Guest The Pom Queen Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Just read this story in the paper, I can't believe how a company can afford to be so rude, I don't know the company from Adam but after reading the story it just shows how unprofessional they are and I'm sorry but bad publicity isn't going to win them customers no matter what they think:no: Keara O'Neil claims a shop assistant at GASP made digs at her size 12 frame. Picture: Ben Swinnerton Herald Sun Click here to share on Facebook. Read More GASP clothing has defended its position involving a customer dispute, releasing yet another jaw-dropping response. The statement came after a spat between the retailer and a customer, who was told that their clothes were too exclusive for her, turned into a viral email sensation. Keara O'Neil was on a shopping trip to find bridesmaid dresses for her wedding and a frock for her hens night at the GASP Chapel St store on September 24 when she had a dispute with a sales assistant named "Chris". Like a scene straight out of Pretty Woman, O'Neil, a retail assistant herself, claims Chris was initially helpful but soon turned nasty, making a dig at her size 12 frame and yelling out as she left the store, "Have fun shopping at Supre... I knew you were a joke the minute you walked in". Distressed by the treatment, O'Neil then sent a letter to the customer service centre at GASP, which was answered by GASP area manager Matthew Chidgey. In the email, O'Neil was told the fashion chain aims to appeal "to a very fashion forward consumer" and that the sales assistant O'Neil made a complaint about was a "retail superstar" who's "only problem is that he is too good at what he does". It went on to say, "As I am sure you are aware, people whom are talented generally do not tolerate having their time wasted, which is the reason you were provoked to leave the store... "It is probably fair to assume a lot of what I have said in this email either doesn’t make sense to you, or you totally disagree with it" and we "respectfully ask that you side step our store." Mr Chidgey confirmed today that the email was legitimate. Later GASP, whose website advertises dressed priced from $100, released a statement in its defence. "We respect that not all consumers strive for a glamorous appearance; some prefer to simply blend in," the statement said. "We respect and welcome all customers whom wish to visit our store, even though the intention to buy may not exist. But we ask that their opinions be expressed through blogs, social media or around a warm latte, but certainly not inside our stores." It is understood GASP today closed its Facebook page following a deluge of negative comments concerning the incident. Celebrity Ruby Rose was one of many taking to Twitter to add their views on the incident, writing: "I am actually laughing.. I can't believe gasp called themselves fashion forward.. Sweetheart you sell polyester dresses u ain't no Prada. "This can't be real hahahaha gasp sells the most cheap tacky clothing in Australia," she said. Read the emails going viral below in full: Email by Keara O’Neil to GASP: I had the privilege of shopping at your brand new Chapel St store on Saturday 24th September with my three bridesmaids in tow. On the hunt for bridesmaids dresses and a hens dress for myself we walked into the store and were automatically pounced on by a male staff member, I understand that this is protocol for many retail outlets and ours is no different. The staff member was initially funny and extremely helpful with sizes etc. I chose a bright pink dress to try on but was unable to do the zip up so asked for the size up, when I eventually got the correct size and came out of the change room I was unable to discuss the likes or dislikes of the dress with my bridesmaids as the sales assistant kept saying “you should just get it”, when I told him I would think about it, he pulled me aside and whispered “Is it the price your worried about”. By now I was extremely frustrated, and again told him I’d think about it, I walked back into the change room and closed the door behind me, only to have it pushed open with the sales assistant half standing in my change room, again whispering “I think you should just get it”, when I gave him attitude and said rudely, “I already told you I would think about it”, he then replied, “With your figure I really think you should buy it”.* I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that, but considering the attitude used to deliver such a statement I can only imagine that it was an immature dig in relation to my healthy size 12 frame. I got changed in a hurry and walked right out of the change rooms and out of the store, I could hear the sales assistant yelling out to me, but I just ignored him and continued to leave, assuming my bridesmaids would follow. After waiting down the road for my bridesmaids to come out of the store I was told by one of them that the sales assistant yelled out “Have fun finding something at Supre”, when one of them approached him in regards to his comments, he replied “I knew you girls were a joke the minute you walked in”. When my bridesmaids walked out of the store another two customers walked out with them, they too could not believe the immaturity of the sales assistant. * I have worked in retail for 12 years and have come across an array of customer complaints over the years, none of which come even close to what I encountered on Saturday at your store, I wish I was exaggerating but unfortunately for your company this person actually exists and is working in one of your stores. I am pretty laid back and was quite happy just leaving your store, it was my bridesmaids who felt the need to say something to him………I dread to think how many customers he has not only offended but how many customers have left your store due to the pressure placed on getting the