This has to be my most impassioned ‘Hate’ to date!
I was in a well known high street store recently, when I needed to spend a penny AKA visit the Ladies toilets. I can’t fault that the shop in question had toilets available in the first place, as there are so few provided these days. So on this count they definitely get the thumbs up, but it was their signage that drove me to make a complaint at Customer Services.
The sign (see photo) clearly showed a wheelchair symbol indicating an accessible toilet, yet after struggling with crutches through two extremely heavy doors, I didn’t find what I was expecting. There was no accessible toilet, all there was were two sets of stairs, one leading up to the Mens toilets and one down to the Ladies, not much good if you’re a wheelchair user or someone like myself who struggles with climbing stairs.
I made my complaint, which has been passed on to head office and am now waiting to hear back from them when they’ve resolved the issue, so I’ll keep you posted!
I was assured that there’s an accessible toilet in the basement of the shop, but that’s not much use when you’re on the first floor, desperate for the loo and stranded on a staircase. Accurate signage is so important!!!
What happens when signage is done badly?
via @retrofix on Twitter:
@enabledby the opposite of the original intention, clarity becomes mud and bad things happen, good post! heres to accurate signage! : )
I second that!
Totally agree Denise, have had so many similar experiences in high-street shops and cafes. I have got quite used to ask and complain despite unhelpful or indifferent/stupid shop assistants. The worst thing is when they look at me with my ‘walker’ as if I was an alien from e.g. Vulcan, and don’t seem to understand my problem.
At least some shops/cafes are aware and lovely/helpful. Especially: Pret a Manger, Caffe Nero. M&S.
On the other hand: Hated Wallis, Benetton, Gap.
What have other people found on the high street?