C-A-L Ranch Stores — Local services in Bullhead City

Store Shopping Experience Review: CAL Ranch in Bullhead, Arizona

Generally, I tend to avoid writing reviews, whether my experiences are good or bad, viewing it as either a waste of time or unintentional promotion. However, my recent visit to CAL Ranch in Bullhead, Arizona, compelled me to share my thoughts, given the mixed bag of impressions it left.

First Impressions Upon entering CAL Ranch, I was genuinely impressed by the store’s cleanliness and layout, as well as the quality of the products on offer. As someone from Temecula, California, where we don't have a CAL Ranch, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, excitedly browsing every aisle, wishing we had something similar back home.

Experience with Staff and Surveillance My positive initial impressions were marred by an uncomfortable sense of being watched. Dressed in simple motorcycle attire (a black leather A-Star jacket, black jeans, and riding boots), I felt targeted, as if my appearance alone warranted surveillance. Despite my background in loss prevention, which made me empathetic to security measures, the staff’s approach was far from subtle and bordered on rude. They were overly vigilant, with multiple employees taking turns to check on me, disrupting what could have been a pleasant shopping experience.

Checkout and Customer Service At checkout, after selecting $400 worth of items, the mood shifted slightly. The cashier, Alex, attempted to lighten the atmosphere with comments about the total amount spent. I took this opportunity to express my discomfort with being closely monitored. Alex apologized, noting that they were just following instructions. This interaction left me feeling somewhat acknowledged but not completely reassured.

Issue with Returns The real frustration began the following day. My daughter tried on some of the clothes and found they didn’t fit well. Given that we live five hours away, and with no CAL Ranch stores in California, we hoped for a straightforward return process. Sadly, this was not the case. Despite having the receipt and all tags intact, my wife was informed that the return could not be processed without my credit card present—

• Conclusion *Our experience at CAL Ranch in Bullhead was a classic case of good turned bad. The store’s product range and presentation were initially impressive, but the lack of tactful customer service and rigid return policies significantly tainted our overall perception. The situation worsened when we tried to return the items. Christina, the assistant manager, quickly shut down my wife’s attempt to return the clothing, citing a policy requiring my credit card to be present—a frustrating stipulation given our distance and the recent purchase. Her demeanor suggested a sense of entitlement, further souring our experience. When I escalated the issue to the main office seeking assistance, Justin tried to help but was overridden by another employee named Lex, who upheld the inflexible policy. For a family-owned business, I expected a more thoughtful approach to customer satisfaction and service flexibility. Unfortunately, what could have been a great discovery turned into a disappointing ordeal, leaving us with a less than favorable impression of what could have been a fantastic shopping...

Previously went in on a 10% off store wide coupon that I received on my cell phone. It didn't say anywhere that you could only utilize online. The store manager said only available for online purchase. I showed him my phone and the advertisement that said nothing about online only. He later followed me to the parking lot and said it was ok and he would go ahead and honor it. I always park the furthest from the store entrance and declined to walk back in and to the rear of the store He was courteous and respectful. I purchased the same items considerably cheaper with free shipping online from another company. My initial preference is always to shop locally , even if I'm paying a little more. Good for our local economy and keeping people employed. My lady and I shop in this store approximately once a week if not more. Today I attempted a purchase (ammunition) and identification was required. I showed an Arizona pistol permit which they wouldn't accept and previously have. They then would not accept my retired leo credentials , which they have previously. Finally my Arizona driver license was accepted. Counting other items , I purchased over $200.00 today. The ammunition is behind the counter and the pregnant clerk with a tongue stud (I don't know her name) blocked my view of the ammunition I requested. Unfortunately she immediately bagged it behind the counter and did not put in the caliber requested. Upon arriving home it was not a caliber I own or what I requested , thus useless. The on duty manager "Christina" said I called her employee dumb and said ammunition can't be returned. She made up her mind that her employee told the truth and anything I tried to say was cut off very curtly. She was very specific I had no say what so ever and I felt I would probably be kicked out if I didn't "shut up". She utilized my driver license again for verification and gave it back to me. She then asked me my name and I gave her an identification card with all my information. She rudely said "can't you even say your name"? I replied , "yes , however my last name is easily misspelled ". I thanked her still for "helping me" in spite of her predetermined attitude regarding our interaction. Having dealt with her previously , she was respectful and helpful. Today she can only be described as having a nasty closed mind attitude. I told her there is always two sides to a story , unfortunately she wouldn't hear it. Great selection of quality products and often times terrific sales. My customer service experience is normally great. Only other consistent issue has been sale items not in the computer and waiting for another employee to verify the price. Mainly with "feed". Buyer beware and hopefully my two unhappy customer experiences are the exception. Addendum , after initially writing and submitting this review I then read multiple previous reviews. Obviously my experience today with this member of management is not unique. As not to further escalate a situation , my future feed purchases whenever possible will be through the local "Tractor Supply" . Other necessities can be obtained through various...

DO NOT buy baby chicks from the local BHC Cal-Ranch. They do not follow the proper protocol for baby chicks. Not even their own recommended protocol. I went to cal ranch yesterday and today. Both times I kindly mentioned to them that they are using pelletized bedding which is dangerous to baby chicks, they will confuse it with food and become impacted. When I say kindly, I mean I couldn’t say it any nicer if I tried because I was only worried about the best interest of the baby chicks. The animal area supervisor scolded me and told me that they don’t have that problem, although yesterday when the kids and I went there were atleast 10 baby chicks dead. When my husband and I left the store the assistant manager came out and yelled at me saying that I was being derogatory with her employees every time I come in, mind you we have spent close to $4,000 since this store opened in December and only talked to employees twice in hopes of saving these baby chicks. I order my chickens from the same hatchery they do, I know the protocol. My husband tried to explain to her that I wasn’t the one being mean, it was the employee. She told him to stop talking that she wasn’t talking to him she was talking to me. I asked her if I could please explain what happened and she told me no and walked away.

Please note this is the chick protocol from their own website, that states flakes should be used for baby chickens. We are both beyond upset with how we were treated and will never spend money at...