Two places you should avoid....

[goofus]

Walmart and 'The May Company' (Kaufmans, macys...)

Walmart, because while I was in the store a worker was running around to everyone she could find and telling them (in a loud voice)  'EW!!! Oh my gosh, this is so gross!!! A guy just called asking about pantyhose, and told me they were for him!!!! Ew!!! I called him a freak and he hung up and called back. Thats sick, he should go to hell. I told him that when he called back, and I hung up on him. Ew..."

'The May Company", because I worked there and was helping a guy in the intimates section, and eventually my co-workers called me over and started saying how gross he is and mean stuff. They also called everyone in all the depts he would have to walk though and told them all that he was buying womens stuff for himself and how sick he is and stuff like that, so everyone was staring at him as he left. I ripped my co-workers for their behaviour, and got fired shortly there after for a lame reason.

I think this is WRONG!!!  These people are workers representing a business. I have spoke to management/ higher ups about anything I've ever witnessed like this. And of course the workers themselves. But nothing has ever been done about it. I've even had people say that their workers are right, they're up holding the right morals and not putting up with the devils people.

But ya, just thought ya'll might wanna avoid these places....

Edit: overt profanity - Karen

[Terri Gene]

Don know what to say about such things.  Depends on the gender person.  One new and inexperienced person might be extreamly embarrased about it all, but one with time and experience would just turn it back on them, its really a lot up to the individual in action ....course my license says I'm female ....... you are the gender you are ....

Terri

[ChildOfTheLight]

I'm surprised...what I'd heard indicated to me that most places are businesses, and that men buying women's clothes have money that's just as green as anyone else's.  (I wonder if they'd have the same problem with women buying men's clothes.  Nope, that's "cute.")

I don't have a Wal-Mart near me.  Nonetheless, noted.

[cindianna_jones]

Oh, you can find snobs wherever you go.  It's not specific to the two companies you mention. The key is to hold your dignity and stand above it all. 

Cindi

[Sarah Louise]

I have bought women's clothes in both of these stores with no problem.  Maybe that is because I am in Southern California and they are more laid back.

Sarah L.

[Melissa]

First of all, I shop at both Wal-mart and Macy's often.  I've never had a problem at either store (oh wait, I had a problem at 1 walmart at the very, very beginning of transition and haven't shopped there since).  Anyways, I would say avoiding particular store locations rather than entire businesses would seem to be much more practical.

Melissa

[Sheila]

That happens in all business's. If you do hear it then complain to the manager and if nothing gets done a letter to the corporate offices will work. No customer should be treated that way. That person on the phone should have made her second call to the manager and a letter to follow it up to the corporate offices and CC to the store. Believe me that person if they worked for Wal Mart would have been fired on the spot. As far as Macy's goes, you worked there and you should have complained to your manager that these employees were harassing a customer and if the manager didn't do anything, go over their head. I know about all of this as I worked for retail business for 35 years and was in management. This goes for all retail business. If the management doesn't conform I suppose a letter to the editor on your adventures in the store, no saying your TG if your not out. Most times you will get a letter of appology or even a phone call. Sometimes you might get some freebies.
Sheila

[Lyric]

Where on earth does Child of Light live where there isn't a Wal-Mart nearby?

Wal-Mart is a necessary evil I avoid as much as possible. Unfortunately, it has driven away so many weaker businesses that there are some products you really can't find anyplace else.

My favorite big-box ("borg") is my local SuperTarget. The aisles are wider and to me it seems the pace and manners of the staff --and customers-- is decidedly more polite in tone-- than at Wal-Mart. It also has at least 2 beautifully androgynous male employees on staff I see often. The product selection is not nearly as well-chosen as Wal-Mart, but that's a small price to pay.

[ChildOfTheLight]

There well might be a Wal-Mart nearby, but I don't know where it is, and I've never been to one.  Nor Target.  The closest thing I've been to is a Costco.

[Jolene4ever]

Regaarding the Wallyworld incident. One day I was shopping the sales racks and this woman in her late sixties asked me "wouldn't you be happier in the men's section" I just turned to her and said in the sweetest voice I could muster "Would you be happier unemployed." I've never had a problem since.   

