Customer Service - improved or declined?

I’ve had a few emails lately from people who have really noticed Customer Service around the city declining – rude employees, stores understocked, promotions etc. not being upheld….

I haven’t noticed too much of this, since I only shop at a few stores – and avoid the ones I had bad experiences in the past. One of our local stores never has stock anymore – and I’ve complained a few times but it never gets resolved…same with the expired products still on the shelves. Also, same local store a few weeks ago when we got the first snow…2 or 3 tills open, lineups going all the way down the actual aisles – and nothing was done about it. We waited in line 25 minutes before reaching checkout – we really needed those groceries otherwise I’d normally walk out.

We have had some great customer service lately also – friendly produce employees, great help at self checkout. My husband bought new work boots at Mark’s yesterday, instead of being led to the most expensive boots the employee listened to what he did for a living, understood completely and led us to those he thought were the best choice. And they really were – I love when employees know the products they’re selling! Also, super friendly staff at the Lindt store the last time I went, I love shopping there.

Where have you had good, or bad customer service lately? Do you find it’s just one employee, or the mindset of the entire company? Any stores win you over lately – or lose you entirely as a customer?