Bed Bath & Beyond

I have not shopped at Bed Bath & Beyond very much, but my boyfriend and I had some time to kill in Maple Grove last weekend so we decided to check it out. We were looking for a specific scented reed diffuser which they did not have in stock. We found a Yankee aromatherapy candle to purchase instead, although BB&B will not likely be my first choice for where to shop the next time I purchase a Yankee candle. While we were there, we discovered a large rug we were interested in but we weren’t sure if our living room was big enough to accommodate it. So we took pictures of it and some other smaller options to help us decide once we got home. When I returned a couple days later to purchase one of the smaller options, I noticed a few bathroom items on display that I wanted to show my boyfriend. Since he travels every week, it’s much easier if I do the shopping and take pictures so he can weigh in. So I started snapping pictures, and then this snippy sales associate said, «You can’t take pictures in here!» I looked at her in dismay and asked if I’d heard her correctly, and she said you can’t take pictures w/​o the company’s permission. I was floored! What am I going to do with a picture of a toothbrush holder… send it to all of their competitors? They have a website for cryin out loud… it’s not like they’re hiding anything they sell. And half the merchandise in there is brand name stuff that isn’t exclusive to their store. I just didn’t like how the salesperson approached me about it, and I think it is a ridiculous policy in general! I was clearly about to purchase something from their store, and that’s how they treat their paying customers? I probably wouldn’t have even been back if I hadn’t taken pictures the first time, so that just goes to show how useful it can be. I can snap away inside Target and all the staff ever does there is offer to help me! I will gladly choose Target or Crate and Barrel for my next home decorating/​housewares purchase. It’s no wonder Bed Bath & Beyond has to continually send out 20% off coupons to encourage people to visit if this is a typical experience there.