I walked into Step N out on Saturday October 16 seeking to replace a pair of worn ankle straps from a pair of sandals. Like the reviewer before me, I waited to be helped as I saw that an employee (Older Asian Guy) was busy helping 3-4 different customers.
I browsed the wall of shoe accessories, hoping I could find the straps myself and save sometime. A junior associate beckoned to me in curiously hushed tones asking what I was looking for, and I explained that I was basically looking for 2 pieces of leather that look like mini belts for my ankles. (1/2 an inch thick and in dark brown leather)
As he headed to the back of the store to retrieve the straps the older Asian man sternly summoned him into a corner, and not so quietly instructed him to ""Attend to the paying customers""
The Asian man then turned to me and aggressively asked ""WHAT DO YOU WANT?"" Halfway through explaining what i was looking for, he cut me off and suggested I go to Michael's if i was looking to make my own shoe parts.
Since his English was heavily accented I figured he misunderstood me so I again tried explaining what I wanted, insisting that you don't find shoe parts at a craft store. Interrupting me again, he stated ""THIS IS NOT THE STORE FOR YOU. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE"".
I am really curious to know how he identified that this was 'not the store for me' as their website, yellow pages and signage clearly advertise shoe repair. and there were 3 or 4 other customers being assisted for various shoe related reasons.
I'm certain it wasn't my gender that eliminated me from being qualified for assistance, as the other customers were female. However they were all above 30 and caucasian. By process of elimination I'm only left with age and race, as I am a black person, under 30 years old. I may be young but I'm not a teenage hoodrat, and I was dressed conservatively so I can only assume that race was the issue .
Needless to say I left the premises stunned and upset. It's one thing to ask a customer to leave because they are rude or disruptive, but I am UCSB graduate and an active member of the Santa Barbara community .
I'd like to warn future potential customers any money you spend at this store goes towards supporting this batty old coot and his racist practices.
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