mni took to Twitter to call out the high-end brand, accusing them of being “elitist and exclusionary.”
“Wow @Chanel in Chicago on Michigan Ave. has the most rude staff,” Frankel tweeted. “They won’t let you record or buy anything there & their salespeople need a serious attitude adjustment. Actually shocked. How do you not let every person record in this era of social media.”
In a follow-up tweet, the former reality star shared more details about the incident, claiming that she was trying to make a purchase and was refused assistance by staff.
“I wanted to buy my daughter some goodies and then I find out I cannot buy them because I wasn’t there with an appointment,” Frankel wrote. “I’ve been a customer of @CHANEL for many years. I’ve bought thousands of items. Do you think I deserve to be treated like this?”
According to Frankel, she was eventually allowed to purchase items from the store but was only able to do so after being scolded by the staff .
The outspoken businesswoman and philanthropist concluded her Twitter rant by urging her followers to take their business elsewhere.
“Let’s all boycott @CHANEL,” Frankel wrote. “They would let us record with other salespeople AND other customers. Also their security is saying ‘no recording.’ What a joke. Never buying another Chanel item. We need to use our voices. Retail needs to be responsible. We matter in this economy.”
Chanel has yet to respond to the incident or Frankel’s tweets. However, the brand has faced backlash in the past for its lack of diversity and inclusivity .
This incident once again highli ghts the importance of customer service and treating all customers with respect, regardless of their status or fame. Bethenny Frankel may be a celebrity, but she deserves the same treatment as any other paying customer. Let's hope that Chanel takes this incident as a learning opportunity and works towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive shopping experience for all.
