1 /5 Darlene: Customer Experience - Ross Waukegan, 1301 N. Lewis Ave
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide feedback regarding my recent visit to your Ross location at 1301 N. Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL, on Sunday, January 26, 2026, approximately one hour prior to closing.
Upon entering the store, I immediately noticed that the entrance area was slippery and unclean, creating a potential safety hazard. I nearly slipped in the doorway, which I found concerning, as most Ross locations I have visited typically have either a security officer or a store associate positioned at the entrance to welcome customers and maintain a safe environment.
Once inside, I observed several issues impacting both safety and customer service. The store appeared disorganized, with numerous items out of place or lacking price tags. While I understand that this was during the last hour of sales, I was surprised by the lack of floor support or proactive assistance for customers.
As I approached the checkout area, I noticed a significant line forming around the jewelry counter. I requested assistance from two store associates who were present but engaged in a personal conversation. When I asked them to assist a gentleman who was handling a line of more than eight customers, one associate informed me that staff members were on break. As someone with over 28 years of professional experience in customer service, leadership, and retail across multiple industries, I am aware that employee breaks are typically scheduled so as not to impact customer support or store operations.
When I asked for her name and position, the associate refused to provide her name, stating only that she was a manager. Her demeanor was dismissive and unprofessional, which negatively impacted my experience and, I would argue, the overall morale and performance of the store. Eventually, another associate, who was on break and wearing her name badge, came to assist at the front, and I appreciated her effort. However, the initial interactions left a strong impression regarding the importance of staff accountability and professionalism.
We are currently in a challenging economic environment, and every dollar spent by customers is meaningful. When a store does not value the hard-earned money of its clients or fails to provide the level of service customers expect, it risks losing them. Poor service can create a domino effect, ultimately impacting sales, customer loyalty, and team morale.
I respectfully encourage your leadership team to reinforce policies regarding staff engagement, customer service, and floor coverage, particularly during peak or closing hours. Customers notice how staff are treated and how they conduct themselves, and these interactions directly influence repeat business. Providing the level of service one would expect as a customer is not just courteous -- it is essential to maintaining a strong, loyal client base.
Thank you for taking the time to review my feedback. I hope it will be received constructively to support positive changes in staff conduct and overall customer experience at this location.
Sincerely,
Qiana langston