[LostInTime]

The local Super Wally World used to have great prices on their food but lately the local businesses and even some of the smaller chains have been beating them.

[zombiesarepeaceful]

Gah. I cash my checks at Walmart..of course it requires ID and I get strange looks..->-bleeped-<-ty attitude..but they've never said anything to me. Wonder when its gonna happen :|

[gennee]

It isn't the places as much as some of the people that may work there. I bet there are people at Wal-Mart and May who are cool with a man asking about pantyhose. Let's not taint the whole organization because of a few people.

Gennee

[BrandiOK]

  I used to work at Walmart and on the rare occasion that someone of an "alternate lifestyle" came in it was all over the store in a matter of minutes...jokes and snide comments abounded.  Walmart is far from GLBT friendly despite the few token gay/lesbian employees which are basically treated on the "don't ask, don't tell" rule.  I've never worked for a company since who cared so little for thier customers (the whole time while preaching how much they love them).  Several times I witnessed management take the side of their employees during altercations with customers even when the employee was way out of line.  It was always the same comments from them...they can shop elsewhere we don't need customers like that (paraphrased).  With the huge numbers of Walmart customers they have no fear of a customer walking out in a huff...especially if those customers may be deemed "unacceptable" by the majority group of other shoppers.

  Perhaps it's the same way in all other retail type business, I don't know...I just know that my contempt for Walmart's policies (written and unwritten) runs pretty deep.

[cindianna_jones]

BRANDI!  It's good to see you doll!  I'm glad you are still with us.

While I will not avoid a large chain for the actions of a few employees, I am not adverse to speaking with a manager to clearly express my disdain for their behavior.  I don't get mad. I remain calm. I will also go out of my way to speak to a manager to express my delight in exceptional customer service.

As for Walmart..... I avoid them like the plague. Not for their discriminatory policies towards minorities.... but their discriminatory behavior towards the USA!  They use taxpayers to fund their non existent benefits packages, they have driven companies out of business with strong arm tactics, and they pay their employees little to nothing. 

Cindi

[TreeFlower]

I don't go to Wally World because of their GLBT corporate policy.

If an employee in any business anywhere decides to make a scene then you go straight to the manager and make a scene right back.  I am soooo waiting for some dumb-ass to start something.  I'm to old to be embarrassed.  But I would love to get someone fired.

Employees don't have free speech at work.  They must tow the company line.

[Melissa]

I like to shop there with Rashelle and kiss in the store.  >  No complaints yet.  I ALWAYS love the reactions from jealous men who see us kissing.  > > >

[Rachel]

Employees don't have free speech at work.

*makes the loud "YOUR WRONG" noise" WRONG ANSWER

you always have free speech, and to abridge it is a breach of your rights

any thoughts of that kind have lead to the breach of constitutional rights that the patriot act and the military commissions act commit.  constitutional writes are not allowed to be abridged under any circumstance.

[TreeFlower]

Employees don't have free speech at work.

*makes the loud "YOUR WRONG" noise" WRONG ANSWER

you always have free speech, and to abridge it is a breach of your rights

any thoughts of that kind have lead to the breach of constitutional rights that the patriot act and the military commissions act commit.  constitutional writes are not allowed to be abridged under any circumstance.

You are confusing company rules with US law.  Many people make that mistake.  Break a company rule and you get fired. Break a US law and you go to jail.  If I say the "N" work at work I *will* loose my job but I won't go to jail.  If I act like a bigot I'm out of a job but not in jail. Once I'm off company time and property I can be a total jerk.

Companies have rules for proper behavior.  You break the rules and your out.  Its like a breach of contract.   When you agreed to your employment you agreed to behave in a certain manner.

Its those same rules that protect us at work.  If someone calls me a ->-bleeped-<-, which they did.  I can have them fired.  (I didn't have him fired because that individual is more valuable to me alive. I use the ->-bleeped-<- comment as blackmail.) 

Don't let the excuse of "We live in a country with free speech" stop you from going to a manager to complain.  One caveat, you may not have any luck with a small proprietor business.

I stand by my statement: "Employees don't have free speech at work."

[Rachel]

oh, they still have the freedom of speech....its just not a good idea to say certain things or there will be repercussions