Ashley M.
Yelp
I'm sorry to say that I did not have a great experience in Old Gold recently. I am a direct support professional, and this past Sunday I was caring for a client, a twelve year old girl with Down Syndrome. We both thought it would be fun to go to Old Gold and find something funny to try on. Having been there before, I knew that they cater mostly to clientele who are prepared to spend $100+ on a Halloween costume, so I told her she could pick out one thing to try on, and that's it. She picked out a dress (something I could have easily slipped over the clothes she was wearing), and I asked the saleswoman if we could try it on. She was very indirect, giving me both a "yes" and "no" answer. She said, "yes, but I have to zip her into it." Then, "this isn't really a costume shop." (There is a sign outside the store that says "costume warehouse..." ). A simple "no" would have sufficed, but this woman informed the rest of the staff of our presence, and from that point on we were followed around the store. There was always at least one employee staring at us, asking if we returned items back to where we found them. Several other people were trying on costumes, but we were the only ones made to feel excluded. The entire experience was infuriating, and in my professional opionion (as someone who has worked with and advocated for people with disabilities for a number of years) an act of discrimination towards someone with a disability. Fortunately, this girl had fun regardless, and didn't notice the learing stares by the staff. As I reflect on the experience, I am left with a lasting thought. I understand that Old Gold does not want hundreds of people flooding their store, trying on a number of outfits, and leaving without buying anything. I get that. But I also know that they had the power to change how that experience went. They could have made a little girl's day by letting her try on a pretty dress and letting me take one silly picture. Later on, they could have gone home to their roommate, partner, friend, or whoever, and told them about the sweet little girl who came into the store and tried on a dress, and how good it felt to make someone else happy. Instead, they treated me, my friends, and this child with such insincerity that I can't think of this place without cringing. I'm sure they didn't feel food about the experience either. One last thing... Old Gold is stupid expensive. I get that shopping locally is important, but there's a limit to my support and generosity towards the small business community. Old Gold will never get any of my business again.