Cato
Reviews and Complaints

I went to my local cato store today about 3 pm to return two items, jeans and a top for a refund. I have boycotted this store for about a year and a half and just recently starting shopping here again after I was treated so badly over a cheap refund. Today was no different! There was a new girl being trained so she went to get the manager there which was deanna wooden. I believe that was her name, very tall, very blonde, very rude. She proceeded to tell the girl that she could not give me my cash back and that it had to go back on my debit card. I said "oh no" I want my cash back, this is why I boycotted this store in the first place, and she the manager replied "oh, I know who you are" and I ask her what she meant by that and she said your the one who called and complained on us before, and I said yes, sure did. She was so rude and disrespectful and I am not a happy camper and things are still the same at the store. She did all of this in front of the new girl. She said do you know how much money we lose by people using their debit, and I said no and I don't care, not my problem, give me my cash back. She also said someone named desiree gave them a lot of grief for giving people their cash back. It's their cash! When she asked for my name and address I gave it to her and she said oh you live on my street. We happen to live on the same street, not your street. I am now fearful of retribution from her and not sure if she might do something to my house or car or what, but this is completely out of control, and I should not have to be fearful of her. I will hold cato personally responsible if something happens to me or my person by this employee. I can not believe how they treat people over you wanting your cash back instead of back on your debit when your debit is cash right then. I know other people who have stopped shopping at this location for this and other reasons as well, like smoking outside right in front of the store. The small blond headed women I saw do this myself. You can hear them talking about you or others when your shopping. I have never been treated so badly in my life. If I do take something back I always make sure it has tags on it and I always have my receipt. I will never shop here again and will tell my family and friends not to as well. Some people speak with their wallets and I am one of those and you are losing a good and loyal customer to the tune of about 7 grand a year I have spent in there. I have shopped with cato for years but will never, ever be back. I hope that you do something to this woman and the other staff about this because this is totally unacceptable and now I am very fearful of this women. She really talked to me terribly and made me feel awful. I want my name and address out of your system immediately! I do not want anyone else knowing my address for I am fearful they might try to get even for my contacting corporate. Lost customer forever...

Myra lee
[protected]@yahoo.com

I'm a value costumer in this store I travel from OKlahona City to Shawnee Ok to buy from this particular store because they have a great selccion the rest of the peraonal is nice but the mangar Thamara alway descriminate me and my familly, with her actitude, with her accions etc. Today did it one more time and I think in off is in off.
I'm sick to come to the store and have to take her deacrimination.
Shop sould be a nice experience not a bad one.

I have had your store credit card for almost two years now and recently found out that I was automatically signed up for a magazine subscription that I did not request or confirm. I was told that I have to call the subscription company, but they never answer. I now supposedly owe over 200 dollars for a service that I did not request nor want. FIX this NOW!

It is sad that Cato's customer service is deteriorating to that poor level! Love CATO but this was the first time the customer service was terrible!
I was at the High Point store this past Sunday, and let me tell you, Sunday(2/18/18) workers need training, I was not at all impressed. I'm at the counter, two ladies are talking and paying no attention to me. I waited for a good five minutes, then I asked for assistance. Then, the tall White girl starts snatching my clothes as she is taking them off the hanger. Real RUDE! I walked out.

2/3/17 - Fremont, NE. There is only ONE store in Fremont NE that sells Plus size clothing. That store is Cato. You have the corner market and the employees do not value their job. This morning I waited with three others. Doors are to open at 10 am. At 11:10 am .. we were finally allowed in. We were told due to an alarm clock malfunction the store could not be open at 10 am. Good heavens! You have to be at work at 10 am and you cannot make it? We were told "I am sorry but there is nothing that can be done about it". Omaha is not that far and there are two plus size stores on west center road. It would be nice to have more professional outfits! Plus size women have white collar jobs too.

Bad Quality merchandise, Rude workers, and a dirty store. Many pairs of pants have ripped the first day of buying them. The shirts shed their material everywhere, I wore a brand new shirt from Catos that was velvet material and all day I have left fuzzies all over my office. It is embarrassing to have your boss ask you why there is a mess all over the office. I went to the store and asked for my money back for the pants and the shirt and never received a refund. I hope to never go back to Catos.

