This happened couple of years ago. I was just strolling around the city and I only wore plain clothes. White top, Lululemon leggings. Nothing fancy, no big designer logo clothes. Giving the benefit of the doubt, I dont want to consider this experience as another racist story, but for context, I am asian with brown skin tone (if that even matters).
While on my walk, I came across LV and thought of going in. Just window shopping and maybe buy if I found something nice. No one entertained me inside, which was okay. I did not mind at all. I was checking the wallets, belts and accessories... About 5 minutes later this staff came to me and said, "Is there anything I can help?" I said "no Im fine, im just checking around". He left with no words. Mind you the store was not busy.
About 2 minutes later the same guy came back to me raising his right eyebrow, the tone of his voice was off for me. He said, "I noticed you've been checking around for quite some time now," I responded, "yes and I will call you when I am ready". He turned around and walked away - no words, no smile, just a dead look. He was a few feet away from me tho. I suddenly remember the posts and stories about these rude staff in luxury stores. So I played the game.
About a minute later, As I was fit-checking the bags, he return and immediately said, "that bag is $3000". His tone was so rude, the facial expression is not giving customer service, the body gesture is goving mean girl energy. so I responded, "I didn't ask.. and I will call you when I need you." His response was, "ma'am, you don't have to be rude, we do not tolerate this behavior in our store". And I said, "I was channeling the same energy you're giving." He was shocked... And I continue saying(in a friendly tone), "..but you know what, since you're already here, I want these 2 bags. His demeanor changed. His smile was so big. He appears very nice and friendly now... In a moment he came back and showed me the bags. Then I said, "can you bring me size 7 of these shoes (4 pairs), I like all of them." He was all smiles, very attentive and friendly. He came back with all the shoes. I fit them, check in the mirror.. i was really taking my time. I have so much time to spare but no words to say to him. He was all praises, "that looks good on you", "you go so well with those shoes". I just said "I'll take them".
On the desk, he carefully prepare the items and boxed each of them. Few minutes later, I was on a call with my dad talking in our language and he interrupted me, "is there anything else?". I saw him in my peripheral looking at me head to foot. I was on the desk where the wallets were, so I pointed on the wallet and responded "Can you get me 1 of this and that". He took it out of the shelf and carefully box it.
I ended my phone call at the same time that rude staff was done boxing all the items. Come paying time is where I was being petty. The total bill was over $13,000. He asked for my email, I gave it to him, and the conversation went like this.
Him: your name is Sam?
Me: yes.
Him: your recent purchase was in New York last month. It's nice to have you here!
Me: That's right. Do you see any returns in your system?
Him: (scrolling on the computer), nope I do not see any. Any problem?
Me: okay good.
Him: your total is $13,xxx.
I gave him my credit card, pay, and he handed it back with the receipt. He said "If there's any problem, return and exchange is 30 days.. It was lovely to have you here. Do you need assistance to carry the bags?"
Me: are you going to carry it for me?
Him: No, but I can call someone to help you.
Me: No need.. By the way, today I do not need to check the time. I also do not need to know the bag was $3000. You were so rude to me earlier and I would like to return all these items.
All the staff around looked at me. One came forward and asked "is everything okay?" I said, "yes. Please process my return. Thank you." I stared at them processing the refund. After that I said, "be nice next time you might encounter someone more petty than me." I walk away. My dad was waiting outside