

It was just a complete mess at that store - terrible set up. I didn't realize I was standing in line for that length of time until the guy behind me said the time - my husband came in worried - he had ran to a mall and came back and I still was in line. I was picking something up for my mother in law - or I probably would've left, people were walking out - and they walked right by the manager..

We hit Target - Kohls - home depot - crowds yes - but pretty much in and out.

This manager ( Mr. authority) should've stepped up and offered everyone the discount - and he should've open another register - but he didn't. He stood there over the two cashiers who were working the tails off with this crowd of people - thats what really infuriated me and not getting the discount on my balance after all that time.

Val - I was trying to make the story short - so sorry

Happy Holidays to All,

Patsy

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:30 pm

Well plain and simple, you need one of these:

;)

Insomniac · Post by **Insomniac** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:38 pm

My Black Friday experience:

Stayed home til 9 am, went to the Whole Foods Market and bought 2 5-lb bags of carrots and some yogurt. Came home.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:40 pm

I put up my tree! made chili and stayed home all day.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:45 pm

My Black Friday consisted of taking the trash out and going to the mail box.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:47 pm

Insomniac;468456 wrote: My Black Friday experience:

Stayed home til 9 am, went to the Whole Foods Market and bought 2 5-lb bags of carrots and some yogurt. Came home.

Im making soup tomorrow and I found the coolest little miniature carrots. Theyre about 2" long and 1" wide. Not that I measured them. Pft...why would I measure carrots ?

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:50 pm

Ladies, I like your days..

Nomad - whay are you measuring carrots?

what kind of soup?

Patsy

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:54 pm

Those little carrots are so good love dipping them in dressing, can eat bags of them. :p

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:56 pm

Patsy Warnick;468465 wrote: Ladies, I like your days..

Nomad - whay are you measuring carrots?

what kind of soup?

Patsy

Split Pea. Want me to take a picture of the carrots ?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:57 pm

CARLA;468467 wrote: Those little carrots are so good love dipping them in dressing, can eat bags of them. :p

Smaller...Ive never seen them this small before. Its like their challenged.

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 10:13 pm

I spent my day doing nothing but laundry. I hate shopping as it is, and no way in hell I was venturing out today!

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 10:14 pm

Challenged - that was my day!

Nomad - have you've tried to grow your own carrots - I try, but I have alot of rabbits running around eating everything - I forgot carrots go into pea soup, I haven't made that in so long, love it..

Guppy - my husband loves Christmas - our tree will go up soon - he loves to shop thats why we were out shopping today - I blame that on his mother and I tell her that - hes the only child - loves to shop, so once a year I shop - I won't see a mall for another year, yeh!!!!!!

Patsy

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 10:52 pm

Any store manager worth their paycheque would have :

A: Ensured that there were enough checkouts open to handle the customers in a timely fashion.

B: Made certain that each cashier had a stack of extra coupons to give to customers so that all of their items would receive the 20% discount.

I hope you give the company a piece of your mind.

Attached files

Pythos · Post by **Pythos** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:09 am

My day went like this..

Got up at 10:30am, got dressed and went to work at one of the large retail stores previously mentioned. Where I am the 2nd shift instock supervisor. We weren't supposed to get a truck yesterday, but we did. So when I got there they had just started unloading it. Today's truck was already there and waiting for the 1st truck to be unloaded so we could start unloading it. To do this I have a crew of 3 people and one that I borrow from the sales floor. They have been telling me for two months that they are going to hire me more people. I have yet to see any. You see I have more responsibilities than unloading trucks, but we are so short staffed that I really don't get to do much else. We got the 1st one done around 5pm. We backloaded it with pallets to make room for the 2nd. I went to lunch at 6:30 an hour and a half late. ( I never go on time) I had just got out he front door and they called me on my walkie to say that tomorrows truck was there and the backloaded trailer needed to be unloaded right away so they could take the empty. So I go back in to make sure everything is OK. We got the 2nd truck done about 10:20pm. Still had to pull all the new freight out to the floor so it could be put on the shelves. Did I mention my shift is from 1pm to 10pm, or that my arches have fallen and being on my feet all this time is unbelieveably painfull? I was going to leave at about 11:20, but there was still a lot of stuff that needed to be pulled out. The 3rd shift assistant manager asked me to stay and finish it up. I didn't want to cause I was hurting real bad, but only one other person from my crew was still there so I agreed to stay till midnight. By 11:45 I was in so much pain that I thought I was either going to get sick or pass out. You would think he would have been nice enough to let me borrow one of his people to get it done faster, but nope. I had to leave 9 pallets of new freight in the back because there was no more room on the sales floor to put them out. I punched out at 12:20am. I am just waiting for my pain pills to kick in so I can go to sleep. :-1

