Irritated by this conversation in the shop but would you actually do anything about it?

[crazyunicornlady73]

Just after some other perspectives on this as I'm annoyed and wondering if I'm over reacting a bit (difficult and hormonal day generally so that's entirely possible!)

Yesterday morning quite early I popped into my local shop. There was only me, one other customer and the assistant. I was wearing a mask, the others weren't.

They (shop assistant and other customer) proceeded to have a loud, pointed conversation about how ridiculous masks were and how they were just for show and people should get out of their own backsides. All whilst sniggering in my direction.

The other customer left and as I was being served I told the shop assistant that I wouldn't continue shopping there if this attitude to masks was shared by all staff.

The assistant sniggered at me for a while then said "well I don't give a fuck"

As I left he'd called the other customer back (they clearly knew each other) and were giggling together again.

I'm annoyed but just wondered what others would do?

Let it go over my head and do nothing (I'm usually quite laid back and would choose this)

Stop using the shop (possible but inconvenient)

Complain (tempting and I've found an address but it does feel a bit OTT honestly)

What would you do?

Nothing

Definitely complain. Even if its only for the way they spoke to you.

The assistant swore at you?
I'd report the idiot to their manager

I would put in a complaint. The way the assistant spoke to you was unprofessional and uncalled for.

I actually would report them I think, very rude and unnecessary.

Stop shopping there!

Yeah, complain.
I'm not normally one to encourage complaints but they shouldn't be swearing at customers that's just common sense.

*What would I do?

Stop trying to make inflammatory posts on Mumsnet for a start.*

???  I don't understand your post @EatsShootsAndRuns this implies that I've made other inflammatory posts? And what am I trying to inflame? I was in an annoying situation and wondered what other people would do.... that's all!

I work in retail and that behaviour is shocking, I probably wouldn't complain through, just not shop there anymore.

For many years I was in customer services replying to letters (pre email). - some were about customer service, unless there was a pattern of repeated rudeness the reply would be something like 'sorry for the lapse in our usual high standard of customer care ... blah blah blah .. have a gift voucher if particularly bad service'

The shop assistant actually said to you "I don't give a fuck"

If there is a manager to complain to, do. Rude, unprofessional and unkind, needs dealing with. If the person serving was likely the owner stop shopping there and let your friends know why.

Yes this definitely happened

Well, yes it did.

I'm guessing these odd replies are people who are fed up of mask posts?

Apologies if that's the case. For the record I'm not banging the drum about mask wearing. I actually loathe wearing my mask (glasses steam up) and will often avoid places rather than wear it. However I'm making the effort now. Not preaching to others, not at all worried about others not wearing masks just would rather not be the subject of a horrible conversation at 7am.

Hope that clears that up

If there is a manager to complain to, do. Rude, unprofessional and unkind, needs dealing with. If the person serving was likely the owner stop shopping there and let your friends know why.

Sorry, should have said definitely not the owner/boss I know them and they've been very kind to me in the past.

This was a young lad I've seen him around a couple of times before but not regularly. It's a petrol station type shop so was open 24 hours.

@EatsShootsAndRuns probably should stop engaging with you but I'm really mystified by you. Could you explain who you think I am? Do I have a similar name to another user???

It's just even the slackest shop assistant would not say 'I don't give a fuck' to a customer.
Make more convincing dialogue next time

Well that's kind of the point if the thread. It was quite shocking that he was so rude.

If people don't think it's real why waste time commenting?

Really, you think the 'odd' replies are about masks ?

Well my apologies if I am overly cynical.

If someone said that to me and I knew the boss. ..I wouldn't be questioning what I should do on mumsnet....bit of a 'no brainer' isn't it?

I've been in some 'rough' shops in my time, can't say I've ever heard the shop assistants f-ing and blinding though.

I would not complain.
You said they were teenagers (assistant and customer) who are well known to be obnoxious.
Just let it go.

Why the rude replies?