The Container Store — Attraction in El Segundo

This place is a hassle. They have some good stuff, but the rare times I've had to pick up something here there has always been an issue and it's always connected to people. Some of the people shopping at this location are rude and oblivious, so are the employees. One employee raced past me behind me, "Do you need any help?" I'm looking around, oh there he is, "No, I'm good thank you." I was thinking, "You're racing past and shouting the question from afar. Obviously, you're busy and in a hurry somewhere and not interested in helping anyway, so don't bother asking. I didn't need any help, but thought it was odd.

I'm waiting in line to buy a couple of items and they've only got one register open. And that woman at the register is engaged in inquisitive chit-chat. They're having a whole conversation. I think that's fine to do when you don't have a long line of people and you're not the only open register. This is about being aware of your surroundings and not being oblivious.

A few feet from me is a store rep stocking stuff. Then at one point she hops up briskly walks past me, but is so close when she does that, that if she stepped just two inches closer, she would've bumped into me. There was an entire space around me for her to walk properly. I ended up putting my mask on after that as you can't trust people. They walk blindly as if you're not there. You have eyes and a thinking mind, so pay attention to your actions and your words.

Then the woman behind the register finally finishes with her conversation then calls out, "Come on, let's go everybody." I walked up, "Don't talk to me or anyone like that please." She quickly buttoned up realizing, "Yeah, I don't have any tolerance for rudeness. Take some etiquette classes lady."

And by the way, before I was a successful businessman, I was a store manager for one of the largest retail chains in Southern California with great success and praises for myself and my colleague employees, so I know a great deal about retail. This place lacks in class and etiquette. And mind you, I didn't start anything. I came here to shop quietly and leave without engagement. Couldn't even do that because people just don't behave well, but you expect it from the...

A disappointing experience. I had to go replace a piece for my closet organizer. They did not have the piece on the floor but someone helped me ordering the piece and would have it delivered to the store for me. When I went to pick up the item, the associate went to retrieve the item. She reappeared 10 minutes later to tell the item was not there and that the item is no longer made. I was justified in asking then why the person ordering it still took the order, charged me and made me come back to pick up to then be told the item is out of production. I was told that my card would be credited, with expectation that I would leave. I told her based on this experience that I was not leaving until the payment was returned. The associate then went into the back - for 15 minutes - before she reappeared to credit my account at the register. I have lots of questions, but absolutely curious why I was left waiting for 15 minutes to just get my refund. Thoroughly frustrating experience, that had everything - incompetence, arrogance disdain. Thoroughly, amateur hour. Please didn’t give such contempt and incompetence any...

We went into the Container Store to look at the Elfa system for our kitchen pantry. No associates were available, but two were actively helping one couple get things they needed. One of them noticed us and broke away to assist us. We wound up needing a designer, but they were all with customers. We were told we'd be next in line and someone would find us (I was wearing a pretty bright shirt :-)). About ten minutes later, Juan came over and started the design process. Juan really helped us visualize what we were getting and had great ideas to help save us some money. All told, we were in and out in an hour, and literally every person we encountered (other customers notwithstanding) had a smile on their face and were incredibly courteous. This was my first shopping experience at The Container Store, but it definitely...