I was made to feel most unwelcome

Tuesday 19th August 2008, 3:00PM BST.

From J Blackmore.
AFTER staying with my sister for the last two weeks, I feel the need to express my concern about the lack of respect in many shops I’ve been in.

In one large supermarket the girl at the checkout did not even acknowledge our presence, but continued to speak across us to the next till. On another occasion in a smaller store, I waited to pay for my newspaper while three male staff chatted. I even had to say ‘excuse me’ to get any attention at all, which then only led to a hand coming out to take my money.

There were other occasions when I felt in the way and extremely unwelcome by staff. I have never experienced this sort of treatment in the north of England, where manners and courtesy are very apparent and feel that Jersey needs to tackle this problem if they want to attract returning holidaymakers.

Pembroke Lodge, Chasse Brunet, St Saviour.

1
Robert Marsh

August 20, 2008 at 8:07 am

I have had the same “Treatment,” at a large department store in town (M+S).
When paying for my purchase I waited for my 5 pound change, and when I saw that it was not coming, I enquired about my change, the answer to my question was, “Oh well, If you really need it” and was given my money, as if, I was begging.

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2
David G Morgan

August 20, 2008 at 5:37 pm

I refer to J Blackmore’s letter on courtesy – I think you’ll find the same sort of attitude in many parts of the U.K, not just Jersey. I found this to be especially true in a number of areas in the North of England, where I found some shop workers quite hostile toward the public. Customer care has all but gone in may parts of the British Isles and we have only got ourselves to blame, because all to often we just put up with it. Was this behaviour reported to a manager or supervisor? I suspect not. Maybe this is another reason to consider competition from other supermarket chains.

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