Dear CATO Corporation,
I'm writing to you all because I was a loyal employee for your company for about 2 years. When I first started working for your company your store manager Maleka Watson, and your district manager; Erica Booth were beyond amazing. They showed genuine concern about what went on in the store. Their concern proved to be a mask of deception. About two or three months ago I called Erica to let her know what was going on in her store. Maleka, the store manager was stealing hours, leaving work before she was scheduled to get off, putting things on hold for the store manager in Thomasville, AL., Using her discount for her mother-in-law, etc. She seemed concerned as we talked but she did nothing about it other than tell her she had to work 45hrs each week. The entire staff at the store #322 was about to quit at one point because they were fed up with Maleka's attitude and power to walk over every one. Call EVERYBODY that has quit the store #322 and ask them why they quit. My name is Ashley Walls and what I've lost with your company because Maleka Watson and Erica Booth failed to do their jobs is beyond painful. On 11-27-2017 I was happily pregnant. That day I had to get a lay-a-way. I went up and down the ladder multiple times Maleka was in the back watching. She knew I was pregnant, but wasn't talking to me at the time, so she watched. Long story short I started bleeding afterwards and had to go to 2 different ERs. I was diagnosed with threatened miscarriage and put on bed rest. Maleka was the first person I told this to. Two days later she called and asked me when I was coming back to work. I told her that I would come back when I stopped bleeding, I had already told her this. She replied "T said she has to get off at 4 because she had to get her child and I have a lot to do I can't come in so what are you gonna do?" I felt as though she would fire me if I didn't go in so on 11-30-17 I reluctantly went in to work. The next day the bleeding had become heavy again so I text and told her I couldn't come in and that I would call Benefits and Erica so I could see what I could do to not be forced to come to work until I stopped bleeding. She told me that I was putting the store in a bind and that she would call Erica too. I then reached out to Erica my heart was broken and I was scared. I left a message on her phone, she NEVER reached out to me. Later that same day I had a miscarriage. I had to scoop the formation of my baby from the toilet, I will never be the same. All I ask is that you all DO SOMETHING about this. I WILL NOT MOVE ON until something is done!. Check your records you will see that EVERYTHING I've told you is the truth. I was second assistant manager at the store and recently I quit. It was so hard for me to go in the store knowing that Maleka knows what she did. She NEVER apologized or checked on me when I lost my baby. I have panick attacks now. I can't sleep at night from the fear of the two children I have somehow dying in their sleeps or something. I stay up to make sure they're still breathing. Tuesday of this week Maleka scheduled me for a 12hr shift with no lunch and I would be working with a new girl. I had told her the day before that I wouldn't do that shift. She texted back once with "well don't, quit" after that message she didn't respond to me. When I got to work I called Erica she basically told me to suck it up because managers make sacrifices. She told me to work that day and just quit the next day. I walked out of the store that day because I had sacrificed enough for my position. When I told Erica I couldn't work a 12hr shift she asked me if I had a doctor's excuse for why I couldn't work 12hrs. I almost broke down, because when I was telling Maleka I couldn't come back to work until I stopped bleeding I told her I would have documentation from a doctor for EVERY day I would miss. She STILL left me no choice but to come to work. The day I quit I called Maleka and she still wouldnt answer so I called corporate so they could possibly get somebody in the store. Erica had told me to get either the first assistant or Maleka to come in when she realized I had quit. I called them both. The first assistant couldnt come in and Maleka still wouldnt answer. Maleka is very decieving and manipulative. She takes days claiming that she has to take her husband to the doctor. More than once her husband has called the store asking for her when shes supposed to be with him. Ask the first assistant if you need conformation. I have more information if you would like to reach out to me.I want justice for my baby.

Sincerely,
Ashley Walls
[protected]

Obviously this is the root of the problem!

Pros: learn great time Management, meet the most wonderful and spiritual customers

Cons: upper management 's corruption is irreparable, unprofessional behavior of District Manager and Second Assistant is absurd, no good work ethic and moral values.

Customer's quote and current employee response:
Bonita June 29, 2017 at 11:10 am
"I have shopped at Cato's for many years. But the last two years the quality of Cato's clothing is terrible. Not sure what has happened, but can't find anything to buy that I would be proud to wear. I still stop in at your stores but find nothing of quality and buy nothing. I am sorry that Cato's has lowered themselves to this standard of products.
I am sure this will be a factor in Cato's store closings.
Sad!"

