Marshalls

Dear Sir or Madam,

On Thursday, Apr. 27, I visited Marshalls on 50 West 225th Street, Bronx, NY 10463 around 4:05pm ET. Upon entering the store, I grabbed a shopping cart but within seconds I was approached by loss prevention agent Louis. Immediately, Louis accused me of changing merchandise price tags. Not only was I confused by his false accusations, but I was publicly humiliated because I have never done any such thing. When I asked Louis to show me proof, he simply informed me that he as well as several employees had witnessed me changing price tags and that he had video footage. Naturally, I requested to view the footage or at best screenshots. Then he informed me that the Manager Haydee insisted he approach me and tell me that I am no longer welcomed to shop at the store. Meanwhile the Manager Haydee observed from behind the register but when I asked to speak with her, she abruptly disappeared into the office behind the register never to be seen again. Not only did I suffer humiliation, but it elevated my anxiety and blood pressure. I am a loyal customer and have never done such a thing nor am I capable because of my disability — I always walk with a cane and because of this have use of one hand most times which has nerve damage. I knew that Louis was lying so again I demanded he, the Manager Haydee or these alleged employees who witnessed me changing tags show proof of my wrongdoing. He simply said he’d “be right back” and disappeared into the same office as Haydee. At this moment, I believe that he’s retrieving the proof that he was so adamant he had. While I awaited his return, I spoke with another Manager Cheryl and informed her of what transpired but she was unaware of these allegations and uncertain about the reason that Louis approached me. Five minutes pass and then I had to ask another security to call Louis to return otherwise I’d probably still be standing there today. Finally, several minutes later Louis emerged from the register office without proof.  Not only was I disrespected once but twice when he and Haydee left me standing at the front and I had to request that he finish speaking with me. Again, I asked him about the false allegations he’s made against me. He admits that he never had any proof, nor did he witness me (he only focuses on shoplifters and what goes on at the register) and was simply not his concern and he was only following the orders of the Manager Haydee who refused to talk to me. Once I informed him that I knew my legal rights, and that I would be contacting my lawyer as well as corporate because he handled the situation poorly causing me undue stress he pleaded his case. He profusely apologized and begged me to “please let the situation go, give ‘them’ (he and Haydee) a pass, and continue to shop as you were because he has kids to care for and you don’t want me to lose my job now brother?” Now, I’m his brother who is jeopardizing his livelihood for an ordeal that the Manager Haydee created? I politely informed him that I would not let the situation go because I’m certain Manager Haydee and he felt comfortable intimidating a disabled Black man. Somehow Louis made this situation about he and Haydee’s potential suffering and/or firing but not mine. I asked to speak to Haydee several times and she refused because even she knows security protocol was not followed. I attempted to shop but was upset and left store. Since 2006, I’ve been shopping at this Marshalls location and never had any issues until recently. The accusations by Manager Haydee and Louis are not only ridiculous but humanly impossible for me to execute since I walk with a cane and have use of one hand at a time most times. I am extremely disappointed with the way I was treated like some common criminal. I go through a lot daily dealing with my medical conditions, battling depression and this situation didn’t help. Shame on your managerial staff for making a loyal customer feel unwanted.

Sincerely,

Sharieff Sargent

[protected]@yahoo.com

Cell [protected] 

I went into the dressing room just walked in nobody was attending so I had no clue I needed to get a ticket many stores don’t have attendants these days. I tried on my clothes and came out and now there’s a woman there asking for my ticket. I said oh I didn’t know, sorry! And she got super hostile and aggressive with me. Said she’s always there I was supposed to get a ticket from her. I repeated that nobody was there and there’s no sign. She started getting loud and huffy and said next time do it. I said of course, I would have if anyone was there. Then she yelled WHATEVER at me. I was so shocked to me attacked by an employee nothing like this has ever happened to me. Like you want us to purchase things, yes? I almost threw the clothes down and left. Ridiculous. I’m in tears now what an awful person you have working for your company. I won’t be back to that location.