JC Penney as Thrift store

[Dorothy Friberg]

A few days ago while shopping at Penney's I found a nice pair of shoes at a pretty good price and purchased them. As I got them out into the sunlight I saw that these leather shoes had scuff marks and a small amount of wear on the heels. It was obvious that they had been previously worn for a day or so. Immediately I returned to the clerk who called a manager. I told him that I liked the shoes, they fit well and I wished a further discount because they were obviously previously worn and were not in new condition. Said manager refused a discount but would give me a refund with accompanying receipt. Personally I feel scammed and wish to warn other potential customers of this store that some of the items sold there are second hand.

[Shandi]

Did you get a refund?

[gypsey]

I don't understand why you say you were "scammed." You were offered a full refund. It sounds to me like the shoes were "returns" and who ever put them out for sale failed to noticed the wear It was a mistake, and so naturally the manager offered you your money back in full.
Most retail stores have policies they need to follow for legal and customer service reasons. It makes sense to me that one policy is not to sell obviously used products at a "discount" since they are not a thrift store. Fortunately for you, Good Will is full of great buys on clothing and shoes.

[wisewomn]

I read somewhere recently that some retailers are now also offering used/second-hand clothing as well as new stuff. Nordstrom comes to mind, of all places. Nordstrom will begin selling used clothes - The Washington Post
More info: Popular American Stores Now Selling Used Clothing (voanews.com)
It sounds to me like some customer slipped damaged returned goods past a clerk and the clerk did not catch it. Human error.
Apparently, customer tastes are changing--younger people shopping at thrift stores--and retailers are taking note.

[gypsey]

.I read the article. Certainly a trend especially for on-demand or higher end items.
I don't think the Penny's pair of shoes fell into this category, but the article and info was very informative.
Thanks!!

[Dorothy Friberg]

What an interesting development. Do we have our finger on the pulse of commerce or what? I did buy the shoes - Clark's - a higher end women's shoe manufactured in England which retail in the $75 - $100 range. I paid about $35 plus tax. My intent was to give Penney's some bad advertising but I got an education instead. However, thrift stores are cheaper.

[Goat Rock Ukulele]

Some people (mostly women) buy shoes or an outfit for a special occasion, wear them once and take them back. Gals I know would put tape on the soles of the shoes so they would not get marked.

[gypsey]

Or even better than putting tape on the shoes, just don't try to cheat the store in the first place by wearing and then returning them,

[wisewomn]

I think you got a deal anyway, Dorothy. :-)