Hello,

My name is Monica. I have recently moved to North Carolina as my husband was stationed here with the U.S. Army. We have had many moves and is always difficult becoming accustomed to a new city. Which is why, as a larger woman, I was absolutely thrilled when I found my local Lane Bryant. Not only that, but I had stumbled in for the first time during your store wide 50% off sale. I was so happy to have found it. I can not buy my bras or jeans from any other place on earth!

I had first gone into the store on Dec. 22, I had a very pleasant experience and was treated well by the employees (as well as they could considering the craziness of the store). So i decided that on Christmas Eve I would go back and catch the last day of the sale. Upon entering the store I was greeted by one of the younger girls. I proceeded to ask her about the new line of jeans that is in store now. I was happy because I am a big girl but I have no hips, so these jeans would be a great fit. After grabbing two pairs of them in what may be my size, I did not know I had not tried them yet, I headed to the rear of the store and noticed everyone was filling and straightening. I had asked "oh, what time do you all close?" At that point I was told 5 minutes. Great enough time to grab a few bras and try on my jeans. I know my bra size and knew where the ones I wanted were so I quickly went through one rack pulling out 3 bras and headed to another to get one more that I had seen a few days prior. I could hear them counting the drawers. At this point, whom I believe to be the manager, walked over to me and somewhat rudely said "You need to make a decision we are closing in a few." I was appalled. I have been in retail management for many years, since I was 19 (I am 30 now). In this time I have managed two major name stores, I have never asked someone 5 minutes before close to leave the store, I always would allow the customer to shop even if they walked in one minute before close and always instructed my employees to do so as well. So i looked at her and asked "OK, Can I just quickly try these jeans on?" She told me no, there is no time we are closing. She also gave me a sigh and an obvious attitude when I asked. So I handed her 80 dollars worth of merchandise and said fine then i guess it does not matter if I spend the 80 dollars on these then. She rudely took them from my hands and tossed them on a nearby table, giving me a dirty look. I was absolutely disgusted. I assume she is the manager due to the lack of reaction from the rest of the girls in the store. I would not have bought the bras and put that money on her bottom line if there was not a sale.

As I left the store I heard the mall announcement come on, it said "Attention Crosscreek Mall Customers, The Mall will be closing in 5 Minutes." I was so angry at this point. I will no longer shop in store due to the actions that evening. This was only my second time shopping here. I understand it was Christmas eve, however having been in that position in retail I also know you don't tell a customer to "make a decision" because you are closing in a few and you want to go home.

If these jeans had fit I would have spent over 200 dollars in the store that evening on jeans and bras alone. It would have taken me two minutes to try them on to find out my size and I would have bought more than two pairs. I would have also been a repeat customer.

Please contact me in regards to this incident.

Thank you for your prompt response and attention to this matter,
Mrs. Monica

I feel first off I should be contacted. I have been waiting since December to hear from the D.M that they said would be contacting me personally to handle my issue. I sent my first email to corporate on DEC 25,2007. I should be compensated and the manager should be reprimanded. I am embarrassed to even go to the store anymore and I do not have another anywhere within driving distance.