Thursday, April 3, 2014

Unfortunate incident at Wal-Mart, Never shopping there again!

Over this past weekend we celebrated my Husbands 40th Birthday! At the last minute I had to scoot out to the store to pick up some things. Because my son is learning to drive, he came along for practice along with his girlfriend.  I picked up several items including some glassware, Ice Cream emergency birthday card, soda etc.  Included with the purchases  I picked up a six pack of Angry Orchard Cider.  In the checkout line with several other customers behind me, the cashier asked me how old my children were.  I answered and she stated "then I'm going to have take this" and took the six pack off the conveyer belt and set it aside.  She then went on to explain that because the Policy clearly states she has the right to refuse purchases "because you are buying this for them".  In front of several customers and my son and girlfriend she stated very plainly that she felt I was going to provide alcohol to minors and she would not allow me to make the purchase. 


I was so horrified and embarrassed I didn't do anything but pay my bill and run out of the store.  I am now making a vow to NEVER purchase a single item from ANY Wal-Mart anywhere. I've sent a letter to the store where the "incident occurred" as well as copied the corporate office.  I provided them a copy of the receipt as well as a copy of my monthly checking account statement that clearly shows how much money I spend at that store so they get the full impact of what that misuse of power has done.  I want to clearly state that at no time was I planning on, intending to, or any other scenario this cashier came up with in her head to provide Alcohol to my son or his girlfriend.  I also want to again state, a six-pack of Angry Orchard? Really??? 


The cashier motioned to a policy that was posted about purchase of alcohol and in the posting it did not include any language that stated adults with children were not allowed to purchase alcohol.  I wonder, If they were 6 years old would she have done the same thing?  and if I was purchasing for them, why then all the birthday stuff along with groceries totaling over $80.00??  If I was purchasing for them, wouldn't I have left them in the Car?  Stating in front of other customers, that I was clearly purchasing for them ~ isn't that slander? ...now some of you may come to the defense of the cashier about her doing her job etc, she was making a judgment call based on my appearance perhaps?  Well, I was dresses in typical Mom gear and would have been considered "business casual".  My hair was done, makeup on and presentable to any person I may have run into that day including my husbands family I was hosting.  I am a reputable member of my community of which this cashier is also a member and we have seen each other in the store and about town ~  I am not a stranger to her.  I do not have any type of reputation of being a "party house", I have never been arrested for providing alcohol to minors, my child does not run the streets, gets good grades, athlete


I am offended! but more than that, I am angry at myself for allowing this women to shame me in front of my child and strangers as if I was doing something wrong.  The whole experience left me upset for the remainder of the day and I am still clearly rattled by it.  I wish I had asked to talk with the manager, refused to purchase any of the other items I picked out, left without any items etc.  Many scenarios that always include being dignified and true to my nature while pointing out the inappropriate use of power by the cashier.  Her judgment of me based on something other than her actual knowledge of my nature clearly has left me feeling I need to "prove" myself?  Frustrating!  How would you have handled the situation?  I would love some constructive advice on ways to improve my ability to stick up for myself in the moment.


Love you all my beautiful friends!       





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