I feel compelled to write an immediate review of my experience of this morning at The Nordic Shop/Collections Fashion.
I purchased items from this small, quite expensive boutique in November when I was here in Rochester as a patient at the Mayo Clinic (at least $500.00 worth of items), as well as many, many items at its neighboring boutiques in the same "boutique mall " that is filled primarily by higher end, boutique-expensive shops that are mostly owner owned and operated.
Upon my return to the Mayo Clinic/Rochester this month (February), I had hoped to purchase a Canadian Goose down coat ($800.00) from this store, one that that I'd seen on my earlier visit in November. Unfortunately, upon my return this month, my size in the style of coat I'd hoped to buy was unavailable.
When I came into the store to buy the proper sized Canadian Goose coat but to no avail, I ended up instead buying a piece of jewelry, some ear muffs, and another clothing item, totaling approximately $300.00. I took these items with me at the time of purchase, as they were small and easy to pack.
At this same time, in addition to the purchases stated above, I ALSO made an impulse buy on a coat/jacket in the store, that was the style of jacket one might wear inside to work - let's say "fancy blazer"- and asked the store to hold the item for shipping until I knew what date I would return home after my time at the Mayo Clinic. Afterwards, I thought about the purchase of the blazer-coat, and realized it was a mistake buy. It was something I'd wear once a year at most, as it was a very "unique" style that could not by any means be worn as everyday attire, was made of a heavy wool (not worn often in California), was somewhat expensive (350 dollars on sale), and just not the right thing all-in-all to take home with me.
Consequently, as I readied to depart Rochester and head back home to California today, I went into the store to tell them that I wasn't going to take the jacket after all (note: the jacket was still hanging up in their back room with my name on it; my credit card had been charged already, which I'd approved when I'd tried on the jacket roughly a week ago). Yes, I made a mistake and paid for it the day I was in the store last week. Guess what? The owner, named of Walter, of this smaller, AND VERY EXPENSIVE boutique store, who had been 'nice' and 'SUPER conversational' (if inappropriate in his conversational content - he was highly critical of another business owner in the immediate area - however, this is another story, for another time) earlier in the week, now chose to exhibit some "different," unappealing colors ~ colors of a less than scrupulous nature ~ colors of a person, in fact, who has MORE GREED THAN GRACE.
Upon my request, Walter told me in cavalier tone (read: dismissive) that he had no intention of refunding me my money, as he has a policy of "No Return on Sale Items. " When I said I didn't think that was right, given the kind of store he owned and the situation at hand (I'd not taken the coat out of the store), he responded with simply: "It is store POLICY" - in essence saying that it's "the store's fault" he couldn't do the return, not his. I politely pointed out to him that he owns the store, that I'd spent plenty of money there, and there was NO POLICY for him to follow per se, as everything was at his discretion (owner discretion), and given that the jacket had not even been removed from the store, and there were others like it hanging out for customers to buy, surely he would refund my money.
Sadly, he continued to refuse the return of my money.
I was so flabbergasted by his lack of integrity that I then mentioned that his "policy" was so poor and unaccommodating given all circumstance that I'd be writing a review online. He replied, "Bullying will get you nowhere!"
I would have found it hard to refrain from laughing outloud at his absurdity had I not been so disgusted. I firmly believe that the only communication Walter would have been open to having from me is: "Yes, go ahead and TAKE MY MONEY... FOR AN ITEM I DON'T HAVE... NOR HAVE I EVER HAD in my possession- no problem, no problem at all!"
The kindest thing I can say regarding store owner Walter is in the form of a prayer:
"Lord, save this greed-filled soul."
Note: This store can treat customers like money objects because most customers that purchase in his store hail from out of the area (meaning that they come to Mayo Clinic for treatment and leave the city/state/country after treatment is finished). MAYO CLINIC PATIENTS: BEWARE!
I will return to Rochester and the Mayo Clinic, but as I'm sure is obvious, I won't be walking into this offensive store in the future, nor can I recommend you to do so, as you risk being treated as dispensable by its owner.
p.s. I will be filing a dispute with my credit card company about this so called "purchase." read more
