David Jones - Chatswood Chase — Attraction in Sydney

On 8 September 2022 I returned some recent purchases to David Jones Chatswood. I had made the purchases on 4 September 2022 when the stock was 20% off. Later on that day I received an email to say the same stock was reduced by 40% on and from 5 September 2022.

When I returned the stock I was attended to by a beautiful young man by the name of Sam. This gentleman provided me with outstanding customer service and even offered me the opportunity to re-purchase the same stock at the reduced price which I politely declined. I give Sam FIVE stars. Thank you Sam.

Unfortunately as I attempted to exit level one of the store I once again encountered an under-cover security officer who was not wearing any identification until he later removed his jacket cardigan. The security officer was later identified as Ehan. At the same time as the approach by Ehan a rude woman who later was identified as Frances from Country Road Concession intervened for reasons unknown. Neither Ehan or Frances would allow me to exit the store without an inspection of my personal belongings. ( I give Ehan and Frances one star to be shared.)

At this point I insisted on meeting with the store manager. A gentleman by the name of Pierre attended shortly thereafter and independently resolved the situation and allowed me to exit the store after confirming I had not made any purchases.

I left the store feeling very disappointed and saddened by the incident. It has reinforced my belief that David Jones is a store of last resort. Only to be visited when the merchandise I want is not readily available elsewhere.

I have addressed my concerns about the woman identified as Frances separately on the Country Road website.

David Jones Chatswood used to be a pleasant store in which to browse and shop but I have noticed a considerable decline over recent years. I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me why I am repeatedly suspected of shop lifting. It makes the shopping experience most unpleasant. I have no interest whatsoever in taking anything from the store which I have not paid for....

When the sales are on it stresses the staff out, I can empathise that. But being rude and on the verge of racial profiling? That there is a problem.

I was in the mens section, checking out the undergarments and socks, when the clerk comes over and tells me about the specials. After overwhelmingly recommending where I should go for the specials bin, I thanked him and reluctantly kept browsing the same shelf. He then comes back perhaps a little under 5 minutes and asks if I needed help with sizes. Now, this is a little uncomfortable, I may have not worked in retail, but underwear is a very personal purchase, and unless you are an undergarment specialist, I don't think you can help. But this guy is persistent. I left the floor thinking I might be able to find another section of menswear where I won't feel like I'm constantly being watched and discriminated. How I knew I was discriminated? After finally heading back for a third time, the same clerk comes over and offers help, again. Now, if you see someone three times and doesn't want help I doubt that the person is thinking of shop lifting (which I had very strong accusing vibes), and that they needed any help (Three times the charm maybe?). It was all very awkward, even after choosing my items and heading to the counter, he had tried to recommend the store's credit card rewards program, where I kindly refused, but he just kept pushing saying how it works worldwide and that its an AMEX. I thought that was the end of it, but half way through dealing with my transaction, he turns to his left and serves another man. Clearly trying to do an exchange the man was already being helped by two other clerks all the while I was paying. Now you might think I'm being irrational, but this man has been helped by another staff member while I was standing over the counter with my credit card ready to pay, I know because I heard the whole conversation about sizing mishaps and exchanges. A very unfortunate day to have had such a miserable man serve me. I will not be returning to the same clerk the next...

What has happened tho the once great David Jones? Once it used to be a pleasure to shop there and the service was really good. My female neighbour and her sister, who are both in their sixties, came into the store for one to buy some bras. They went into the relevant department and asked if one of the women could have some help with a bra fitting. The sales assistant said she would be with them "in a minute". She had to be summonsed three times before the ladies got any help and they had to wait over thirty minutes to be given any service. They both considered walking out and going elsewhere. They ended up getting help and they spent a considerable amount of money.

My wife and I have shopped in David Jones for many years but lately, I personally, have noticed a couldn't care attitude. May I remind you that you ARE in competition with another major store in Chatswood and by stripping your store of staff will not make you profit, in fact people, like myself will go elsewhere and get service, where the staff treat you like a person and not just a potential sale with no effort. I think it's sad that a store that was really ahead of the game should be reduced to this I don't write many negative reviews but whenever I do, it is with good reason.

I decided to give your store one more chance to redeem yourselves. Because of treatment recently, by your staff towards me I am going to add to the post I have already written.

DOES ANYBODY EVEN READ OR TAKE NOTICE OF ANY OF THE POSTS WRITTEN ON THESE REVIEWS?????

WELL, DO YOU?

I have been reading the posts written by people, other than myself and they all say the same thing.....rude, unhelpful, insolent staff!

Maybe a manager or representative could answer me these questions..... Do you care, at all, about service? Do you have "trained staff"? Does management know just how departments are run? Do you instil any sense of pride in your staff? Do you even care that people write these reviews? I would suggest the answer to these questions...