I'm new to Toronto and wanted to get a pair of boots for the upcoming fall and winter season. I looked online and saw that this store carried Blundstone boots. The official Blundstone site even listed this shop as having the boots I wanted - #584 - in stock.
And then I went inside. The saleswoman wasn't what I'd call warm, but coming from NYC, I can be used to brusque salespeople. She informed me that they did not have my size in that particular boot in stock, but that I could check back in September. I then asked if I could try on another pair of Blundstones just to see how they feel on your feet since I've never owned a pair. The saleslady seemed put off. She told me that they wouldn't fit the same as the winter boots. I told her, I was aware of that, but if I was in the store, I'd still like to try a pair on to see if I even like the brand, especially if I was to wait until September for the ones I want. These boots aren't cheap either, so yeah, trying any pair on can give some insight into their fit.
She actually continued to dissuade me from trying them on. Someone whose very job revolves around getting people to buy shoes. It was confusing and she came off seeming like I was putting her out by asking her to pull a box of boots from the back.
I repeated again that, if I'm going to spend that much money, I want to know what I'm getting into, and would like to know how any iteration of the boots fit. She finally acquiesced and went and got me the boots.
While all of this was going on, I felt awful. Unwelcome and unwanted. There was literally one other customer in the store with her mom. And me, being treated like I'm dumb for wanting to try on a pair of shoes.
I can say that many other stores in Toronto sell Blundstone boots and I would suggest if you would like to experience being treated with respect and decency, to avoid this store. Especially as a new arrival to this city, this kind of experience leaves me feeling flummoxed and bummed out.
I should point out that I proceeded to pop into five or so other shops after going into this store, and every salesperson that greeted me did so with enthusiasm and kindness and provided exemplary customer service.
We all make choices with our wallets. I personally wouldn't spend my money or my time in this store in the future, as they made it very clear that I wasn't worth theirs.