Hondos Center — Local services in Municipality of Glyfada

EDIT IN RESPONSE TO HONDOS CENTER'S REPLY: The store never responded to my in-store complaint or follow-up email - not even an acknowledgment. This generic public comment is clearly for social visibility, not a real attempt to address anything. If you truly cared, Hondos Center would have responded privately when I officially raised the issue. Judging by other reviews mentioning rude staff, my experience was not isolated - this seems to be a reoccurring pattern within the store.

ORIGINAL COMMENT: Extremely concerning experience at Hondos Center Glyfada.

My card was swiped three times at the register on June 3rd. Although all transactions were marked as declined and I was issued void receipts all three times, two charges still went through. One was refunded the same day. The second charge stayed in my account for days and was only refunded after I submitted official complaints.

The void receipts I was given — and the verbal assurances by staff that “you will not be charged” — proved completely meaningless. When I expressed that to them, Hondos Center staff carried no accountability for their words and assurances. What you're told at the register is just not reliable. I asked multiple times for documentation that payment was processed but I did not receive the goods, but was refused even that every single time I asked. Staff failed to explain the charges and refused to assist when I showed proof of payment — to the point that I had to call the police just to document the situation, as my payment had gone through but the products were withheld.

Despite contacting the store in writing (in person and by email), no one ever replied. I have now filed formal complaints with both the Consumer Ombudsman and the General Secretariat for Commerce. The latter declined to investigate, citing internal criteria — an even more frustrating outcome when you’ve been charged money and treated with such complete disregard.

Overall, this store failed in every possible way: technical failure at the register, no accountability for unauthorized charges, unreliable communication, disrespectful and obstructive staff behavior, and no response to official complaints. As a consumer, I felt completely powerless. Speaking with the managers felt like talking to a wall. I expected management to take the situation seriously when a charge appeared despite receiving void receipts — but this clearly meant nothing to them.

Proceed...

It's a great store with lots to choose from but the staff are clueless about their products. I shop there frequently and have bought so many items under ill advice from the staff who don't know really basic things like which shampoos are sulfate free or which skin care creams have minimal chemicals. Even simple things like good quality eye pencil sharpeners they get completely wrong. As a result I have wasted a substantial amount of money on products I had to throw away. So I do my own research before going and avoid seeking advice. Another complaint I have is when staff cut in front of me while l'm walking. I hate that. It's so rude. Otherwise the store sometimes has really good discounts and 2 for 1 deals. The food and desserts upstairs are also really good and the eating area has great sea views.

It's now February 2024 and i have to drop another star. I went to their hair salon yesterday for a trim and asked the hairdresser to trim only a couple of centimetres but she cut about 10 cm! The woman with whom I had booked the appointment assured me that the hairdresser she had chosen for me was good when i asked. It was obviously not the case and she must have known this, so I hold her equally responsible. At the very least they shouldn't have charged me anything. By all means stay away from...

The security guards are what I would put mildly discriminatory and to be frank, racist (from an African American's point of view). I have been three times, I live in Glyfada and am becoming familiar with stores. Each time from the moment I enter the store (with lots of shoppers) one or the other guard (there are two who by now should have at least introduced themselves) single me out and mind as well hold my hand as they follow me, searching for me as I shop floor to floor. I mean I literally turn to walk and bump into them. Today I had to ask "why are you following me", shockingly no response back. Sometimes sales women join in pretending to try to help me but tracking my every move. Once fine annoying but ok - ignore, twice not cool - continue with my business, three times is a (racist) pattern - can't be ignored. I'm going to formally write to the headquarters because I need to understand if this profiling is policy. I come home with products I love but a feeling of discomfort, sadness and anxiety. The least I can do is write the review and let them know I notice and to warn POC who don't want their lovely day ruined.I would say two stars is for the selection and the nice ladies who are helpful as I am new to the process they have...