Shop allows dogs in and my item is ruined

shedidwhatnan · 2025-01-16T22:00:59+00:00

Argh. Still annoyed even typing this Visited a store of a well known aspirational brand today. They let dogs in and have water bowls outside, encouraging dogs to 'take a sip' and then goes on to say ^all dogs on leads or dogs in arms are welcome inside^ I had just spent good money on something and stopped to have a look at something on the display table near the exit. The owner seemed to have been having a browse next to me and her dog proceeded to go right next to me! My paper bag from the shop got wet [sad] The store assistant noticed, giggled and went to get some stuff to clean up. No mention of my bag or compensating me when I said 'Oh dear, it's on my bag now'. She just said 'ha, what are they like!' Then ignored me and started chatting to the owner who whilst the cleaning stuff was fetched, kept apologising to me over and over And in truth, it isn't the dog owners fault really. The ultimate blame is with the shop for allowing dogs of any kind beyond guide dogs into the place. I asked for a clean bag. Discovered my item also got wet. Shop assistant said 'oh, hopefully it'll just wash out!' And that was that I was so embarrassed and upset that I left AIBU to think dogs shouldn't be in shops? I can sort of see the appeal to have a tasteful sausage dog allowed in but not medium+ size breeds!

CellophaneFlower · 23/01/2025 13:05

I honestly can't fathom why anybody thought it a good idea to allow dogs in shopping centres/department stores/clothes shops etc in the first place. I can get it might be handy to nip in a local shop for a pint of milk or something at the end of a dog walk but surely few people would be up for a good browse with a dog in tow?

I get that shops are struggling at the moment but I really can't see allowing dogs in would gain them any more custom than they'd lose.

Pilatesnightly · 23/01/2025 12:20

dynamiccactus · 23/01/2025 10:41

Well it seems that some retailers are changing their mind about letting dogs in. I've been told recently by friends (both of whom have dogs) that two local garden centres (not run by the same people) have now stopped dogs "visiting".

I assume they got fed up of having to clean up dog poo and urine. Also, they sell glass- and chinaware and maybe dog started having a go at each other and caused mayhem.

Both my friends actually agreed with the decision, despite having dogs themselves.

Yeah I think people who are not keen on dogs in stores are being more vocal too so maybe a small but growing number of businesses are beginning to understand that yes they may lose some customers if they don’t allow dogs but equally they may also gain some too.

I mentioned upthread the case of the shopping centre in Glasgow which reinstated it’s no (non-service) dog policy after the dog friendly trial received such negative feedback.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64566448.amp

Dog friendly shopping ends after poo complaints - BBC News

The Silverburn centre in the south of Glasgow announces it has to prioritise "human guests".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64566448.amp

Nonaynevernomore · 23/01/2025 11:36

dynamiccactus · 23/01/2025 10:41

Well it seems that some retailers are changing their mind about letting dogs in. I've been told recently by friends (both of whom have dogs) that two local garden centres (not run by the same people) have now stopped dogs "visiting".

I assume they got fed up of having to clean up dog poo and urine. Also, they sell glass- and chinaware and maybe dog started having a go at each other and caused mayhem.

Both my friends actually agreed with the decision, despite having dogs themselves.

Not like that where I am, more and more places welcoming dogs.

dynamiccactus · 23/01/2025 10:41

Well it seems that some retailers are changing their mind about letting dogs in. I've been told recently by friends (both of whom have dogs) that two local garden centres (not run by the same people) have now stopped dogs "visiting".

I assume they got fed up of having to clean up dog poo and urine. Also, they sell glass- and chinaware and maybe dog started having a go at each other and caused mayhem.

Both my friends actually agreed with the decision, despite having dogs themselves.

CorduroySituation · 18/01/2025 22:31

Adamante · 17/01/2025 06:57

Was it a £1000+ handbag? You should have said, MNetters would be beside themselves trying to choose a position between hating dogs and disapproval at you spending such a ridiculous amount on a high end accessory

So true!

CorduroySituation · 18/01/2025 20:53

Sigh*

Clearly they are suffering because several of us have literally seen them close down.

@blubberyboo and of course it's all the dogs fault, nothing to do with hugely rising costs in hospitality, cost of living crisis, difficulty recruiting dependable staff, all food costs going up and up ... yeah it's cos they let in dogs

dynamiccactus · 18/01/2025 17:45

hamsandyams · 17/01/2025 18:48

A village local to us has a “dog friendly town name” campaign and about 80% of the shops/cafes have a dog friendly sticker, so it’s safe to assume the rest aren’t given how widely it’s been adopted - but would be good to have something more explicit and widespread!

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The rest are probably supermarkets and the like that don't allow dogs in anyway (not sure if that is a legal/hygiene requirement or they will soon follow suit).

Deboragh · 18/01/2025 16:12

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

Guide dogs don't piss everywhere.

CellophaneFlower · 18/01/2025 09:22

HoraceCope · 18/01/2025 09:01

are you going to wash and keep the item?

She is returning it. But I've no doubt it will end up back on the rail 🙄

HoraceCope · 18/01/2025 09:01

are you going to wash and keep the item?

Quweenie · 18/01/2025 08:59

speakout · 17/01/2025 07:35

What is an "aspirational" store?

