Tantalize Tanning Studio

On December 23, 2011 I went into Tantalize to purchase a pair of jeans for my daughter. I had already been shopping at one of the larger malls in Edmonton and found the exact same pair of jeans in a chain store, however I chose to return to my hometown and support the small business owners and shop local. I don’t even mind paying a few extra dollars for the same merchandise as it usually guarantees friendly, professional service.
Upon entering the shop, neither of the two employees said «Hello» to me nor did they offer me any assistance or inform me of the current sales or promotion. How awkward considering, we were less than ten feet apart from each other. The shop is way too over crowded and there is potential for items to fall on you. As I knew what I was looking for, I immediately chose a pair of pricey, name brand jeans. I asked either of the two employees that if I bought these jeans for my daughter and she needed a different size, could she EXCHANGE them? Both employees assured me that we could in FACT exchange them within seven days of the purchase. I asked if they were open the week after Christmas and they both responded «Yes». I looked around and then one of the employess took me to the back «SALE» room, which was a complete disaster of clothes spilling out in all directions and buckets and baskets of unsold, outdated items. I did not waste my time trying to navigate through the mess. I proceeded to pay for my items upon which the employee informed me that the jeans were on sale. I was grateful and happy at my luck. At that point she did not offer the information that «sale items» could not be exchanged. I did not think to ask as I had already asked the exchange policy five minutes beforehand. The employee wrapped my purchases in a box with tissue paper which I thought was a nice touch and I appreciated it so I told her so.
On December 28^th, 2011, I went in to exchange the jeans for the larger size. A different employee was sitting behind the desk. She did not say «Hello» to me and as soon as she realized I had an exchange she told me that the owner had to help me. The owner asked me what was the «problem» with the jeans? I told her that I just wanted to exchange them for a larger size. She looked at the receipt and noticed that they were on sale and informed me quite rudely, that she would return them for me «this one time only» as they were sale merchandise. I told her that I wasn’t returning them, rather I was exchanging them for another size and that I had asked her staff prior to the purchase what the policy was. She again rudely told me that she would return them «this one time only and that her policy was on the bottom of the bill. I again told her that I was not returning them, I was exchanging them and that she should follow up with her staff to make sure that they give out accurate information when directly asked. She flapped the receipt in my face and said that it is stated in the bottom of the bill. She was agressive and clearly ready to argue. She then looked at the receipt and said „I think I know who sold them to you“. I described both employees in detail and assured her that they BOTH gave me the same information regarding exchanging the jeans. I took my ‘exchange» and receipt and left. The owner did not give me the courtesy of saying «Good-​Bye».
Let me assure the owner, that I will NEVER shop there again and neither will I ever encourage a friend, relative, neighbour or coworker to purchase any items from your business. I had five girlfriends over tonight, all of whom are dedicated local shoppers, however, they will also NEVER shop at your business. I also encourage anyone who reads this review to NEVER shop there as your service and attitude is deplorable and in definate need of an adjustment.
I respect a return or exchange policy, however might I suggest that all of your staff are aware of what your policies are so that when a customer asks straight out what it is, that you give an HONEST and ACCURATE response. «Hiding» behind the excuse of «It is at the bottom of the bill», after a paying customer has asked the details is not only shoddy business, but DISHONEST as well.
Dear Business Owner… I have also owned a small business for the last eight years and if I ever got a review on a public forum such as this, I would be totally humiliated.