sale, and then to be harassed when that sale hasn’t taken place. * Ring me, don’t ring, not fussed………I’m just one retailer notifying another of an extremely inappropriate sales assistant. Keara O'Neil Response by GASP area manager Matthew Chidgey: Dear Keara O’Neil, Having now had the privilege of having both version of events, I am now in a position to respond to your complaint. From the very outset, one thing that you should be mindful of is; Our product offerings are very, very carefully selected, so to ensure that we do not appeal to a broad customer base. This is something which is always at the forefront of our minds when undertaking buying duties. The reason for this is to ensure that we only carry products which appeal to a very fashion forward consumer. This by default means that the customer whom is acclimatised to buying from “clothing for the masses” type retailers, is almost frightened by our range, sometimes we have found that this type of customer, almost finds our dresses funny, and on occasion noted comments such as 'it looks like a dead flamingo'. When we receive comments like this, we like to give ourselves and our buyers, a big pat on the back, because we know we are doing our job right, and modus operandi is being upheld.* Our range is worn by A list celebrities to the likes of Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry to name only a few. Now, as one might appreciate, the style counsel for these types of celebrities are not ones to pick “run of the mill” type clothing, and they do so on the basis to ensure that the styles are cutting edge, and only worn by a select few. Similarly these items are priced such that they remain inaccessible to the undesirable. Insofar as our employee goes; Similar to our product offerings, our employees are selected with a similar approach. Chris whom served you is a qualified stylist whom has a sixth sense for fashion, and Chris’s only problem is that he is too good at what he does, and as I am sure you are aware, people whom are talented, generally do not tolerate having their time wasted, which is the reason you were provoked to leave the store. Whilst I concede that you work for chain retailer, unfortunately that does not make us like for like. It is probably fair to assume, a lot of what I have said in this email, either doesn’t make sense to you, or you totally disagree with it all, which is what I would expect (unless of course I have you totally wrong – which I doubt). Let me guess, you would never, ever hire Chris in the course of your duty, would you? This is the very reason, why your comment “from one retailer to another” is so disproportionate, it’s almost as though we are in a totally different industries. Chris is a retail superstar, who possess unparalleled ability, and I am sorry you feel upset by him, but he knew you were not going to buy anything before you even left your house. So if you would like to do us any favours, please do not waste our retail staff’s time, because as you have already seen, they will not tolerate it. I am sure there are plenty of shops that appease your taste, so I respectfully ask that you side step our store during future window shopping expeditions. * Thank you for your enquiry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 wow thats crazy. was he trying to say she was fat? thats not going to be good for the business.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewebweazel Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 It probably going to be great for business, it is more then likely a publicity stunt! Either way the wife will be given strict instructions not to shop there ...................................... I hope she listens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 if hes saying a size 12 is big then im insulted! are stick insects only allowed to shop there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I love size 12 -14 - it's the shape a woman is meant to be. I', not into stick insects. But TBH - I can't see a company staying in business with that sort of attitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 whats wrong with size 14/16!? lol im only joking, i know, theres def gonna be a lot of women a bit insulted with this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewebweazel Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I love size 12 -14 - it's the shape a woman is meant to be. I', not into stick insects. But TBH - I can't see a company staying in business with that sort of attitude. There are going to be loads of airheads queuing at the door to get in, this is an "exclusive" shop that does no allow "Plebs" to shop there. Just by shopping there they believe the are increasing there social standing. I bet they are more likely to become more successful then to go out of business Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 i hope that doesnt happen but your probably right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest59177 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Yup, that store just got itself cheap publicity. But honestly, I just HAVE to say this out aloud 'GOD THAT'S SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTYYYYYYYYYYYYYY'. I mean 'OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS'. I mean it's snootiness personified, literally!!!! I have heard there are some stores in France and America where you just point out the dresses and hand over your plastic card. That's it. Price is NOT supposed to enter into the discussion even. And if it does, they will tell you the warez are not for you. I can imagine some totally spoilt actress/model would go there everyday!!! But these outlets aren't for you and me. But just out of curiosity, I would love it if somebody posts links to such places (IF they stoop down to creating a website that is...