PORTRAIT STUDIO IN WALMART - Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 4T7 (Woodgrove Centre)

Deplorable experience | by Richard de Meester on Jan 12, 2019

Attended Walmart photo studio for 2 year old birthday pictures with an appointment. Attendant "Shannon" was on phone upon entry. My wife 2 yr old and 4 yr old all sat down along a wall in the studio's entrance. When Shannon decided to acknowledge us it was exactly like this "you the 11 o'clock". My wife answered yes we have an appointment for 11. My two year old was sitting on my lap whilst my 4 year old was dancing around happy to be there. She was also exploring the area and along the seating chairs was a stool (assume it is for passport pics) and some small items on the ground. Shannon immediately percked up and told us not to go there it was "dangerous" high powered (voltage) equipment". She said this in a very stern manner with some anger in the tone of her voice. Shannon was on her computer with her back to us not having any conversation with us of any sort but asked my wife to fill the admin sheet. My wife started doing that and asked my 4 year old to sit down next to her on one of the chairs next to us. My daughter was sitting completely still when "Shannon" barked out at my wife that my daughter could not sit there it was dangerous. At that point my wife asked her if she was having a bad day? Shannon answered that she wasn't but for our child's safety she could not sit there. Oddly there are 4 aluminum chairs along that wall. No signs are erected indicating high voltage, sensitive equipment or any other signs that would indicate any sort of danger or for customers to be careful. In addition why would you have such "high powered equipment" in open spaces knowing that a large portion of your clients will be kids due to the recent advertisement for kids pictures by "WALMART". My wife had had enough of "Shannon's" ignorance and asked her to speak to a manager. To this she advised that she was the manager. My wife indicated there was always someone above her and requested her name and walked out of the studio with the clipboard and paperwork she was filling for the pictures. Shannon literallly barked out that she was to leave the clipboard behind. She then chased my wife out the door for the clipboard. My wife was looking to speak to the Wallmart manager but Shannon promptly indicated that Wallmart had nothing to do with her business she just rented the spot here. Funny as the only reason we attended was as a result of a Walmart advertisement for a photo session. I had not spoken a word yet but upon "Shannon's " return to my location she smiled and said that we would probably not be going ahead with the photo session. At that point I suggested that she was not very nice rather rude and with 2 year old in arms started out the door. "Shannon" was going to ensure she had the last word and said that it was for the kids safety and that she did not want them in the corner. I then told her she was ignorant and rude. She started pointing her finger very close to my face and child and advised everything was being recorded. I was confused as we had done nothing wrong but then ordered me out of her studio or she would call security. I told her she was mentally ill and needed help and left the store and spoke to the store manager. We repeated the event to him but he indicated there would be little he could do as the photo studio is independently contracted by Walmart but they have nothing to do with them. Funny I told him as it was a walmart advertisement to the studio that got us in there in the first place. In addition it still falls under the Walmart brand and umbrella, hence Walmart has to take some accountability for who they contract out to do this type of work. Clearly she would fail in customer service which is what Walmart prides itself on giving. My friends, be very aware of the fact that Walmart will not compensate us in any way or you using the excuse that it is privately contracted out. Albeit that the photo studio is in their building and has the Walmart brand all over it. Can you spell FRAUD......