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:31 am

Pythos

Sorry - retail is tough, been there. - you make me hurt and I have enough pain. My legs hurt from walking on concrete all day - we got home from running/shopping from 6:A.M. to @ 2:30 .. I never shop - we need nothing, and I was looking forward to a fun/good day with my husband. I've really been done with Christmas shopping & I'll be wrapping the stuff tomorrow to send to WA State. So, I can imagine how you feel. Long hours. I feel your pain - you make me hurt. Management sucks sorry..

Get some rest - I don't know - I'm tired, but my mind never stops, so I've been up late lately and I hate that. My back is killing me, my knees ache - I'm old..

Patsy

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:27 am

So...what is Black Friday?

Why is it called Black Friday?

And why is it such a bad day to go shopping on?

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:30 am

The managers of these stores do not have any authority. Manager is just a title for someone who works on a salary, instead of hourly. Which is also a joke... because salary is simply a liscence to work you to death without additional compensation for overtime. The manager would have been unable to authorize a 20% discount on more than one item. They are told how many registers to have manned. All retail operations are cutting employee hours bsck to the bone to mske maximum profit. They know you will wait on line.

Most people are not going to drop their purchases and leave. I have a ggod friend who recently quit working at Linens and Things, because of poor and incompetant management,

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 7:18 am

I don't shop on that day...at least not where the crowds are.

Yesterday morning I went to the grocery store.

Later, when Rick came home he wanted to go to Target, so he picked me up and we went. Was actually not busy at all. We were in and out in no time. Of course, we spent $50, and did not even find what we went in for. :wah:

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 7:20 am

Rapunzel;468500 wrote: So...what is Black Friday?

Why is it called Black Friday?

And why is it such a bad day to go shopping on?

Black Friday here is the first official shopping day of the Christmas season.

BIG huge sales. It is called Black Friday because sales that day, and for the rest of the year will determine whether some stores run in the black (profits) or in the red (losses) for the year.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 7:25 am

Weeder, I don't know where you shop but I've been able to get

managers (even assistant managers) to authorize all kinds of things

for me.

A+W offered me a free bacon cheeseburger just because the one

I ordered didn't have bacon on it! And that manager was all of

about 20 years old!!

;)

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:05 am

Some companies will give more discression power than others. But the price of authorizing a replacement cheeseburger is a lot lower than lets say 20% of a 40.00$ item. Some companies are more interested in customer satisfaction than others also. Profit margain comes into play depending on the goods being handled and resold. There is always more room to move with anything perishable, than with hard goods. Because a good percentage of merchandise goes in the garbage if it isnt sold. So good will is more of a priority.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:17 am

Weeder

I've never seen such a mess - We went to Target - not a problem, walked around found a few thing that was @ 7:00A.M., Home Depot was easy, then we went to Linen & Things - just a mess.

People were in line all the around the inside of the store to wait for the register.

The manager stood there and didn't open a register ??

Manager helped the cashier bag?? - Open another register idiot!!

I told him that and I'll let Linen & Things know. People did leave.

What happened to the customer is right policy?

What happened to PR? Pleasing the customer so they will come back??

Patsy

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:24 am

Val, my 2 cents....I would call corporate office...I recently had a problem with (yes I will say which chain) Lowes...BIG problem...Long story...so won't bore you with all the details, but they were refusing to give me money back on an expensive item...I was told by one Manager yes, on the phone, went in to return/get money, was told NO by another Manager....was so upset that I called Corporate and threatened to NEVER shop there ever again...and ta-da, went in and got my money back!! But this process took 2 weeks...and alot of aggrivation...And I'm usually a door-mat...not anymore!!

I'm sorry for your bad experience...This is the first year that I didn't go shopping on black friday, kinda missed it...but I stayed in bed until 8:30 and then babysat all day, cleaned the house etc....was nice actually...

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:38 am

I enjoy shopping the day after Turkey day. Tradition really, its a fun all day adventure - and I know what to expect.

