Staples

Why on earth I’d bother reviewing a chain stationery store is rooted in the horrific customer experience I have every time I walk in the doors. I only ever go to Staples because (a) I need something specific, and (b) no one else in Hub Town sells it at their price that I know of. I’ve bought a netbook, PC tablet, printwork, projector screen, and sundry stationery items from this joint. None by choice.
With every visit I’ve needed to engage their staff for help, and never EVER have any (but one) of them been able to assist. Their responses have ranged from «I don’t know» to «can you come back later» and even «heavens, we don’t keep that in stock.» Sale items I’ve gone for have never been there.
The one ray of sunshine is a fantastic fellow who has helped me with electronics. Having retired from a professional career, he took on a job with Staples for kicks and giggles. He is smart, articulate, and truly interested in helping a customer.
I am a service manager myself, so I tend to actually be quite forgiving when it comes to service. Goodness knows it’s not always an easy role to be in. However, it’s just unacceptable when a store has «that was easy» as their tag line when the local staff make it quite the opposite.
From now on, I check first with the independent stationers, and if they don’t have it I pick it up in Halifax. Avoid Staples!