I adore people from all walks of life. People that are different and that can share their thoughts/opinions/life experiences.
However, when entering Powell's books you aren't greeted with a warm, friendly welcome. You instantly feel uneasy and sized up. If you don't fall into the anti-establishment, we loathe successful people, than this place isn't for you.
Clearly the employees are rejects from life itself. Instead of embracing others who may be different, they shun everything that is not like them. While this review is intended for the bookstore itself, we had to make a comment about the employees, since they are the ones that leave lasting impressions. They make no apology for rudeness, snide remarks, vulgar stares and glares, lack of store knowledge, and many other issues they seem to possess proudly.
When making a quick stop to the cafe, I soon realized they too have the trademark Powell's attitude. Four people were ""trying"" to do one person's job. The line was out the door and long. People were leaving in droves because the service was so poor. Why does it take four people to take an order, retrieve the order, ring the order up and move on to the next customer in line? It's insanity.
On to the actual book store, the review is empty. Powell's large rooms, cluttered book isles, poorly designed walk areas and inefficient customer service desks make this retailer that much more unbearable.. It's hot and stuffy throughout. The bathrooms make a gas station seem luxurious. That is how filthy they were.
Not Surprisingly we didn't have the mind set to leisurely browse the large square footage building. We had enough of the bad attitude and smell we encountered. I suppose if you aren't bothered by horrendous employees and their behaviour and the street beggars standing outside of the store, you'll do just fine.
I'll stick with Borders and go back to a more normal life. At least one where I don't feel ashamed of being a successful human.
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