I have been going to SAS in Arizona since 1968. I remember the first fabric I bought at the Phoenix store. About two months ago, I was being checked out by a salesgirl who was extremely bright (couldn't figure out what she was doing working there) and she mentioned that the owner was an absolute nightmare. Recently I went in and my hands were a little dirty so I asked if I could use a sink to wash them. I was told that they didn't have public bathrooms so I said I was a customer and that I could not understand how they would appreciate me looking through their fabrics with unclean hands. The salesgirl who was speaking to me couldn't have been nicer and I was furious. She offered me some hand sanitizer (doesn't work really well for this purpose) which I used. She could see I was upset and in a very low voice, she said, ""You don't know the owner."" I walked away and thought about what had happened so later I asked her for some help and I apologized to her, and said that I had heard the owner was a dreadful woman. I actually feel sorry for the women who work there, they are under terrible pressure to keep constantly working, they feel intimidated and bullied by their employer. I wish I did not have to shop there, but I sew very well and I never leave without some great fabric or trim. I am writing in defense of the saleswomen because if you think they are rude, not helpful, having a bad day, well, it is due to their treatment by the owner. All their days are bad except when she isn't there. If I ever have the chance to speak with her, believe me, I will let her know that she really should not treat her employees badly. Those employees are being abused by the owner, it is obvious, so please cut them some slack if you don't get amazing service. It is not their fault.
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