September 2023 by Catherine Anne
Charmless supervisor and never so much as a "thank you" from any of the staff when you spend money here in all my time as a customer. Also, no customer toilet.The lack of toilet is not a problem in itself (I know that grocery shops/petrol stations are not obliged to have one) but, when you politely enquire about it in this place, the staff are genuinely unhelpful.I went in today and bought some groceries on my way to the North Coast having already had a very long journey from county Down. I''ve spent money in the shop for petrol and groceries on quite a few occasions because I often pass through. It's a well-stocked shop, but that's the only good thing about it.Today as I was leaving I asked the young guy on the till if they had a toilet they'd let me quickly use, which they don't - I then asked if Logan's over the road might be open or might have toilets - he wasn't sure. As usual, with all their staff - there wasn't so much as a "thank you" from him as I left the till. I said thank you as I always do but even that didn't prompt him. Manners aren't the norm these days, I know. But I'd expect better locally.I put my groceries in the car, then came back thinking, "maybe the manager will be able to help". I wouldn't have bothered but I was still far enough from home and was pretty desperate at this point. Her 5-word answer which she repeated twice was a blunt, unfriendly and totally charmless "we don't have customer toilets".No "sorry that we can't help". No "maybe try X or Y business down the road". Not a hint of a smile or normal social to and fro. I was obviously dying for the loo. I understand that policy is policy and that there are maybe insurance things going on, etc - but at least redirect me to somewhere else that's likely to be open. The supervisor gave a cursory nod to the obviously-closed public toilets across the road with the silent implication "it's not my problem". I don't know Cloughmills well but managed to find a toilet in a different business nearby. Was in and out in two minutes flat with a friendly wave from the staff.No bother. Helpful and friendly as you'd expect in NI. This place didn't have customer toilets either. But they had something else - breeding, and a bit of charm.Won't be spending money in Moore's Costcutter again. I'd say the original family who set it up if they're still about would be embarrassed. I mean, if it's your policy not to have a toilet (okay), then at least brief the staff as to local alternatives, in case of good customers coming in and asking. I've been thinking since then - 'what if a pregnant woman or an elderly person came in who didn't know Cloughmills?'Also, if you're running a business, at least hire supervisors who have some basic social skills, such as knowing how to smile, and teach the staff basic customer service skills, such as saying "thank you" when they hand over their hard-earned money.I've had other issues in this place before (eg unhelpful/impolite staff and issues with petrol pump selection by the staff on their screens inside), but have always given them the benefit of the doubt, until today.
