I am extremely disappointed and upset about the way this situation was handled by the manager at this Ralph Lauren Outlet store.
I visited the store during a clearance sale and received an additional 70% off coupon through my email. I purchased several items because I am preparing for my business grand opening, and I wanted to use these Ralph Lauren products as giveaway prizes for my customers. I clearly explained this purpose from the beginning. I was honest and transparent about why I was purchasing multiple items.
During my first visit, the sales associates were friendly and helpful. One associate even offered to go to the back and look for additional sizes. I chose the items that were already available because I did not want to inconvenience her. At no point during my shopping or checkout process was I informed of any purchase limit, quantity restriction, or anti-resale policy.
The next day, I returned to purchase additional items. Once again, I explained that these items were for my business grand opening giveaway, not for resale. The manager checked my account history and confirmed that I had no previous purchase history. This was my first time making this type of purchase at Ralph Lauren.
However, instead of simply explaining a store policy, the manager began questioning me as if I had done something wrong. He asked where my business was located, asked whether I had pictures as proof, and even asked for the name of my daycare. I answered his questions honestly, but I do not understand why a store manager felt entitled to demand personal information about my business simply because I wanted to purchase products during a sale.
A customer should not have to prove their personal business plans or provide evidence of their business identity in order to purchase merchandise. If there is a purchase limit or a resale policy, the manager should simply explain that policy clearly and respectfully.
What made the situation even worse was that after questioning me, the manager walked away and left the sales associate to handle the frustration and negative emotions created by the interaction. I found this extremely unprofessional and unfair. A manager should take responsibility for handling a customer concern instead of creating a difficult situation and leaving another employee to deal with it.
I also want to express my concern that the way I was treated felt biased and discriminatory. I was honest from the beginning, yet I was repeatedly questioned and treated with suspicion, as if I was being investigated rather than treated as a paying customer.
The issue is not simply that I was unable to purchase additional items. The issue is the disrespectful treatment, the lack of clear communication about any policy, the unnecessary questioning about my personal business, and the unprofessional behavior from management.
I expect Ralph Lauren to seriously review this incident and the conduct of the manager at this location. Customers should be treated with respect, regardless of their background or the legitimate reasons they choose to purchase your products.