Like Amanda's Hygge Tygge?

Do customers in such hops deserve better treatment than those shopping in normal shops?

I thought the exact same. 🤣

Aspirational… it’s a high street store.

Pilatesnightly · 18/01/2025 01:06

hamsandyams · 17/01/2025 18:48

A village local to us has a “dog friendly town name” campaign and about 80% of the shops/cafes have a dog friendly sticker, so it’s safe to assume the rest aren’t given how widely it’s been adopted - but would be good to have something more explicit and widespread!

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Wow nice - I really thought this idea only existed in my imagination 😆

ETA: Just seen your post now too @piscofrisco

Nice to hear it is actually happening in at least two places, there must be many more no doubt - yeah let’s hope it gets taken up more widely! We have nothing of the sort in my town.

MrBiscuits24 · 17/01/2025 19:55

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 19:51

Why do you think that?

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Because I hadn’t RTFT 😆
I’ve just seen you got a refund AND £50.

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 19:51

MrBiscuits24 · 17/01/2025 19:46

You’re being unreasonable for getting an immediate refund.

Why do you think that?

MrBiscuits24 · 17/01/2025 19:46

You’re being unreasonable for getting an immediate refund.

mumedu · 17/01/2025 19:43

shedidwhatnan · 17/01/2025 09:30

Well I just wanted to add that the store manager was aware of this thread, and refunded me immediately (no stock to exchange). She was very apologetic this morning. I wonder if she's a Mumsnet user or if someone she knows just linked her to the thread

She also issued me a £50 voucher so it has been made right

Great news OP. Let this be a learning point for people like you and me. Stand up and speak out for what you deserve.

piscofrisco · 17/01/2025 19:13

@Pilatesnightly I was in Deal, Kent recently where they have a dog friendly sticker scheme. It was really useful.

Throwingpots · 17/01/2025 19:02

DBD1975 · 17/01/2025 01:22

Once upon a time we sent kids up chimneys but thankfully we have evolved.

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Some of us don’t consider having dogs everywhere a step in evolution.

hamsandyams · 17/01/2025 18:48

Pilatesnightly · 17/01/2025 16:01

It seems such a simple and low cost thing to do - I really hope businesses will take this up one day! It would definitely be beneficial on all sides if they had this kind of signage.

Exactly, many of my friends with dogs are the same - they don’t always want to be in dog friendly spaces.

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A village local to us has a “dog friendly town name” campaign and about 80% of the shops/cafes have a dog friendly sticker, so it’s safe to assume the rest aren’t given how widely it’s been adopted - but would be good to have something more explicit and widespread!

SnowyintheATL · 17/01/2025 16:41

I'm a dog lover and I don't agree with letting dogs/animals in shops regardless of size as I don't believe that small dogs should get preferable treatment either. I think this was unacceptable and I would've made a fuss about it. I would have wanted to speak to the manager, you deserve an apology and a store credit at the very least.

Pilatesnightly · 17/01/2025 16:04

shedidwhatnan · 17/01/2025 09:30

Well I just wanted to add that the store manager was aware of this thread, and refunded me immediately (no stock to exchange). She was very apologetic this morning. I wonder if she's a Mumsnet user or if someone she knows just linked her to the thread

She also issued me a £50 voucher so it has been made right

Great update, OP and well deserved!

Pilatesnightly · 17/01/2025 16:01

hamsandyams · 17/01/2025 09:40

I would campaign for this - every business to have a dog/no dog sticker in the window.

I have a dog, so sometimes I want dog friendly. Sometimes I am sans dog, so want a no dog environment. Both sides of my life would be easier if there was clear signage!

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It seems such a simple and low cost thing to do - I really hope businesses will take this up one day! It would definitely be beneficial on all sides if they had this kind of signage.

Exactly, many of my friends with dogs are the same - they don’t always want to be in dog friendly spaces.

Keeponkeepingon9 · 17/01/2025 15:25

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 17/01/2025 15:17

I can't believe you were such a wet blanket as to not demand an exchange there and then OP. Glad it's sorted now anyway. If I'd been the dog owner I'd have offered to replace if the shop hadn't done so.

FWIW I would never take my dog into a shop, aspirational or not, because she can't be trusted not to embarrass me by her behaviour. She has no manners even at the age of 11 and is still capable is acting the puppy when the mood takes her 😀

Quite right. Your dog sounds adorable but they should not be in shops or restaurants unless they are guide dogs.

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 17/01/2025 15:17

I can't believe you were such a wet blanket as to not demand an exchange there and then OP. Glad it's sorted now anyway. If I'd been the dog owner I'd have offered to replace if the shop hadn't done so.

FWIW I would never take my dog into a shop, aspirational or not, because she can't be trusted not to embarrass me by her behaviour. She has no manners even at the age of 11 and is still capable is acting the puppy when the mood takes her 😀

TunipTheVegimal24 · 17/01/2025 15:00

shedidwhatnan · 17/01/2025 09:30

Well I just wanted to add that the store manager was aware of this thread, and refunded me immediately (no stock to exchange). She was very apologetic this morning. I wonder if she's a Mumsnet user or if someone she knows just linked her to the thread

She also issued me a £50 voucher so it has been made right

Glad to hear that all's well, that ends well.

YANBU about dogs in shops either.