I feel that the manager could have told you a little more nicely that they were closing soon. I've told my customers politely the same thing when I see them heading into the fitting room with an armful of clothing. Usually, people appreciate being told because they don't seem to listen to the overhead announcements and don't realize just how close to closing we actually are.

To be honest, I secretly dislike any person I see coming into the store at 10 or 5 to closing, unless they are making something like a bill payment. I try my hardest to not show it, since we are still open. People in the area KNOW that we close at 9, just like the mall does. The people I despise even more are the ones that go upstairs and attempt to buy large appliances or large electronics. You just can't do that in 5 minutes; it's not nice...it's rude and most people know it. If you have such a major purchase, come back the next day when the associates will actually care about it. (Because most of them have been there 8 to 10 hours and just want to get you out the door)

It's really really hard sometimes after a loooong shift not to want to scream and rant at people that come waltzing in so close to closing. I wonder sometimes if people do it on purpose and I know that some might.

If the manager was actually rude to you, think about maybe what she had to deal with all day. You said you worked in retail. There are days when you've probably felt the same way as the manager in your letter. Christmas Eve shopping is usually very busy and hectic. She was probably there all day. Then, a customer comes in so close to closing and wants to try on things after they already spent time recovering and cleaning out the fitting room...must have been the last straw for her. She was probably tired and wanting to just go home and be with family.

Anyhow, good luck and hopefully they respond to you in some way.