Here is my very unpleasant story. I was once a devoted and loyal customer of Rolling Stones Records at Harlem and Irving. Every month or so I would go there with my CD list, or sometimes no list at all, just to check out what unexpected goodies I might stumble across. In this era of internet dependence and decreased reliance on brick-and-mortar operations, I put great stock on keeping such places as Rolling Stones alive. The young staff was always friendly, and on the rare occasion I had to return something or exchange something, it was always done so cheerfully. \r
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Now for the unpleasant part. It was the 4th of July, and I decided to kick start my holiday by a visit to Rolling Stones before meeting up with friends. Unfortunately, half way there my motorcycle broke down. With much sweat and aggravation, I finally made it over. How happy I was to be amongst my Rolling Stones friends after what I'd been through. I was looking forward to forgetting my troubles for 30 minutes or so while I browsed amongst the books, CDs and DVDs. But before I dove in I naturally wanted to visit the restroom to wash the grime and sweat off my hands and face. Boy was I in for a rude awakening! ""The restroom is off limits to customers. You can visit Jimmy John's across the street,"" l was told by the young lad behind the counter. ""But I don't plan on spending money at Jimmy John's; I plan to spend money here."" He refused to budge. When I asked to speak to the manager, he said, ""He's busy. I can't bother him."" I left with my tail between my legs, thorougly dejected and upset. But after thinking about it, I convinced myself that I had had the misfortune of encountering a stubborn employee. When I got home I wrote a letter to Rolling Stones telling them what had happened, fully expecteing to receive a reply. There was no response. I wrote again. Same thing. Now, please understand that I am no kid; at the time this happened I was in my late forties. I dress well, am soft spoken, and have money to spend. Apparently none of this means anything to Rolling Stones. \r
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My last word is this (and I apologize for going on for so long): I do not frequent any business that cannot extend to me the common courtesy of letting me use their restroom facilities. This is the most basic of human kindnesses, and a measure of respect for we the customers. Apparently Rolling Stones does not feel the same. How sad for them. I never went back there again.
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