Shopper’s anger after clash with maskless worker at department store
A DERBY man has criticised John Lewis after claiming he was told “you don’t have to buy from me” by a worker who was not wearing a mask.
John Northridge has since received an apology from the retail chain after his visit to the Nottingham store left him enraged.
The 71-year-old says he visited the Victoria Centre department store with his wife on Monday afternoon to buy perfume when the incident happened.
He said: “My wife bought some Bulgari & Musc Noir, and then moved to the Aqua di Parma counter and I noticed that the salesman was not wearing a mask.
“When I asked him why he responded with glee that he was
exempt. My response was countered with ‘you don’t have to buy from me’.
“I just think that is a ridiculous response.”
It comes as mandatory masks measures were reintroduced in December.
It is now required that people wear face masks while inside shops and on public transport. This rule is also in place for workers, unless they are exempt.
Mr Northridge added: “I think it’s bad to be on the staff not wearing masks and serving people.
“I was just amazed by the number of people not wearing masks.”
It is understood that Mr Northridge has submitted a complaint to the retail chain following the incident.
In response to his concerns, a spokesperson for John Lewis said: “We are very sorry that our customer was spoken to in this way this is unacceptable and we will take this up with the Acqua di Parma concession.
“The safety of our customers and partners remains of paramount importance.
“We have continued to recommend that customers, partners and concession staff wear a face covering in our shops and in line with Government guidance unless exempt.”