Tobacco Depot — Local services in Clearwater

I returned to Florida last fall to finally settle into retirement. I was shopping next door to the Tobacco Depot (TD) and thought I'd see if they had snuff at a decent price as it is triple the price I was paying in Virginia!

I was greeted with a "Welcome to Tobacco Depot" by George Robbins. He was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable of all things "tobacco!" I explained my price-shock coming from Virginia and he educated me on the pricing advantages of buying in tubs/bulk to mitigate the higher per can prices. He offered insight on the different brands, and I actually decided to try a different brand for the first time in 10+yrs!

I found the new brand to have a better flavor/feel and began buying it by the tub/bulk, lowering my per can price dramatically! I initiated a membership with the new brand and began using their mobile app to access their coupons. I was able to order coupons by mail, but the electronic coupons wouldn't scan at the register. I went to TD in the evening and learned this from the female cashier who told me if it doesn't scan, then it can't be used for the purchase.

I made an inquiry with the brand, and was told many retailers don't have scanners, and manually enter the coupon. During my next visit I explained this to the same female cashier who said she didn't know anything about manually entering coupons. I also asked her about the discount marked on the shelf for my purchase as I didn't see the discount deduction on my receipt. She suggested I come in, and speak with the manager for a solution/answer to both questions.

I met with George Robbins with a frustrated attitude, as I felt I didn't receive the electronic and store discounts from the female cashier. Mr. Robbins listened to my complaints and offered clear explanations for each. The paper coupons could be serviced by the female cashier, the electronic coupons that didn't scan could be overridden by him as the manager, and the shelf discount was integrated into a lower shelf price therefore not a line item on my receipt! His calm and professional interaction with me was refreshing as all my issues were answered and resolved instantly.

I highly recommend this Tobacco Depot, and George Robbins, for anyone's tobacco needs as Mr. Robbins has the knowledge and demeanor to truly deliver the best product and service for your unique...

I am deeply concerned about the behavior of the General Manager, George, at Tobacco Depot - McMullen location. I was informed through a longtime customer that he made extremely vulgar and disrespectful comments to an employee, leaving them uncomfortable in their own workplace. This type of conduct is completely unacceptable for anyone, let alone someone in a leadership role.

When a company allows management to behave this way, it sends a clear message that employee well-being is not a priority. I cannot support local businesses that operate like this, and I would strongly caution others to think twice before giving their money to a place that tolerates such unprofessional and offensive behavior.

Since owner responded: I appreciate that you say employee well-being is a priority, but I believe this is an issue that deserves transparency, not a private discussion. The behavior described was witnessed and discussed by multiple customers, not just an isolated concern.

If the company is truly committed to accountability, I encourage you to publicly confirm that a proper investigation was conducted and that steps are were taken to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for the employee. This isn’t about personal grievance—it’s about maintaining community trust and protecting workers from...

I've been a customer here for several years. Generally, it's been a good experience but there often comes a time when you realize how much or -- as this incident shows-- how little a business actually values longtime customers. I went in to buy a cartoon of cigarettes and had an $8 coupon electronic coupon to use. The cashier somehow managed to mess up the scan and then deleted the purchase from the register. However, because the scan registered with the coupon provider, I essentially did not have a coupon anymore. The cashier proceeded to charge me the regular price, essentially telling me "tough luck," as it was "not his fault." (Not sure whose fault he thought it was.) Naturally, I protested and was told I could come back the next day and "talk to George." Well, I am not going to come back and talk to George. In fact, I won't be back at all. But congratulations Tobacco Depot, You managed to make a customer pay for your $8 error and all it cost you was his...