Harry's is a specialty pet store with food, toys, treats, supplies, and items like dog cookies and cupcakes that look like human food, dog beer, and dog herbal drinks (!!). I stumbled upon it one morning and was intrigued by what I saw inside, but it isn't open at 10am on a Tuesday and had no sign with its hours on display.
The next time I came by the area it was open. I took a look around and was eyeing some tartan dog neckerchiefs because I have a dog and a lot of my friends have a dog, and as a visitor to Scotland, they looked like nice and nonbreakable presents to get to take back.
I was asking about them with Jules, the shop assistant, and she took the time to show me pictures of other colors available on her phone, check with a coworker about when they might get them in, and I said I was leaving in 5 days. She offered to get in touch when the others arrived AND set the ones they had behind the counter for me so that in any case there would be some there even if the other colors didn't arrive in time.
Jules texted me when other colors came in and confirmed the opening hours, and I came in the next day. She'd offered to meet me at any time, even if the shop was closed, because she lives nearby.
This time only her coworker was in the shop. I walked in and was photographing the some of the items I saw from last time, because while we are mad for dogs in the US, and have some very specialized stores there, these items are at a whole other level.
Within seconds the shop assistant barked at me "Who are you? Why are you taking pictures in my shop?" His tone was one I'd call accusatory, confrontational and hostile, and as he was behind me, I jumped a little at the sudden harshness. I travel a lot and take a lot of pictures and this is the first time in the world someone had asked me about taking photos and the tone seemed a little severe given this was the first time he'd spoken to me.
Now, fair enough if the guy doesn't want photos taken inside for any reason. I have no problem with not doing that, but if there's no sign saying no photos, and your shop is on the high street of a tourist town, a softer touch might do the trick, as there may be an innocent reason why the photos are happening.
And fair enough that he can choose his tone to address people - I'm not the boss of him. But you, dear reader, might be interested in this story in case it will save you some grief and prepare you for your visit.
In my case, I'm not into fighting fire with fire. I mildly replied that I was a tourist taking random photos, and I put my camera away. He seemed ok with that answer. What I didn't add was that I was taking photos because after telling my friends about the shop, they wanted to know more about what was in it because they wanted me to bring back MORE stuff and the photos were so they could choose.
After looking around the shop for a little more I went to the counter and said I thought there might be some neckerchiefs on hold for me, and his attitude towards me shifted. Well, then he was positively friendly and helpful.
However, I hadn't forgotten just a few minutes ago, and I only bought the one neckerchief I'd promised my friend. With 2 questions he'd practically undone all the customer cultivation Jules had achieved. I'd told 5 other people I'd see if there were enough for me to get ones for them, and I'd planned to get one for my dog, but I don't like to shop where people yell at me first and don't apologize later. He's welcome to set policy and attitude for the shop, and I can make my decisions from there.
5 stars for Jules: If you're the shop owner, she's the model employee from my perspective. I hope she goes on to train more people in service. The world will thank her.
1 star for the other guy: I think my review says it all. A rattled shopper is not a happy shopper. read more