My 7 year old daughter went MIA in less than 2 minutes 2nite in the store.I was calling for her to no avail. I found an assoc., asked if she had seen her, gave a description. I was told she would check up front and call over speaker. I proceeded 2 look all over the back of store, in their break room, utility closet, storage & bathrooms all the while no loud speaker announcement was made. I made my way to the front where I saw the assoc. I spoke with and another one that was holding up the glass counter just chatting. When they saw me, the one said "oh there is the mom". I asked r u going to call for her? Gave her name & they called her name twice. The one that was holding up the counter less than 15ft from the exit door said "no child has gone by me and out the door." So, I am going through the store, outside, the store next door by myself. I was in a panic because I was going by the assumption that she was in the store since I was told no little girl had exited. I asked if I could get some help and was told "sorry, it is only the two of us, and we have to be on register." I was inflamed at all of this, all the while out of my mind with fear.
My son called me & said she just walked in our front door crying. We live about a mile away from the store. She DID go out the door, walked home in the dark by herself because she couldn't find me and the "lady upfront had her back turned, busy talking to someone."
I have already written a complaint to corporate, but more will follow in the morning.
Their lack of concern for a possible child abduction, and the lack of assistance by locking down the store, asking customers, shutting down a register is mind blowing to me as a human being let alone a mother. If I would not of been told that "no child has gone out the door" then I could of went and looked for her outside quicker.
God had her in his hands tonight, because we do no live in the best neighborhood, and a 7 year old little girl walking alone on a busy street...my nightmares are full for the rest of my life as too what may have happened to her out there.
I still purchased $30.00 in items there only because my son has to have the items for school tomorrow, but I really would like more than that refunded to me, and an apology from someone, because I sure didn't get it from the two customer associates working there tonight. They did say while they took my money, "I bet you were really scared and feel better now huh?"
Big Lots has left a nasty taste in my mouth, and made a ex-customer out of this mother.
Thank you