Xavier Barreto
Google
My wife and I have been loyal CB2 customers for many years and have consistently enjoyed our experiences with the brand. Unfortunately, a recent visit to one of your locations left us extremely disappointed and concerned about the level of professionalism and service displayed by a member of the management team.
We visited the store to process a straightforward exchange. The original couch we had purchased could not fit in our building’s elevator, so we returned to explore alternative options. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Zach, who was extremely helpful and personable. He worked with us to find a solution that fit our space, ultimately recommending two armchairs that still allowed us to maintain the aesthetic we originally envisioned. His service was excellent.
Since this was an exchange, Zach introduced us to Rueben to assist with processing the transaction. We had used multiple forms of payment for the original purchase—including a few Visa gift cards and a credit card—and I attempted to explain this in advance so that the return could be properly handled. I no longer had access to the gift cards and wanted to ensure any refund was correctly issued.
Unfortunately, Rueben appeared confused and overwhelmed by the process. When I inquired about the refund details, particularly a remaining balance that wasn’t clearly accounted for, his response was both defensive and unprofessional. At one point, he interrupted me and said, “I’m not trying to steal your money,” which was an inappropriate and unnecessary comment, as I had never made such an implication. I was simply seeking clarification about the refund method.
When I mentioned that part of the purchase had been made with a Visa gift card, Rueben’s demeanor noticeably shifted. He became visibly irritated and made a dismissive facial gesture to a colleague, which I found disrespectful and uncomfortable. I felt compelled to explain that the gift cards were given to me as gifts—something that should not require justification in any case.
Zach attempted to offer a practical solution: refund the original purchase and reprocess the new order using a merchandise credit. Rueben declined, stating, “Absolutely not, I’m not doing that,” in a condescending tone. He then contacted Client Services and stepped away. Once I explained the situation to the representative on the phone, the issue was resolved within minutes: a refund was issued to my credit card, and the remaining gift card balance was applied as merchandise credit—exactly what I had been asking for all along.
At this point, the store manager, Loraine, stepped in to help finalize the transaction. She was apologetic and professional, and acknowledged that Rueben’s behavior was inappropriate. I appreciated her intervention and her willingness to take responsibility for what had occurred.
While I typically wouldn’t write a complaint, I feel compelled to raise this issue due to the unprofessional and, frankly, disrespectful manner in which Rueben engaged with us. As a person of color, it was deeply disappointing to experience this type of treatment, particularly at a brand we’ve supported for years and where we’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars.
I hope that this matter is taken seriously and escalated appropriately. Customer service—especially from store leadership—should be rooted in respect, understanding, and professionalism, regardless of a customer’s background or method of payment. Experiences like this diminish trust and can have a lasting impact on long-standing customer relationships.