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The following took place a few months back and since then I have contemplated about sharing it here. Afterall, MojoDaddy and I created this site to highlight the good and positive aspects of life with kids. I reconsidered and what follows is solely my account of what happened on that day. Another milestone reached.... MoJo's first pair of real shoes. I did the research, visited every website on the market, and spent hours comparing features, benefits, testimonials and even exchanging informational emails with different manufacturers. Therefore I knew what I wanted and I knew where to go, Kiddie Kobbler. After all, my first shoes were purchased there, as were scores for all of my little cousins. Doing a quick Google search, I found that the nearest location to me was at Oakville Place and so off I went with a happy-as-ever Mojo in tow. I have lived in Canada for 28 years and had never been to this mall, so I was really looking forward to a fun relaxing shopping afternoon. I found the store quite easily and in I went - what follows is my side of the events that transpired:
I was greeted by a young lady who seemed to be very polite. - I asked her to show me some shoes for Mojo that he could start wearing. She suggested some sandals that were cute, but I clarified at that point that I specifically wanted a very flexible soft-soled shoe. She proceeded to point out the brands, but did not proactively offer suggestions other than the hard-soled shoes.
- At that point I began to ask for specific brands - Minibel, Pediped, Geox. She did present the items to me, but only after I asked and did not suggest any alternatives. As I narrowed down my choices, I would have my son walk around the store in them to see if he was comfortable with them.
- I admit there was a little frustration as every pair I really liked ended up not being available in his size. At this point I had mentally decided on the Pediped style, but wanted to have a quick browse at a few other items - sandals, swim shoes etc.
I was struggling to get a pair of the swim shoes on my wiggling son, and finally gave up and half turned to place it on top of the banquet seating. As I did so, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Mojo was about to fall head-first onto the floor, so I know I dropped the shoe and grabbed for Mojo. - I realized that Mojo was no longer having fun so I pick-up the Pediped box and went to the counter where I placed it firmly on the counter with a tired sigh.
- This is when the store owner (Mr. Sharma) picked-up the box and banged it on the counter and asked me why I had done that. I asked, “done what?” He banged the box on the counter again. I said, “I’m sorry I didn’t realize I did that, but I’d like to purchase these shoes.”
- Mr. Sharma told me he would not let me purchase the item. I told Mr. Sharma that I want to purchase that item and I have the means to do so. Mr. Sharma took the box, slammed it behind the counter out of my reach and told me that he did not have to sell me the item and to leave his store.
- I respectively complied with his request, left the store and proceeded to find the Guest Services area. I explained to the Guest Concierge my brief interaction with Kiddie Kobbler. She did all of the proper things, suggesting I write a comment to the GM of Oakville place. I accepted her advice and promised to follow-up; however, I still needed those shoes and I was determined to have the opportunity to purchase them that day.
- As the GM was away, the Guest Services suggested she call security and maybe have them escort me to complete my purchase
- The security supervisor came, spoke with me and then explained that he could not make a tenant sell an item to me, but he would go and talk to the manager/owner (Mr. Sharma).
- Upon his return, we had made no progress, so I asked that the individual in charge in the GM’s absence be called.
- He came and spoke with me and then suggested we go over to the store. At that point the security supervisor kept Mojo and I company as the Director of Operations (of Oakville Place) tried to reason with Mr. Sharma. Finally, the security supervisor excused himself to go into the store to see how much longer this was going to take
- Within a few minutes both the Director of Operations and the Security Supervisor emerged. The Dir of Ops tried to make me feel better by saying that if I wasn’t happy with the young lady I should have asked for the manager. (There was no need to ask for him - he was standing three feet from us at all times.)
In conclusion, the Dir of Ops said that if I wanted the shoes both he and security would escort me into the store. They cautioned me not to say anything, and just complete the transaction - which I did. I was then escorted out of the store. Never in my life have I ever been so humiliated and treated as rudely as I was today. As for Mr. Sharma's version of the events he will have to tell youhis side himself.
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