Yesterday I went to Pep stores in Woodstock with my daughter. She is 5. At the door, the security guard told us that children are not allowed in the store. I sought to find out why but he just said it's company policy.
Because I didnt manage to buy anything, I went back today without my daughter. I was shocked when I saw a child with an adult, at the store, and, upon enquiry with the same security guard, he informed me that the child was actually the child or one of the staff members. I asked him why they allow children, when I was turned away.
He called the staff member, and at that point, the child and adult lady exited the shop. By now, there was a small crowd around myself and the security guard, with the staff member. She explained that she was the mother of the child, and that she was allowed to bring her child into the store as staff.
I told her that i found this hard to believe as I was informed that children are not allowed into the store, and I drove to the store to buy, was turned around, and returned today. In fact, why different rules for staff and customers when there is clearly an unfair use of rules?
In all this loud interaction, the manager stood afar and left her duties to the security who seemingly runs the store. The manager did not once come to ask what the commotion was about, in fact, she turned around after a while and continued with her duties.
I find it extremely shocking that customers are treated with such contempt at PEP. And I find the justification of 'staff members can do whatever they want to do', unjustifiable. I do not for once believe that that child belonged to the staff member. I am sure that it was her friend's child!
My question, then, is, am I justified in going to spend money at PEP if I will be met with security guards who will thumbsuck rules depending on who is coming to the store? Also, why are children not allowed into the store when mothers are at home with their kids? What should we do with our children? Should we leave them outside with the security guard or should we stop shopping at the store altogether?
As you know, ECD centres are closed. My daughter is with me at home 24/7 and I have nowhere to leave her. In light of the abuses against children in this country, does PEP find it justifiable that parents must make decisions to leave their children in the care of strangers or even leave them outside your stores?
Lastly, if Fidelity security guards are going to run your stores then maybe you need to inform the public and relieve your managers of their duties. The tone and conduct of your security guard escalated the issue at the slightest hint of an issue. I am sure they are trained to deal better with conflict and to de-escalate issues, not add fuel to fire.
I do hope that you will deal with this issue promply and seriously.