Well said!, and yes, Bonita it is sad! They blame the fact that no one wants to purchase their poor quality of clothes that they are sending to the store on the store manager. In another word, the merchandise sucks, but you have to force customers to purchase it. If the customers refused to purchase the crappy products, guess what? The District Manager will confront you, and said, the Regional Manager. wants to demote you to First Assistant because you are at the bottom of the list for sale! It is a bunch of B S, the real reason behind it is they both do not want to promote you because they are racists.

The cato in mexia tx store is the worst I've ever been in since they got new employees first the girls are poorly dressed, non friendly, they are on their phones more than helping customers. It took them 15 minutes before they even came to see if I needed help. They were counting down the registers before store closing hours and telling customers that the store was closing 10 minutes till. That store has gone down because of the poor customer service

I am a huge fan of catos, almost everything I own comes from there store until this spring. I spend hundreds of dollars there and never have trouble finding things to buy. The last several months have been awful! I have been there multiple times, lots of friendly faces gone, and so is the good taste in clothing I am accustomed to seeing. My daughter has also quit going all together. If I get to findlay I find all kinds of stuff to buy, but it's far away, so it's whatever is going on at the wauseon store. Lots like a bunch of fuddy duddy old lady clothes now. The people working by there don't look any better. What happened to my favorite store?.. Someone can't buy, and can't put together cute outfits, the manaquins look awful to. Why would you hire people that can't put together there own outfits let alone a stores? So disappointed. I'm sure your sales from the wauseon branch are going to start to reflect it, if it hasn't already. Losing a big fan and her daughter.

She is real rude to her employees I think they all are new real nice ladies that look like they care about their jobs.. I've noticed since they've been there it's been a better environment and shopping experience but y'all have to do something because it's always a new crew every few months I believe you have to evaluate who you have in charge of these ladies because she is not it.. It's Fashion don't need a young manager if they don't know how to talk to the employees

My mother and i love cato store we went to wirt and westview store really this three employees are very rude and look like they dont want to be there we had ahard time looking for the cloth and boots we needed for a partu the two african american ladys were just talking about there personal life we ask if we can try a pants and she came and open the door with an attitude we really dont apreciate that now i understand why that store dont have no customers they are rudy at all times but as soon a african lady walks in both ladys greeted her thats not right there is too many places around town to go spend the money

I visited the Covington GA store on my lunch break today. I found so many nice items and spent a little less than $100 for them. That was the best part...the worst was the manager. He was loud...i could hear him talking to his employees all thru the store and I was loud myself talking on my cell. I wanted to ask him about a pair of pants on the clearance rack with no red mark down price on the tag but he was still loud talking to his employee. I kind of waved and excused myself to get his attention cause staring at him wasn't working and I asked him about the pants before he said anything or even looked at me he came toward me with his hand out and took the pants out of my had and said as he turned away from me to start back talking to his employee, "cause it's not supposed to be on that rack." Then he proceeded with his conversation.

When I checked out he asked me about a Cato "charge card" and I admit I thought why not and it should be quick like when you got to Target or the like and they just punch in your info. But as he started asking me for my personal information like my social security number and wrote it on the form I realized it's an actual credit card (charge card duh lol) so at first I was like ok it's fine but then he got on the phone and was just sitting there. I realized I only have 10 minutes left on my break I can't wait on this. I tell him so and he says "your killing me, " crumbles the application with my info on it throws it in the trash (NO SECURITY) then proceeds to ring up my items while up selling items with no eye contact("did you want any accessories, " etc.). After that exchange he handed me my bags while resuming his loud talking to his female employees. I asked him did he want the email slip he asked me to complete to get online coupons and he snatched the paper out of my hand while talking and walking toward the employee, again no eye contact. thank you or good night.

Like I said, he was short, condescending and dismissive and I will not go to that store again. I will go to the store near me though...the prices were great!

Code of conduct violation store 950

Foremost, I would like to thank for taking the time to read this report. Things have really gotten out hand in store 950 Louisville, Ky. 3 long time employees quit largely because of the way the new Manager, Regina Sudduth, has treated them. She creates a very toxic working environment. For example she often yells "AYE!" across the store to get our attention & insults us in front of customers. She has made a current employee, April Haas, cry after repeatedly yelling at her & telling her to leave. Customers on several occasions have told me they think she is very unprofessional & belittling. Today I was yelled at and told that I believe I am "beneath" the job. However, I do not believe I am beneath anyone. As you can see in the 30 and 60 day report I was evaluated as a very hard working employee.

