Steve Madden Shoes, Mall of Georgia - 'free' hat was not free, misleading sales practices

December 7, 2001:

From:

RE: "free hats" at Steve Madden Shoes

I recently purchased a pair of boots as a Christmas gift for my 13 year old daughter at the Steve madden store #43 at the Mall of Georgia. The sales clerk who helped me was aware that this was to be a gift, and offered me a "free hat" since I spent over $100. No where in the store nor the receipt was anything regarding the return of the "free hat" with the product, should a return be needed.

The "free hat" was given to an out-of-town friend of my daughters and was long gone by the time I was able to return the boots. My daughter already purchased her own it seems. The sales clerk informed me that the refund would be $29 less for the cost of this cheaply made ball cap.

When I balked, she contacted her manager by phone, who yelled at me and offered no recourse, not even a store credit for the full amount. Out of frustration, I accepted the "refund" and vowed to contact higher ups. I was given the name and number of a district manager who has never returned my calls. I have contacted Better Business Bureau, the Mall administration, local consumer advocates, as well as corporate contacts.

I suspect there will be plenty of angry post holiday shoppers over this ludicrous "policy." I'll never darken their doors, and neither will I allow my daughter to do such! I may be inclined to take legal action. Anyone else?