The manager of this store (JC Penney in Harrison, Arkansas), Kathy, is beyond rude and has absolutely no business whatsoever working in any capacity of customer service.

I went into the store for a specific item. Once I found what I was looking for, I proceeded to the check out line. There are two registers near the entrance/exit. There were already two customers being serviced at both registers, so I waited in line. Also waiting in line was a male customer, who was there first. Clearly, the man would be the next customer to be served once one of the registers opened. I am not in kindergarten, and I fully grasp the concept of "first come, first serve." While waiting, Kathy, who was working one of the registers, called out to me (in front of the other customers) and very rudely informed me that I was not the next customer to be waited on. I informed her that I saw the other man waiting in line, and was fully aware that he was next. Had I proceeded to a register once the register was open, I would FULLY expect an employee to inform me that I had cut the line, but that was not the case. I never even had an opportunity to cut the line, as both registers were already busy when Kathy very smugly, and rudely informed me that I was not the next person in line. If I do something wrong, by all means, tell me, and I will apologize and do the right thing. But do not treat me like a child, and anticipate that I might do something wrong, and scold me in front of three other customers when I have done NOTHING wrong. The fact that Kathy belittled me this way front of the other customers was quite embarrassing. Bear in mind, it wasn't just the words she used, but it was her nasty attitude, rude tone, and belittling behavior. I do not appreciate being made to look like an inconsiderate child. I was not raised by wolves, and I fully understand social etiquette. I am a thirty four year old woman, and I know how to behave in public.

I put the item I was purchasing down, and walked out of the store. When I got to my vehicle, I realized I should go back in and speak to the manager. When I returned, Kathy was no longer at the register. I spoke to the other employee, Kayla, who was very professional and very kind. I informed her that I would like to speak to the manager, and she advised me that the woman I had the issue with, Kathy, WAS the manager. I was shocked. I absolutely could not believe that a manager of a retail store would behave so unprofessionally and belittle customers. When I returned to the store, I had absolutely ZERO intentions of buying anything, but Kayla was so helpful and professional that I decided to go ahead and purchase the item, however, I will never return to that store again. I bought the item as a gesture to Kayla to show my gratitude for her professionalism.

This is not the first unpleasant experience I have had while shopping at JC Penney. All of my unpleasant experiences have been in regard to the employees. Many of the employees act as if they are trying to send you a message that you are not "good enough" to shop in their store. This last incident was just the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Perhaps if you are over 60 years old, you will receive better treatment, as this seems to be the primary demographic of the store. I only went to the store on this particular day because I needed a specific item, and I searched all other stores to no avail. In order to avoid a trip to Springfield or Fayetteville, I decided to bite the bullet, and go to JC Penney. Big mistake. Next time, I will be more than happy to drive out of town, and spend more money in a real department store rather than be treated like garbage. I have reported the incident to corporate, and perhaps they will hire a new manager who actually understands what "customer service" means.