Fasel & Sons Garden Center — Attraction in Worth Township

I have been shopping this facility for years, have spent thousands over the years, this year was not going to be the exception, but in the time of covid and businesses failing, closing...filing for bankruptcy, I am shocked and appalled that the associate threatened to refuse, a close to $1000 dollar sale, if I did not place face mask over my nose.

I do appreciate fact you care about my health, as well the health of the associates, it is a good business practice, but please be respectful and professional in manner in which you deliver your message,because you were threatening, disrespectful and rude in how you said it, this by the way is not the first time!!

My mistake was giving you permission, one too many times, to disrespect me in the way you did, that I am truly sorry I chose to give you my business, truly unfortunate!! I thought then, that perhaps requesting to speak to the owner would resolve matter, that he may understand there is a respectful way to ask, treat, and speak to good customers but I was more wrong!!

He in fact was more rude, more condecending, more threatening, more disrespectful, belittling, as he scolded, went on about covid, reiterated cashiers words, and insisted I do not have to buy the plants that someone else will in front of the entire crew, and what an example to set!!!

He is right, I chose to leave without them!!!

Its unfortunate though that the owner of "fasel and son" does not understand the economics of good business practices and how the bottom line directly correlates with good or bad customer service. I hope he doesn't learn to appreciate and be grateful for good business when it is too late, because people have choices!!

In the meantime, you are right, others will come to shop but I have no doubt will realize ,as i have, that when you opt to pay premium prices for merchandise. you expect professional friendly, helpful service, but above all else to be treated with respect!!!!

I do not recommend this business and will never shop there again but I am happy for you, that you can afford to speak and treat clients in such a horrible and disrespectful manner, especially in the time of covid, good job!!!

RESPONSE TO OWNER:

You are entitled to opinion and perception of the incident! Your employees who know me well, not cashiers, as they have helped countless times over years know that i do not yell!!

It is a shame your recollection of incident is different than how it happened, because as i recall you were one who followed me out the building yelling to get out, after I chose to not proceed with purchase

And out of fairness i was figetting with mask as it was clear to me you were not listening to a word i said!

Its okay Good luck...

I felt impelled to leave this review after just leaving the establishment. I am not one to write terrible reviews but this one is worth writing. When the other reviews mention terrible customer service... believe them! I live in Oak Lawn. I try my hardest to support local businesses. I come to this garden center every fall but the customer service is bearable yet lacking. This particular time, I came with my 2 boys. I had been doing yard work and dropped in really quickly to get some topsoil. I wasn't dressed to go to a ball...I was dressed to do yardwork. The moment I walked in, I got the looks and then came the snickering from the 2 young immature girls (because those are not young ladies) that stood behind the cash terminals. I paid for my items which needed to be put in my vehicle and requested to see the manager on duty.

Katie the manager... not a far cry from the 2 bodies they employed. I explained how I felt, expressed that I have no proof that their behavior was entirely directed toward me (while making it clear I was the only one at the front end at that time), but that as a loyal customer I felt extremely uncomfortable. I am a black woman with black children. In this racial climate we live in, the professional business gives NO ONE reason to feel uncomfortable. Not for the color of their skin, the way they are dressed, the depth of their pocket. This Katie, proceeds to cover over the unacceptable behavior of her employees by saying that she can't say that they were snickering about me, and whilst that might be true, a simple "I understand how that might make you feel and I'm sorry for this interaction" would have sufficed. I didn't ask for anyone to be on the chopping block, I simply expressed that as a customer, their behavior can send the wrong message to customers. That fell on deaf unreasonable ears.

There are very few stand up businesses out here these days and clearly this is not one of them. It's just a pity that they have a great selection of items. Thanks to the gentleman whom was pleasant and kind enough to assist me...

Fasel & Sons Garden Center was one of my go-to places to purchase flowers, shrubs, and even arrangements for gravesites until a very displeasing customer service experience today. During a recent visit, I purchased 4 shrubs and additional flowers to plant in my backyard. The same day that I brought the shrubs home, they all showed signs of deterioration with browning leaves that were beginning to fall off. Thinking that they just needed watering, I watered them multiple times daily in hopes that their condition would improve. I also tried planting 2 in-ground thinking that would help as well. After weeks of care, all 4 shrubs completely dried out and never came back to life.

When I initially made the purchase, the lady at checkout informed me of their Guarantee Program which allows customers to bring shrubs back if they die after purchase. With this in mind, I brought all 4 shrubs back to the store today thinking that I could at least receive a free replacement of a different shrub or a complete refund in accordance with the policy.

I was directed to a man who examined the shrubs and he immediately told me “you didn’t care for them” “you let them dry out and didn’t water them”. I felt insulted as this was completely false (why would I purchase the shrubs for my home and not properly care for them so they can grow and adapt to the environment) and I was baffled by his response and tone which was very rude. After continuing to explain how I cared for them and how they began deteriorating the same day I brought them home, he proceeded to tell me that I could select 4 shrubs to replace the ones that died at 50% credit. Once I chose the ones I liked I went to the register and was disappointed that I had to pay additional money for my replacements.

Looking back, I should’ve just walked out and not purchased anything else because of my poor experience, but from this day forward I will never patronize this business again or recommend to family and friends...