Linen & Things had towel sets 14.99, of course they were out, like I said people were walking out - by the time I was close to the register, I got a towel set and had a choice of colors. I didn't get that 20% disc on the towels without a seperate coupon..

Why would a store have individual coupon policy - it makes no sense.??

Patsy

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:39 am

Nomad;468464 wrote: Im making soup tomorrow and I found the coolest little miniature carrots. Theyre about 2" long and 1" wide. Not that I measured them. Pft...why would I measure carrots ?
Because you're anal?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:10 am

Accountable;468607 wrote: Because you're anal?

:wah:

maybe

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:37 am

Nomad;468464 wrote: Im making soup tomorrow and I found the coolest little miniature carrots. Theyre about 2" long and 1" wide. Not that I measured them. Pft...why would I measure carrots ?

Did you find the petite baby carrots? Or regular babys? I buy the petites because they are so much cuter. Plus, I can give a whole one of them to Trixie, without having to cut it up.

And that, my friends, is what I do with MY carrots.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:37 am

I realize that weeder but I was just adding in an "EVEN" re: cheeseburgers!

In fact, I was searching my memory, and can't think of ANY time when

a manager didn't "make it right" for me. A lot of times it takes so

little. Then the customer goes away happy.

Maybe it's just my calm approach. I usually say: "I'm not incredibly

angry, I don't want anyone's head on a platter, but here's the deal"

and bingo. Extra coupons, running shoes, cheeseburgers... what have

you!!

;)

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:23 pm

weeder;468521 wrote: The managers of these stores do not have any authority. Manager is just a title for someone who works on a salary, instead of hourly. Which is also a joke... because salary is simply a liscence to work you to death without additional compensation for overtime. The manager would have been unable to authorize a 20% discount on more than one item. They are told how many registers to have manned. All retail operations are cutting employee hours bsck to the bone to mske maximum profit. They know you will wait on line.

Most people are not going to drop their purchases and leave. I have a ggod friend who recently quit working at Linens and Things, because of poor and incompetant management,

You make valid points, and I completely agree with you about how the corporation treats their managers like crap. I've seen it many times.

I thought Patsy's comment about the manager telling the customers that they could receive the discount if they had a coupon for each item legitimised handing out extra coupons. We have a large store chain here (Canadian Tire) that uses the coupon discount scheme, and their cashiers will give you one if you forgot to bring yours to the store, or just plain didn't know about it until you walked through the doors.

I wouldn't take my ire out on the manager. I would register my displeasure with him/her, and save the big guns for the suits at head office.

Pythos · Post by **Pythos** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:16 am

Thank you Patsy. Sorry that you felt my pain.

Weeder,

You would be suprised at the discretion that managers have when it comes to customers. For example, somehow they had lost a womans layaway. One of her items was a Gameboy Advance, and we did not have one to replace it. To make up for her inconveinence they gave her a Nintendo DS.

Gameboy Advance.... about $80

Nintendo DS.... $200

A lot more than a 20% discount.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:21 am

Richard Bell - Val And all -

The manager could've taken upon himself to allow 20% off the balance - if he really wanted to take what ever it took to please his customers - those days are gone. I guess that was the Mom & Pop days.

If you want to get anywhere in this world - you better take the initiative - Be assertive and common sense would tell you to do something - anything..!!

If a manager was worried about conflict with the corporate office - get a camera/cell phe take a few pics and take charge of your store, your running the shop, it's a harmony or a car wreck.. It was a car wreck.

OPEN A CASH REGISTER - mangers can run a register right ???

I don't care what the pay scale is - I don't care the hours they work, been there - done that, I don't want to hear about their boundries - I had boudries too, and soon I had offers for employment from all directions. They took the job - do it, and make it smooth transaction - Harmony..

Linens & Things had a dysfunctional work format/ plan at best.

I still go back to a store if the item was over charging me/or a coupon wasn't applied I want my $3.82..

There are many stores that furnish the coupons to customers- Wahlgreen Drug Store, flyers are at the entrance.

If the purchase process at Linen & Things ran smoothly - I'd go back and shop, they could " Lure " me in. It will never happen now.

One coupon for one item - ridiculous policy. I would need to buy 2- 3 Newspapers to receive each coupon.?? figure that out $$.

