visited you're the Harlem Showroom located at 2575 N. Elston on the morning of Saturday, November 8, 2003. I was harassed by three members of your staff. I obtained two gift certificates from your company, from a previous order/complaint. First, I was approached by an African-American man; I told him I wanted to purchase two ottomans (by lay-a-way) using the gift certificates I possessed totaling $125.00. He suggested I purchase the Scotchguard Protection for $40.00 I told him I was not interested.
He discussed his reason for having it (Scotchguard Protection) in his home and why I should buy it. I stated that I was not interested. He told me to meet him at a computer on the other side of the store. I went to the computer and he never showed up. Instead he sent a Caucasian man to further assist me. This man offered the Scotchguard Protection too, and he told me how I must have been a special person to receive the gift certificate (as if they were fraudulent) or were in excess of $1,000.00 He repeatedly suggested I buy the Scotchguard Protection at a lower price of $30.00. I insisted I did not want it (Scotchguard Protection). He continually examined the certificates as if they were stolen.
Lastly, I was summoned into the managers office. He also suggested I buy it (Scotchguard Protection). He was handed the certificates and continued to examine them too. He attempted to pull my name up in the computer and said he couldn't find me in there. I sat there annoyed and frustrated and he asked me what was wrong and I told him I felt as if I was being harassed. He went to the customer service area to make the transaction and told me that the two ottomans were not in stock and he will call me when they were available.
I was subjected to this unnecessary harassment and humiliation for no apparent reason at all. Maybe the reason was because I did not have cash or I was not making a large purchase. I truly believe it was because of my race- African-American. I can't believe things as such are still happening in the year 2003. I'm not sure what your policy is ... but it needs to be revised as soon as possible.
Dorelle
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.