General Discussion

I had friends visit Dawlish today and we had a lovely day in town, by the river, sea and shops and a lovely cream tea!

Called in at 'Presents' in The Strand..very impressed with the variety of gifts at reasonable prices, cards and of course lovely Thorntons Ice Cream... BUT ..when we went to pay for some gifts we were greeted by a very sour and unfriendly member of staff with long blonde hair, she clearly dislikes her job and customers who are apparantly a nuisance. Not a smile nor a please or a thank you ..change was deposited ungraciously on the counter.

Question! ..Why does the owner go to all the trouble of having a lovely shop with so many nice gifts and then employ one member of staff that can do so much damage to their reputation?

In contrast the lady on the jewellery counter by the entrance was a delight and was chatting to pending customers and making them and us feel welcomed.

Had a lovely cream tea at the Old Mill and a visit to the Teddy Bear shop next door ..again very welcoming and a fine ambassador for Dawlish and its small shops.

It costs nothing to smile ..it can make the difference to someones day!

The same woman did exactly the same to my parents who were visiting. Shes not just miserable shes pig ignorant. she also refused to get a figurine from the cabinet for my son who was buying it for his mums birthday,he wanted to look at it first. we dont use that place anymore,id rather travel to newton or exeter than put any money in their tills. I may be wrong but i was told the woman in question IS the owner

No wonder Dawlish reputation is going downhill with owners like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would hope it wasn't the owners - both women are really nice and would be very upset to hear of this experience.

Well I dont know who's who in the shop. but ..the woman I refer to is a blonde with glasses and doesnt smile at anyone!!!!!!!!!! ...I noticed too she is 'sharp' with staff members.

Oh my goodness ..just been in and got some chocs. That blonde 'i refuse to smile to anyone' ... is still there !!!!

I went in to sign the book of condolences for the red arrows pilot the other day, and was greeted only by smiles and help from all members of staff I spoke to, blonde and brunette, and I wasn't even buying anything.

I buy a lot of presents and cards there, whatever time I go in, opening time or late in the day have always found everyone there to be friendly and helpful. Having dealt with clients/customers for many years I find the attitude of the customer is often reflected by the staff in any business, enough said!!

I have no issue with the girls in the chocolate department, they are friendly and welcoming, I am refering to one person in particular as was 'Wordonthestreet' above, she can single handedly ruin the reputation of a really nice shop.

Went in last week and the person you refer to was very friendly when i spoke with her. she was polite, helpful and did everything i required of her. Seems you are the only person that has a problem in the shop.You must have done something to upset her, perhaps it was slagging her off on here.

Maybe someones had a word then.because she is(or has been) commented apon by quite a few people,just because they dont put it on here doesnt mean its isolated incidents.

I know some customers can try the patience of a saint,but the secret is to bitch and moan once theyve paid and left,and definately not get stroppy just because they ask you a few questions.

For a shop that depends mainly on the tourist trade,this isnt a sound attitude to have

I agree with warrener,the girls on the choccy/ice crem counter are very friendly.

This woman may be a nice person when not at work,but ive witnessed her first hand being impolite to the point of being offensive with customers,and as i stated above,my parents were one set of customers who she treated in this manner. I can put my hand on my heart and swear they had done nothing to warrant the decidely unfriendly service they got. Its a testement to my mum she actually paid for the stuff,id have left once she wrapped it and told her to shove it when she asked for payment.

Im sure those of us that work in retail will all agree its a pretty thankless task,and theres some major lip biting and counting to ten goes on,but it helps to start on a friendly note,and if you think youre going to be in a bad mood all day,call in sick