The Change Jar — Local services in Warrensburg

Despite having a previous negative experience with the store owner at this store, both my mother and I have returned and today was the last time. We are small business owners from Kansas City and we give back to our community. As part of doing so, we travel to find secondhand gently used items to donate and jewelry for reselling to fund our mission. The last time we came into this store, the owner was present and she was very unfriendly and nothing short of uninviting and unapproachable. The employee was very nice and friendly and you could very easily tell that she was fearful of the owner. I vowed to never return after that first experience, but my mom has returned and she has spent hundreds each month on jewelry at this store. Today I returned with her, reluctantly, and behold the owner showed up literally within a couple minutes of us walking in. My mom asked the employee if she could see the jewelry and the young employee proceeded to opening the glass case and handing my mom the box containing jewelry to look through as she continued to stand in front of my mom in observation, doing her job, and being friendly while doing so. My mother has built rapport with this young lady as she is normally there working while my mom has come in over the last several months and she is attentive, profesional, through and friendly. You could instantly feel the energy shift when the owner walked in and, much worse, the young lady’s demeanor changing into an intimidated, fearful one. The owner stood from about 5 feet away behind the cash register across from them as I lingered nearby sifting through a clothing rack. I knew then, just by the stares and the way that the owner was watching the employee and my mom, that this would be a short visit. In a very abrasive and malicious tone, she scolded the employee telling her that she cannot show a customer an entire box and, instead, she has to show the jewelry individually. That conversation could have waited until after we left but even if she felt the need to do this during our visit, there is a more effective and dignified way of talking to employees. She stood from behind the counter and stared with so much hate and hostility, so we did what any customer would do and we decided to leave. I rallied up my two girls and I told them we are leaving. I turned to my mom and told her, “Let’s go mom. We’re not buying anything here. The owner is mean and I don’t want you to give her anymore business.” I added that she buys hundreds from this play each month and it is not right that this is the treatment she receives. I did not use any derogatory or defamatory language nor did I exhibit the same hostility in behavior that the owner did. As my mom left, the owner told her, “I am sorry but I am going to have to press charges on her due to what she said.” My mom’s response was that this is our second encounter with her and she is mean and, quite frankly, the only harm that comment could have done is perhaps hurt a fragile ego. I would highly recommend against the continuation of support to this business not only for my mom but anyone who feels that they have to subject themselves to such shameful behavior from a business owner. That response to a very transparent and straightforward comment, that I made with 100% truth, tells you all you need to know. Rather than apologize for her behavior, or simply use the transparency from her customers to turn things around, she would rather threaten her customers and as a business owner, society holds no place for intolerant business owners who cannot treat the general public with humility...

I walked into this store this morning, unknowing to anyone there I had messed up my back pretty bad over the weekend and was wearing loose sweat pants because it’s literally the only thing I could slip on, needless to say I’ve never felt more judged. The lady working was helpful while looking for the work pants I needed but I also noticed her looks as she stared at my sweats and beat up boots. Another lady came in and did the exact same. Really made me feel like I was a common low down bum. I...

The store is cramped, dirty and overpriced, but don’t worry because while browsing they will be listening to your conversation for any language that’s offensive. Meanwhile the 70.00 used dress and piles of clutter are far more offensive than a word. Clean mouth, dirty...