Screwfix.co.uk

I have made hundreds of purchases from Screwfix and it is my first place to start my research and check prices.

I realise that what I am about to write is not refective of all staff or branches but it only takes one bad apple to lose trade.
I won't embarass the individual or branch concerned but let me just say I live in an area where you'd be hard pressed to find an out and out grumpy person. Except at this branch.
First of all let me say I am not a tradesperson so am unfamiliar with the quirks of how they operate. Walked in and just one person standing around in the middle of the room fiddling with a mobile phone. No-one else at the counter so walked up to be served. Then got chastised for "jumping the queue". No sign up to say "queue here" though. The man's feet had been standing on some fine arrows which I couldn't see. Naturally I apologised. I then presented a number which proved not to be their actual item code. I was loudly and clearly told off for that and making him search for the proper number. I also requested another small item. He then asked for all my details and immediately issued a receipt. I said "So where's the knife?". Consternation again. Then when I picked up the knife to look at it he snatched it away saying "You can have it when you have paid for it.". I kid you not. I kept calm and polite right up to the end when I couldn't help asking him, rather cheekily I admit, but nothing compared to his nastiness: "So have you all had a charisma bypass operations then?". He said yes. So there you have it... literally a joke of an employee. Well the laugh's on you because this mild mannered 73 year old will take his trade elsewhere. Doesn't the head office monitor employee attitudes - indeed even train them? There are other places to buy, especially on the internet. Perhaps trades people don't get this atrocious service because they are big spenders, I don't know but this is certainly the worst service attitude I have ever encountered in all my years.