Office Depot — Local services in Los Angeles

Regrettably, my wife and my visit to the Office Depot on Topanga Canyon was marred by an incredibly disheartening encounter with a shady manager whose conduct reflected a marked departure from the expected standards of customer service. From the onset, the unwelcoming atmosphere was palpable, as our mere presence seemed to elicit unwarranted scrutiny and suspicion. The irony here is that we're prepared to spend $800 on purchasing a laptop.

Upon my arrival, my wife shared her distressing encounters and highlighted how this particular individual, identified as Muriel, appeared to invest energy in curating an unpleasant environment for us while neglecting other customers who may genuinely require assistance. Seeking clarity, I approached this manager and inquired about her name, only to have her walk away without a response.

In an attempt to address the obscured name tag, I followed up by informing her, "Your hair is covering your name tag." To this, her retort was an indifferent acknowledgment: "I know." The concealed identity of the acting manager, notably by using her hair to obscure her name tag, became evident during my visit. Observing her adjusting her hair multiple times further supported this observation. Moreover, the cashier's misleading response when asked about the manager's name only added to the evident lack of transparency. Initially stating her name was "Kim," I later discovered it was, in fact, Muriel, which highlighted the discrepancies in the information provided.

This deliberate act of concealing her identity, coupled with the cashier's misinformation, compounded the sense of opacity surrounding the managerial staff. The obscured name tag, in conjunction with the dismissive demeanor when questioned, contributed to an atmosphere far from welcoming. Instead of fostering a helpful and congenial environment, her actions conveyed an unsettling air of indifference and, at times, outright hostility.

This behavior was particularly notable when I sought the bathroom key for my expectant partner – a simple request that was met with undue resistance and attempts to obstruct the process. Such unnecessary hurdles only served to exacerbate the already disappointing experience.

Most distressing was Muries derogatory and inappropriate comment regarding the restroom facilities, uttered within earshot, insinuating a lack of regard for the dignity and comfort of patrons. Such callous remarks, coupled with dismissive behavior, not only undermined the essence of professionalism but also offended sensibilities and tarnished the overall experience.

It is truly disheartening when an establishment fails to uphold the basic tenets of courteousness and respect, especially towards patrons who seek nothing more than assistance and civility. As a consumer who values ethical conduct and quality service, I am compelled to share this regrettable encounter on various platforms, including corporate channels, in hopes that such behavior is addressed and rectified promptly. Office Depot, known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, ought to be apprised of instances where their esteemed reputation is marred by a single, disconcerting interaction.

Furthermore, I am committed to employing every available avenue to disseminate this disappointing encounter, urging friends, family, and the broader community to abstain from supporting a business where such conduct is deemed acceptable. My intent is not merely to voice dissatisfaction but to catalyze tangible action.

Hence, I vow to disseminate this unfortunate experience across all conceivable review and online platforms, ensuring that my voice is heard and the necessary steps are taken to rectify the glaring discrepancies in customer service and professionalism at this particular Office Depot location. As a result of the unsettling comments my partner had yet to hear, I made a conscious decision to dissuade her from making any purchases here, which only further compounded my disappointment.

Muriel, I would love to hear from you or Chris and...

I had the pleasure of being helped by Muriel at Office Depot, and I can’t say enough about how exceptional she was. From the moment I walked in, Muriel greeted me with genuine warmth and professionalism. She was not only knowledgeable about the products and services, but also incredibly patient, attentive, and detail-oriented.

Muriel is truly a jack of all trades — whether it was tech support, printing services, product recommendations, or navigating store inventory, she handled everything effortlessly. Her versatility and expertise made it clear that she’s someone who can step into any role and excel. She offered thoughtful suggestions, helped me compare options, and ensured I left the store completely satisfied.

Her customer service skills are top-notch — friendly, efficient, and sincere. It’s rare to find someone who not only knows their job well but also truly cares about helping customers.

Thanks to Muriel, what could have been a routine trip turned into a surprisingly enjoyable and productive experience. Office Depot is lucky to have her — and so are the customers who get to work with her.

Highly recommend asking for Muriel if you want excellent service with a smile and someone who can...

What an unpleasant experience. I had to ask a cashier for a cart - for some reason the only two I saw were cordoned off behind the cashiers. They didn't have the highlighters that I typically use (and which I think our office orders from Office Depot). I had to ask twice about the location of the legal pads. Although, in fairness, I must have just not gone down the right aisle after being pointed in the right direction by a nice staff member the first time. But, it doesn't seem to me that it should be so hard to find legal pads. Then, while checking out, I asked for the 3 color cartridges I need for my HP printer. Although I'd written down exactly the "model" number, the cashier spent 3-4 minutes on her phone trying to figure out what I needed. I finally said I was in a hurry and would order them online. She just shrugged. That was probably $100 sale that the store didn't make. Couldn't get out of there...