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest37336 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 :shocked::yes::yes::yes::yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 maybe just try places like prada etc. They sound like a*******s, it'll all be full of anorexic looking snobs. im more of a new look and dorothy perkins girl lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PositivePixie Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 What complete toss*rs LOL! Will be interesting to see how long they stay in business - I didn't even register the size issue, just the complete and utter dense-ness of the 'well, f off' attitude of the manager. And since when was Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez A list? Never heard of the second and I'm pretty sure places that are A list would rather die than have Kim wear their stuff lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 aw whats wrong with kim lol i dont really mind her. selena is justin biebers girlfriend, poor girl... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest59177 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 :shocked::yes::yes::yes::yes: YOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAN!!! You gave me a heart attack you did. GOSH I don't wanna meet you in a dank, dark alley on the wrong side of town :swoon: :swoon: :swoon: :eek: You could change your nick to 'Save YOUR neck' - except if 'Lemming' is a code for neck :biglaugh: Btw, www.rawuk.org doesn't seem to be working? Does this have anything to do with ' rightist skinheads'???? I'd like to learn more seriously - if you don't take any offense!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sh7t man no way Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 ah its a fat womans thread--get your act together girl--lose some fat:yes:we men are only interested in fit birds--not cuddly birds:yes:fair play 2 the shop--there doing you a favour really--but then again fat birds always complain:no: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest37336 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 YOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAN!!! You gave me a heart attack you did. GOSH I don't wanna meet you in a dank, dark alley on the wrong side of town :swoon: :swoon: :swoon: :eek: You could change your nick to 'Save YOUR neck' - except if 'Lemming' is a code for neck :biglaugh: Btw, www.rawuk.org doesn't seem to be working? Does this have anything to do with ' rightist skinheads'???? I'd like to learn more seriously - if you don't take any offense!!! :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: No offence taken my friend, always been a bit of a political animal, though the pic is somewhat 'Inflammatory',:biglaugh::biglaugh:. The reason you can't find RAW UK at the moment is that the party has recently had a name change and am awaiting The Electoral Commissions permission to use the new name and logo, (avatar). At this moment The Electoral Commission have no problem with the name change but are somewhat suspect of the new logo. Once all clarified the RAW UK site should be up and running, hopefully by the end of October at the latest. Cheers Tony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr i think i might come down there and slap you lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest59177 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 ah its a fat womans thread--get your act together girl--lose some fat:yes:we men are only interested in fit birds--not cuddly birds:yes:fair play 2 the shop--there doing you a favour really--but then again fat birds always complain:no: :eek::confused::err: You're kiddin' me right???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hes just winding me up, i think allans a part time troll :wink: Id rather be a bit bigger than be a anorexic looking stick insect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sh7t man no way Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 :eek::confused::err: You're kiddin' me right????yes just a little bit:wink:its whats on the inside of a person what matters 2 me--not what the system says you have 2 perceive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sh7t man no way Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hes just winding me up, i think allans a part time troll :wink: Id rather be a bit bigger than be a anorexic looking stick insect :shocked::shocked:but right stacey--i do like 2 generate a bit of interest--but only on a part time basis:wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 you could of picked on someone other than me lol. i assume you like women that are like twigs then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOptimist Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I saw this the other day and was completely disgusted. If my life depended on spending a cent in their shop, I'd rather die thanks! I actually can't find the words to convey how cross this makes me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest31881 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hes just winding me up, i think allans a part time troll :wink: Don't insult him SMNW is a fully qualified troll and very good at his trade...:biggrin:. As for GASP, they are getting publicity that they could not buy, a very expensive shop that will thrive on this story, watching there staff and representatives over the last two days they are milking this story for all its worth. if they did not want the "Bad Press" then they could have stopped it in its tracks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 hes going to be a sorry troll if he calls me fat one more time lol hes going to have a very angry scotswoman on his door! I've never even heard of the shop, im obviously far too common for it lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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