A few days ago I purchased a pair of slacks at Catherine's. Since my favorite store (Novi, MI) closed I have been going to the Southfield, MI store which is a bit of a drive from my house. I was in drab and had no problems what so ever in fact at that store as well as the one that closed I have never had an issue whether fem or drab.
Unfortunately they didn't fit as well at home as in the store so I had to take them back. There is a closer Catherine's to me by far but they haven't been exactly user friendly, but I was feeling lazy so I went there to return them. I went in and handed the slacks to an SA and told her that if I could find anything else I would like to do an exchange. I was also in drab this time too. She said OK and I started to browse the clearance racks. While I was doing that a gentleman walked in and asked for a certain panty style in a certain size. The SA asked if they were for his wife. To his credit he said no they are for me. I could see her demeanor change at that point and she just pointed to the panty section as if to dismiss him. As he walked away this SA and the one who waited on me as well as a creepy old man who is always there proceeded to snicker and make comments to each other. I guess the forgot I was close enough to hear.
As I didn't find anything I just asked for my refund and while it was being processed laughing boy AKA creepy old guy and the other SA were still having a ball over the guy looking at panties.
I took my refund and started to leave and then decided hell no. I walked over to the shapewear department and selected 3 Flexees briefs and asked if I could try them on. The SA said I could and then in a voice loud enough for the entire store to hear announced "I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO WOMEN IN THE WOMEN'S FITTING ROOM BEFORE I CAN LET YOU IN SIR!!!" (sarcastic tone).
I get that, makes perfect sense to me and for the record I was not embarrassed as much as pissed.
She asked if anyone was in the fitting rooms and one lady answered yes. I was told "you can't go in." I just sat down on the bench and said I'll wait. After a while a lady came out, smiled at me and went about her shopping. I tracked down the SA who followed by creepy old guy came over and told me I could go in now and then again in a very loud voice said "OH, MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR UNDERWEAR ON!!". As if I wouldn't???? I went in and just sat on the little bench in there for a while as I had no intention on buying the briefs anyway. After about 5 minutes I came out and put the 3 pair on the reject rack and headed for the door, followed by creepy old guy. Just as my hand was about to open the door creepy old guy said to his wife the SA "stop him I think he took something." I just turned around and walked back to the register where I waited while she verified that all three items were on the reject rack and then I told everyone within earshot including both SA's and creepy old guy that transgendered does not equal pervert and does not equal thief. I also told them that their general manager should expect a phone call from me.
I love Catherine's! I have a credit card and a perks card. I buy lots of stuff for myself as well as my SO. On top of that I buy hundreds of dollars worth of there closeouts for my EBAY store. I have been to every one of there stores within 50 miles of my home and all of them are wonderful except this one store. It has been unfriendly for the last three years that I know of. If you are from this area avoid at all costs. I AM TALKING ABOUT THE WESTLAND, MI STORE
I AM OFFICIALLY DECLARING THEM THE MOST NON TRANS FRIENDLY STORE I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED AND DON'T FORGET CREEPY OLD GUY!!!