Happy Holidays It's just beginning

Patsy

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:48 am

Patsy Warnick;469198 wrote:

The manager could've taken upon himself to allow 20% off the balance - if he really wanted to take what ever it took to please his customers - those days are gone. I guess that was the Mom & Pop days.

I've not been to a Linens & Things store. I don't even know if they exist here, but I'll wager most of their merchandise is made in China, so a blanket (no pun intended) 20% store discount on everything is hardly going to break them, given what they pay for the product.

Twenty per cent off isn't such a big deal for a major sale, for a big corporation, on inventory that probably doesn't cost a great deal to manufacture.

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:01 am

Marie5656;468686 wrote: Did you find the petite baby carrots? Or regular babys? I buy the petites because they are so much cuter.

I remember hearing/reading somewhere that a lot of those "baby" carrots are actually "adult" carrots that have been whittled down by fancy machines at the carrot factory.

Maybe "baby" carrots should be sold with a birth certificate.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:29 am

Well, we got the Linens & Things ad in today's paper..complete with this same 20% off coupon. Andf to be honest, there is one particular higher ticket item we are looking for, so if they happen to have the item, I will use it. Do not normally shop there anyway, as it it a bit too expensive for us.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:31 am

No that can't be....:-5 I love my baby carrots.

We have bad customer service, and whittled down carrots what are we going to do about this.

Your Richard the person checking you out usually has an abundent supply of coupons to make sure you get the discount on every item, at least that how it is when I go shopping at Macys, Robinson's, Nordstroms never even have to ask they just do it..

[QUOTE]I remember hearing/reading somewhere that a lot of those "baby" carrots are actually "adult" carrots that have been whittled down by fancy machines at the carrot factory.

Maybe "baby" carrots should be sold with a birth certificate.

Sorry to burst your bubble.[/QUOTE]

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:11 pm

Linen & Things new AD - In this Sundays paper a new flyer/ad, on the back of the ad is that 20% DISCOUNT COUPON - only this coupon lists stipulation on using the coupon.

My mother in law called - she couldn't believe it, the coupon lists restrictions this time, lists stipulation on usage, She said " someone heard you ".

I still won't be back.

Patsy

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:15 pm

i don't have one near me. but i do have an excellent outlet for bedding etc. from very good names, i'm a junkie for very high-end high-thread-count sheets....i once ordered a bedskirt from linens&things, i wanted a white lace one. it was so cheap and tacky i wouldn't use it.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:17 pm

i am a fine sheet junkie too. i love hotel brAND sheets. the more thread count the better. i usually get mine at bed, bath , and beyond. :-6

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:19 pm

i have found 1000 thread count egyption cotton sheets! oh heaven!! :yh_love ...never buy ones with a polyester mix. ewwwwww.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:22 pm

lady cop;469883 wrote: i have found 1000 thread count egyption cotton sheets! oh heaven!! :yh_love ...never buy ones with a polyester mix. ewwwwww.

oh, that makes me think of egyption cotton towels too. only way to go......

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:28 pm

High thread count is the best-I prefer cotton sheets. But I want an electric blanket this winter!:)

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:33 pm

we only get 2 months of cold weather...i have a big fat german down comforter that i love, and i just ordered a tartan 100% wool blanket (royal stewart) from a store in scotland... those 2 months of cold really affect me, i am not used to it anymore. and to think i skied in minus 40 degrees!! oooo a good down pillow is wonderful too!

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:37 am

Thanks Marie for clearing up my confusion about Black Friday. That really helped.

So now I have to ask...is a comforter the same thing as a duvet? i.e., a padded or feather-filled bed cover? or is the comforter just the COVER for the duvet?

I ask because on the American Ebay site there is a retailer who sells the most gorgeous 'bed in a bag' sets which consist of comforter, bed skirt and shams. So do I assume the comforter is the actual padded bed covering or do you think its just the thin cover for my duvet? I think it probably is just the thin cover - it would be an amaing bargain otherwise. I just assumed a comforter was like a duvet inside a cover which couldn't be removed.

What do you think?

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SIERRA-TREASUR ... esstQQtZkm

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:43 am

Oh, another bedding question I have is.... how do you keep your bedsheet, which covers your mattress, from coming off every night?

I have a Queen size bed but most sheets come in double size (too small) or King size (too big) so the covers keep coming off in the night and getting tangled. Its annoying if you wake up to pop to the bathroom and have to come back and remake the stupid bed! :-5