Future Shop

Oh Future Shop… what a history we have. I’ve been to literally every location that this chain has had in Calgary for the last 7 years (and even worked in a couple) — including ones that have since been closed… and that includes both incarnations of the Macleod Trail location, as it was closed down a few years ago, then reopened with a new look, new management, and an all around VAST improvement.
The store itself is almost beyond reproach. In a chain that (speaking from experience on both levels) has an unfortunate habit of keeping most of their stock in on-​site warehouses in the back that are often horrifically disorganized and leave people looking for what seems like days for a single item, this place is staggeringly well organized and functional. Here’s hoping it stays that way once the sheen of novelty wears off. I have never had any trouble locating anything in this store, everything is very easily and intuitively laid out and well stocked, everything is very clean and well kept… all in all, they should be very proud of the facility itself and their stocking staff.
However, my gripe with this store is that this consistency and reliability ends on the shelves. In a store so heavily reliant on their staff that ¾ of it’s floor is simply display models and a salesperson is needed to purchase almost ANYTHING, and so knowledgable of that fact that most of their employees work on commision, one would think they’d make sure they were using the right staff. Don’t get me wrong, some of them are great… but some would be better suited in a place like Walmart, where everything’s out on the floor and all they need to do is wear a smock and point.
I went in to buy a new laptop — a pretty substancial purchase. You would hope that a salesperson would want to keep this kind of customer happy. Instead, the older gentleman I dealt with (who’s nametag said ‘Rich’, but kept introducing himself as ‘Richard’ — which I’m guessing was because there was another man with ‘Richard’ on his nametag in the same department) was the kind of guy retail horror stories are written about. First of all, His personal presentation was disgusting — pants that rode down way too low, extremely long nose hairs hanging out for all to see and looking just all around ungroomed and poorly maintained. He asked no questions, offered no real information besides what was on the shelving tag, and didn’t seem to know too much about anything (his stock answer was «I don’t know much about that, but the tech guys would know» — THEN WHY ARE YOU WORKING HERE!!!). He spent 20 minutes every time he had to scan something in trying (and failing) to do it that way…
*This is where I’ll take an aside from the staffing nightmare to give my other complaint — three seperate barcodes were tried for the same product, and not ONE would scan in? I think it’s time for some new equipment there, boys. Either your barcodes are faulty or these scanners are worn out, either way it’s time to fix it.
…only for me (the customer) to end up explaining to him how to enter the code manually. Why he didn’t know this was beyond me. I was also absolutely infuriated when I found out his first attempt at this wasn’t to put through the sale, but to bring up the price lists for the extended warranties I already told him TWICE that I didn’t want, so that he could further badger me about it another 4 times. If it wasn’t for a VERY helpful floor manager (who’s nametag read «Jay-​R» though I’m unclear if this is an unconventional first name or a sign that there are multiple «Jay“s and they require a last initial) who had to step in TWICE to do this guys job for him, I probably would have told him to forget it and left. I only wish the transaction could have been rung in by him, so as to keep any commision from going to this disgraceful employee.
I only wish their staff were as efficient and reliable as the store itself… but I’ll give it a moderately passing grade for the store and those employees who ARE on the ball.
(#2/​100 for the Unilocal 100 challenge

Review #18 of Unilocal’s 30 Day Challenge 2012
I’ve been to this Future Shop several times in the past but it seems that the common trend is that someone with a really big smile on his face would welcome me like I’m gonna have the best shopping experience but when I actually need assistance, the place would all of a sudden be deserted. During rare moments that there are actually people around to help, it seems that they are not very knowledgeable or very helpful. When we bought an Xbox, there were two packages that almost look the same but one is priced higher so we asked what was the difference. Everyone we asked didn’t have any idea how to answer our question. Also when I was buying a laptop bag, I noticed that all the stocks in the display had stain so I asked if they have other stock and I was told that «No, that’s it» with a take it or leave it tone. I was tired so I didn’t argue and just took the bag. Product wise, I hope they have more selections for the smaller products like screen wipes/​cleaners, lens cleaners.
Will I go back? Yes cos it’s the branch nearest my place. Will I expect good customer service? After 8 visits of poor customer service, I’m not expecting much anymore.

It’s just within the past fews months that I have ever purchased anything of «significance» at Future shop. That being anything over $ 50.00 I have to say I like their return policy if you don’t like what you’ve purchased then you have 30 days. Just keep the original packaging and reciept. It’s 14 day’s for certain electronic and video type purchases.
As far as Future Shops go, this one on Macleod Trail since being newly renovated is nice. It even has a guitar section in the far back right section of the store.
I found when I went to this particular location that some of the staff were still a little «green» I guess being a new location they are still experiencing some growing pains.
Other than that you will find all the typical stuff you would find in a Future Shop you would find in any other FS. Home Appliances, Televisions, CD’s, DVD’s, Computer’s Tablets, Cell Phones, Camera’s, Etc, Etc. Plus the added bonus of the Guitar section like I mentioned before.
If you didn’t know this before Best Buy owns Future Shop.
Don’t bother telling an employee that your going to shop at one location or another, because they have better prices. They probrably wont care.