Where did all the good customer service go?

The customer service in the Moncton area, generally speaking, is an embarrassment.

Recently I attempted to shop at a big box hardware store and waited 15 minutes for assistance before leaving for the competition, only 2 minutes away. Not only did they lose that particular sale, but they lost any future business from me and potentially those who I inform of this lack of service.

Yet another shining example is a coffee chain I frequent to order a Strawberry Banana smoothy. Without fail, every single employee there roll their eyes when I place this order because no one likes to make them. The product is there, it is your job to make it, so put  a smile on your face and fulfill the request. I didn't decide what your employer chooses to serve.

The one big box store, located in Moncton, that takes the cake, offers a wide variety of items...a "one-stop-shop" if you will. On one particular occasion, I visited this store to purchase a junior size sleeping bag. I asked one sales associate if they carried such a thing, they simply stated "No". Just to be sure, I asked another staff member and was given another quick "No". Just for the fun of it, I decided to take on the challenge of proving them wrong. Six styles of junior sleeping bags later, I politely took them to customer service to discuss my experience. My story was greeted with a shocked face and a tiny voice saying, "Sorry", but nothing further became of it.

Finally, most recently, and what put me over the edge, was at yet another hardware store, located in Riverview. I went in looking for a wooden dowel and was told they were "Over that way, by the plastic" and was directed with a lazy hand gesture and not so much as a look up from the counter.

Everyday, I experience some low level of customer service. Whether it's from a person who doesn't make eye contact or someone completely lacking manners and general customer skills, I am constantly let down with my shopping experiences. I am willing to pay a modicum more to receive good service elsewhere, or shop online for that matter...but I am left wanting. 

When I worked in customer service, during my university years, I would have never gotten away with this type of behaviour. Are staff members not receiving training anymore? Someone would be smart to start a business around here teaching manners and common courtesy, like holding the door for the person behind you and saying "please and thank you". Am I alone in thinking this would benefit the Greater Moncton Area?