She told me pulled me in the back room and yelled at me repeatedly. You can call of my previous job references and speak to all of the employees at store 950 if you want to inquire more about my character. If you have any more questions or would like further information, please let me know.

I went into store on November 30th to shop. I was greeted hello from across the store. I walked around about 30 minutes and was never offered any assistance. I finally walked to the counter where there stood 3 employees. I asked for help, she helped but did not stick around and offer some more assistance. At that point I decided to shop elsewhere. Very very disappointed.

not professional at all. My wife and I was in the store and she was just rude. On the phone Facebook. Watching a video obviously she was on with some dude. Just unprofessional. She brings her drama from the streets she be in to her job. My wife did research and saw the video she is on smoking and drinking. It's on a guy name Essex Carter. We will no longer shop there long as she there

Horrible customer service, my orders are two weeks and no follow up emails about my late orders and compare themselves to Amazon shipping. Amazon is the best company to shop and have the best Cust services. I've ever had to deal with. They've never let me down. I know it's not the same for everyone but it has been for me. Their VP Larry Mouser isn't any good with helping either. I really hate to stop shopping with Cato's, perhaps just shopping in the store will be my only option.

I made a return on October 7 2017. My card has yet to be credited. I have gone into the store, which is the Alvin Texas location, on 3 different occasions and the people working say there is nothing they can do. One worker tool my number and said she will call the district manager and she never returned my call. I tried callomg corperate office and no one answered. I returned almost $60 worth of merchandise and have not received my money back. I will never shop at this estalbiment again. Horrible customer service

On Friday, October 6, 2016 around 6:30 p.m. I was shopping with my two daughters in the Cato's store on Woodruff Road in Greenville, SC. I was asked my a salesperson (Heidi) if I needed assistance. I said no, that I was just looking. Heidi continued to ask me at lease 3-4 more times if she could help me. Again and again, I stated that I was fine and did not need any help. Heidi continued to follow my daughters and I around the store as if she thought we were going to shoplift. I didn't appreciate this kind of treatment. I am a regular Cato's shopper and never have I felt as if I was being harassed by a salesperson. Heidi continued to pretend to straighten clothes on racks as she continued to stare at my daughters and I. This was totally unnecessary; as I explained to Heidi there was no reason for her to follow my daughters and I around the store. Anything that I wanted from Cato's, I was quite capable of paying for. When I confronted Heidi about this, she stated that salespeople were told to stay close to the customers. I don't if this is true or not, but I didn't appreciate being asked repeatedly if I needed assistance or being watched. Not a good shopping experience...makes me not want to shop there again. I would appreciate any feedback that you may have.

On July 14, 2017 I purchases a pair of sunglasses. They were gold trim and the lenses were tinted glass. I paid $7.99 for them. Soon after purchasing the glasses, I notices the side of the frames were crackling, and that it was glass, needless to say, I was afraid of wearing them for fear getting in my eyes. In the interim making the purchasing and getting to the store to exchange the sunglasses, I diligently searched for my receipt. I could not locate my receipt. So I went into the store on August 15, 2017 and spoke to the manager regarding the crackling glass, misplacement of my receipt and asked for an even exchange or store credit. Well, Cato's manager said, "because you don't have your receipt, I can't do anything." I asked for a store credit and the manager said "no" because it looked like I damaged the sunglasses. I informed the manager, I did not damage the glasses and asked her to look at the glass that was on the side of the lens that was peeling (even as we was speaking). I also told her that the lens were not cracked or scratched, and that it appears to be a company defect with the glasses but that I cannot wear them and risk glass getting into my ears. The manager's expression was uncaring and clearly denied to remedy the situation. In fact, the manager insisted that I damaged the glasses. I than asked for her manager, or company number. The manager looked at me as though, I asked a "crazy"question. In fact, I had to explain to her my intentions of contacting Cato corporate, because 1)she was adamantly blaming me (customer) for causing glass damage to pair of $7.99 sunglasses and 2) she clearly was not going to offer any other solution to the matter.

Originally, I wanted a store credit. At this point, I am requesting reimbursement.

She was reluctant to give me her name and store number, but with my consistent request, she wrote her information down. The Cato's store is located in Calvert County, Prince Frederick Maryland and the store number is #853, the manager name is Erin McPhillips.

My name is Belinda and my email address is [protected]@gmail.com. I can also be reached at [protected] for further information needed regarding this complaint.
Thank you in advance to your attention to this matter.