Cato Fashions — Local services in Charleston

I LOVE Cato. I always make it a point to stop in any nee state/town I'm living to see what I can find. The prices are reasonable and I can always find things that easily go from "office" to "weekend." The clothes hold up really well and if you've never worn their shoes, do. They're super comfy, super cute, and I've never had to pay over $10 for a pair.

Now, the reason for my less than perfect rating. I was shopping in the Folly Road location on May 12. I had to return a couple of items and was excited to exchange them for something new! Upon checking out, I was met with the absolute worst customer service I've experienced in a long time.

The lady checking me out (I do not know her name, but her cashier number was 104) stated "I see why you're returning this l, I never would've let you purchase this, it's way too old for you." Fair. But as I mentioned to her, I have a large tattoo on my chest that, while I'm extremely proud of, I do find it nessecary to cover at work. When I said this, the cashier seemed to lose her mind. I was wearing shorts, so she was able to see the ones on my legs, and my tank top revealed my shoulder tats. She started barrating me on how "trashy" my tattoos were and "oh, I don't see a ring, how will all those tattoos look on your wedding day." She even brought in another customer, seemingly a "regular" who asked how I planned to find a man since my skin was "tarnished" like that.

My mom was shopping with me and tried to pipe up and explain to the lady that all of my tattoos told the story of my life, but she kept on. The other young lady that was working that day (again didn't get her name, but she was a very sweet, very nice blonde) kept piping up about how cool the art was and how she admired them. Trying to get the other employee to stop. Luckily, my phone rang and I was able to use that as my way out and leave, at this point, almost in tears.

I'm extremely sensitive about my ink, because my artwork is personal.

I wouldn't have thought more of it, but I got home and realized that during the entire debacle, cashier 104 did not put my receipt in the bag. I called the store the following day and spoke with Jasmine, the store manager. She was extremely kind and apologized for her employee's behavior stating that she "tends to mother l, even when it is unwarrnated." She pulled up my receipt and I was able to return my items. I could have kept them, sure, but after the experience in the store, it just wasn't the same anymore.

I'm saddened because until this experience, I've had nothing but positive things to say. I will be taking my business to the other Cato locations in my area. Although I know my few hundred dollars a year I spend here really doesn't amount to much in the grand scheme of things, I do not want to shop somewhere where I feel uncomfortable.

Special thank you to Jasmine and the really nice blonde lady that both apologized for the actions of their coworker (even though she didn't...

Literally the WORST customer service I have ever received came from Miss “Store Manager” Lori herself! Refused to give me my items back, after quite literally snatching them from me! Nor did she care that I was calling customer service! Said she would do it herself 😅. Also told me her name was “CATO” 😂. I will never shop at another Cato! What a great way to represent...

Store is very clean and well organized, friendly associates. Because of Covid you can't use the fitting rooms right now, but you can trying at home and return for a limited period of time. Always reasonable prices...