Have you ever shopped at Target? I generally like the experience. However, as they say in spanish "siempre un problema" (Always a problem. ) Where to begin? That's not to say other stores like Home Depot, Trader Joe's etc. don't have issues, because sometimes they do too. It's just that Target, not to be redundant, has been a target.
Issue One: Hacking
The first issue which is probably not their fault entirely was that their computers were hacked, and that some people had their identities stolen along with potential banking information (strike one) I think that this problem has been addressed, but every time I take out a credit card I hesitate. Right after they give you the spiel if you want to open a Target card and get 10% off the purchase. They neglect to mention their bad hacking history, and that their store cards often carry very high rates.
Issue Two: Carts from hell!
Carts at most stores always seem like a crap shoot. You never know what they're going to be like. Have you ever wanted to show the world and maybe yourself how strong you are by carrying one or two hand baskets of merchandise? This lasts about ten minutes, and then you see everyone pushing their carts effortlessly, and want a redo.
A few days ago I was in a Target on Long Island. I got a cart and was pleased that it seemed to be a pretty good one. I pushed it for a few aisles until I noticed there was garbage and a used latex glove inside. I quickly pushed it back to the front of the store for some other unsuspecting shopper. What I really should have done was alerted a worker that it was dirty. Well, hindsight is 20-20 as they say. So, I chose another cart. Big mistake. Things seemed fine for a while until I realized my cart was really a lemon. It started swerving in the wrong direction. Now I am half-way down a long aisle, and I have to decide whether to bring the cart all the way back, or suck it up and keep pushing. I choose the latter. So for the remainder of my shopping experience I am pushing along listing like a drunken sailor.
Cart Update
I went back to Target a few days ago and fixed the problem. You should get a cart outside of the store and if it works on the way there you are in the clear. Also, never put any of your own valuables in the cart because may "accidentally" take yours.
I almost borrowed a Muslim woman's cart thinking it was mind.
Issue Three: Where the hell is it?
Some stores never seem to have anyone around to help you, while others like Target seem like they want to help, but like when you travel in another country the locals smile, point, and then give you the wrong information. This happened the other day. I spoke with three different employees at Target in my search for an organic cleaning product. All of them told me different aisles. Finally, someone had the compassion and good customer service to walk me to where it was. He probably needed to use the nearby bathroom. I just wish it hadn't taken so many tries to find it. Finding organic product seemed harder than Susan Lucci winning an award for acting on a daytime soap opera.
Issue Four: Self Checkout
You know that feeling when you are at the airport, and they tell you at security there is another scanner a few feet away with no line, and you switch lines and it's worse. Well, self checkout unlike at Home Depot or other stores is worse. Why? because no matter what I do it never works out, and I start feeling stressed. Isn't self checkout supposed to be quicker and easier? Either the scanner doesn't work, or that annoying computer voice says, "put your item in the bag." even though I did put it in the bag. Finally a worker comes over and assists me. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of self checkout. It's like the HOV lane with exceptions. Why not just hire another checkout person? wouldn't that make life easier for everyone?
By the way. Both Home Depot and Walmart seem to do this better than target. But if you ever bring your own bag to lessen your environmental footprint, people in Walmart may treat you like a criminal. "Is everything in that bag from this store?" I was asked.
Issue Five: We know who you are.
I heard about the amount of information companies have about you and how they can sometimes generate a flyer to target you. Someone told me that target used to do this all the time. It's time to tell companies that we don't want to be profiled. Unless you're sending me a good coupon.
Life Lesson 127: I'm not saying don't shop at target, because they have some good bargains. All I'm saying is Target should be more compassionate to it's customers, and that when you do shop there, go there with the right attitude preferably early in the morning and not on the weekend, because you probably will have to wait, will deal with crowds and the occasional headache. Keep in mind too that when else fails there's always Target.com. And Target people if you're secretly watching me on my web cam, I'm probably wearing some of your clothes so I don't need a flyer.
The first issue which is probably not their fault entirely was that their computers were hacked, and that some people had their identities stolen along with potential banking information (strike one) I think that this problem has been addressed, but every time I take out a credit card I hesitate. Right after they give you the spiel if you want to open a Target card and get 10% off the purchase. They neglect to mention their bad hacking history, and that their store cards often carry very high rates.
Issue Two: Carts from hell!
Carts at most stores always seem like a crap shoot. You never know what they're going to be like. Have you ever wanted to show the world and maybe yourself how strong you are by carrying one or two hand baskets of merchandise? This lasts about ten minutes, and then you see everyone pushing their carts effortlessly, and want a redo.
A few days ago I was in a Target on Long Island. I got a cart and was pleased that it seemed to be a pretty good one. I pushed it for a few aisles until I noticed there was garbage and a used latex glove inside. I quickly pushed it back to the front of the store for some other unsuspecting shopper. What I really should have done was alerted a worker that it was dirty. Well, hindsight is 20-20 as they say. So, I chose another cart. Big mistake. Things seemed fine for a while until I realized my cart was really a lemon. It started swerving in the wrong direction. Now I am half-way down a long aisle, and I have to decide whether to bring the cart all the way back, or suck it up and keep pushing. I choose the latter. So for the remainder of my shopping experience I am pushing along listing like a drunken sailor.
Cart Update
I went back to Target a few days ago and fixed the problem. You should get a cart outside of the store and if it works on the way there you are in the clear. Also, never put any of your own valuables in the cart because may "accidentally" take yours.
I almost borrowed a Muslim woman's cart thinking it was mind.
Issue Three: Where the hell is it?
Some stores never seem to have anyone around to help you, while others like Target seem like they want to help, but like when you travel in another country the locals smile, point, and then give you the wrong information. This happened the other day. I spoke with three different employees at Target in my search for an organic cleaning product. All of them told me different aisles. Finally, someone had the compassion and good customer service to walk me to where it was. He probably needed to use the nearby bathroom. I just wish it hadn't taken so many tries to find it. Finding organic product seemed harder than Susan Lucci winning an award for acting on a daytime soap opera.
Issue Four: Self Checkout
You know that feeling when you are at the airport, and they tell you at security there is another scanner a few feet away with no line, and you switch lines and it's worse. Well, self checkout unlike at Home Depot or other stores is worse. Why? because no matter what I do it never works out, and I start feeling stressed. Isn't self checkout supposed to be quicker and easier? Either the scanner doesn't work, or that annoying computer voice says, "put your item in the bag." even though I did put it in the bag. Finally a worker comes over and assists me. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of self checkout. It's like the HOV lane with exceptions. Why not just hire another checkout person? wouldn't that make life easier for everyone?
By the way. Both Home Depot and Walmart seem to do this better than target. But if you ever bring your own bag to lessen your environmental footprint, people in Walmart may treat you like a criminal. "Is everything in that bag from this store?" I was asked.
Issue Five: We know who you are.
I heard about the amount of information companies have about you and how they can sometimes generate a flyer to target you. Someone told me that target used to do this all the time. It's time to tell companies that we don't want to be profiled. Unless you're sending me a good coupon.
Life Lesson 127: I'm not saying don't shop at target, because they have some good bargains. All I'm saying is Target should be more compassionate to it's customers, and that when you do shop there, go there with the right attitude preferably early in the morning and not on the weekend, because you probably will have to wait, will deal with crowds and the occasional headache. Keep in mind too that when else fails there's always Target.com. And Target people if you're secretly watching me on my web cam, I'm probably wearing some of your clothes so I don't need a flyer.
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