Fossil Store

I’ve always loved Fossil’s leather goods. The staff in this store were surprisingly really friendly. I came in trying to find a card wallet. They were very thorough in recommending me some options and were very helpful when I asked for a new one because I found a scratch on my first choice. Overall, the store’s atmosphere was very pleasant.

I like Fossil. I like their watches, and I like their leather goods. Usually I have had really good service here. But… there’s always a but…
I bought a watch here nearly 2 years ago for my man friend. Awesome watch, gets compliments all the time, so no problems there. However, I took the watch in to get the battery changed. I had checked with the store a few days before to see if they did them in house. Yup, no problem, $ 10. Sweet deal, I thought. So I brought the watch in, dropped it off and went back 10 minutes later. Apparently THIS watch face is different from other watch faces and doesn’t fit the compressor for re-​sealing the back of the watch. So they can’t do the change for fear of cracking the crystal. I was told to try a couple other places in the mall, but warned that they would probably have to send the watch elsewhere, as well.
Meanwhile, as I am having this explained to me, a sales girl comes up to my neck and starts inspecting my necklace, and touching it… all up in my business. Please, if you like something, just say so, and I can show it to you if you want a better look. Don’t just walk up to me (while I am engaged with someone else, mind you) and start touching me without saying a word. That’s creepy. I’m not a mannequin.
Anyhow, after making my way around the cursed Metrotown, I decided on TimeCo, but their rate was double what Fossil would have charged me if they could have done it in house. And supposedly, Fossil watches may have more than one battery, so if there are extras I will have to pay more… Why the eff would they need more than one battery? And how am I supposed to know if they are telling the truth?
First of all, when I bought the watch, it would have been nice to know that the battery changes were going to be an issue. And second, maybe if you are going to sell those difficult watches then make some equipment that can deal with them in house, so your customers don’t have to go elsewhere and pay more money. And extra batteries? Why?
Clearly, the staff at this store are not to be blamed for not having the right equipment. That is a Fossil issue. But not letting me know when I bought the watch was a failure, and all-​up-​in-​my-​business chick was just creepy. The staff member (I expect she was a manager?) who explained why they couldn’t do it was very nice and professional and I had no issues with her or the rest of the staff. It was just very disappointing to have to get it fixed elsewhere. Fossil should take care of their products, and I shouldn’t have to pay more than everyone else does to have a battery changed. I don’t mind waiting a few days, but come on, $ 20? Lame.