Cato Fashions — Local services in Palestine

It is almost 100 degrees outside, I drove over an hour to get to Palestine to pick up a grocery order. I have my dog with me. She is a small 10lb dog. I carry her everywhere, I would never consider putting her on the ground in a public place. I live in the middle of nowhere, so a clothing store is a treat. So, while I was in town, I decided to stop into Cato's. Of course it is too hot to leave my girl in the car so I take her in with me. I asked one of the 2 employees if it was OK to have her inside the store. I felt that was the most polite thing to do, to ask for permission for my dog to be inside the clothing store with me. One of the 2 employees responded rudely, stating, "As long you hold her." Never did she welcome me to the store. The other employee walked right by me as if I did not exist, never acknowledging my presence. I browsed the clothing racks and found a couple of items that I would have liked to try on. But before trying on the clothes, I asked the other employee if I may use the restroom. I was told, "No, not with the dog!" Really? I still would manage not to sit her on the floor of a nasty public restroom... Then the employee stated, "we don't have a public restroom!" I stated, "What? Because I have my dog with me, I can not use your restroom?" She never stopped walking as if blowing me off. I was baffled and stated that I had driven a long way and hoped to try on some clothes also. I then stated, "I guess I can not do that either, right?" The employee had nothing to say. I casually browsed a couple of racks while she stood by the door waiting for me to leave. It was obvious that I was not welcome! I inquired as to what time they closed. It was 6 pm at that time. The employee stated 8pm. I said, "Interesting, it appears as if you are waiting for me to leave so that you can lock the door." Pitiful, pitiful customer service! Good thing they do not work on commission. Those two worthless employees...

My last two experiences with this store have been a disaster. I went in last week to purchase a few items and I paid with a hundred dollar bill. The lady marked it with the pin and held it to light and then took it to the back. I thought it was odd but I went on about my way. Today, I sent my daughter in to get her some things. I waited for a while and I took a long time for her to exit the store. She stated that the cashier did the same routine she did with me. But, this time she went to back and didn’t come back for over ten minutes. The lady behind her was not a person of color and she paid with a hundred dollar bill also. She marked her money and instantly proceeded with the transaction. That was a problem for me. Is my money not good enough? Was it because I have a darker complexion? I know I won’t get an answer but, I hope that no one else has this issue. If I could give 0 stars I...

Disappointed that they don't provide customers with access to their restroom. My wife purchased several items, and was told that the closest public restroom (for our child) was across the parking lot at Wendy's...(thank you Wendy's). She was already in the process of paying... hindsight, everything should have been placed back on the shelf and business taken elsewhere. Lesson learned, won't be supporting Cato's...