While arts and crafts retailer Joann Fabrics recently filed for bankruptcy in the U.S., around 19,000 jobs have been lost and around 800 locations are set to close permanently, according to Axios. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, it’s fair to say that employees at the retail chain are likely not best pleased. Earlier this month, a customer was shopping in a Joann Fabrics in Elk Grove, California, and at the counter, she was served by an employee who became irritated by her questions regarding each item’s “final sale” price.
The two-minute video centers on the Joann Fabrics employee in question — with the name badge Jennifer — who is stood behind the counter in a green apron and blue t-shirt. “I’ll show you what a bad attitude is,” threatens the retail worker. “Thank you, thank you. You need to have a great day. Maybe grab some coffee.” replies the customer who is recording the tense exchange.
With another employee off-camera offering to help, the increasingly frustrated shopper zooms in on Jennifer’s work badge. “Jennifer here, guys. I’m at Joann’s in Elk Grove.” though as the customer says these words, Jennifer walks around the counter and stands in front of the camera and interjects, “Have a good day!“
While the shopper did have a basketful of items to purchase, she explains, “I’m gonna keep my money in my pocket.” likely due to the Joann employee’s chip on her shoulder. “This lady, literally, since I walked up here, has an attitude and starts cussing.” According to the Instagram post, which the customer posted, this is how the buildup before the verbal altercation began:
I get to putting my stuff on the counter, Iโm double checking every price since it is โfinal sale โ .. Lady gona say the price is there on the machine over there,โ you can tell the irritation in her voice from me asking her the price on things โ . Eventually Iโm like โyou donโt have to get an attitude I need to know the priceโ โฆ JENNIFER STARTS GOING OFF, โI donโt have a f*cking attitudeโ, totally caught me off guard , Iโm like waittt you not about to sit here, just be cursing at me
via Instagram
After two other Joann employees help to calm down Jennifer, she takes off her apron and tensions begin to intensify. “Get out of the store!” yells Jennifer, pointing, before the shopper is ushered out of the store by one of the other workers, ending the video.
As the awkward exchange continues to make the rounds online, some netizens took the side of the Joann employee, while others sided with the customer. One Redditor wrote, “People who film themselves doing sh*t like this are gross. Trashy human being. Go home. Joannโs is closing anyway. They donโt need or want your business EHUHUHUHUH” while another chimed in with, “Seriously I went to Joann’s here last week and the ladies that worked there were so nice.” A third user added, “Why do people think it’s okay to stand there, record retail employees and antagonize them. Just f*cking leave. How miserable are you to harass retail workers?“
