Bookshop Faces Surge in ‘Don’t Touch’ Complaints

Alfie & Noa, a bookshop located in Castle Towers shopping centre in northwest Sydney, is facing a wave of negative feedback from customers. The store has a dismal average rating of 1.2 stars on Google, stemming from complaints about staff behavior and customer treatment.

Surge in ‘Don’t Touch’ Complaints

Numerous reviews highlight a troubling trend where patrons felt unwelcome while browsing. One reviewer shared their experience of being watched closely by staff and being told to leave if they did not intend to make a purchase. This atmosphere of scrutiny has left many customers feeling uncomfortable.

Negative Customer Experiences

• One customer reported being chased out of the shop after staff accused them of taking photos to verify book prices on Amazon.
• Another individual described leaving the store in distress, stating they felt “shouted at” and treated like a thief.
• A distinct review detailed feeling humiliated for simply not accepting a staff recommendation, leading to them being effectively forced out.

Many customers have echoed similar sentiments, stating they were not allowed to browse at their leisure. One woman emphasized that she could only view books by asking staff specifically to assist her because she was not permitted to touch the merchandise.

Public Reaction

The discontent has sparked social media commentary, with some labeling Alfie & Noa as “the Fawlty Towers of bookshops.” Observers have noted the extreme nature of these complaints, with one netizen commenting they were tempted to visit just to witness the chaos firsthand.

Business Response and Customer Support

Despite the negative backlash, a spokesperson for NSW Fair Trading confirmed they had received seven complaints about the bookshop. However, no investigation is currently underway. They mentioned that they are working with the store to resolve consumer concerns.

A representative from Castle Towers highlighted the commitment to ensuring that retailers align with community standards. They noted that the shopping center does not influence third-party reviews.

Alfie & Noa’s Mission

The Castle Towers website describes Alfie & Noa as a family-owned business passionate about books and focused on delivering exceptional customer service. They aim to enhance the book-buying experience for all customers, although recent events have raised questions about their approach.

Attempts to contact Alfie & Noa for comments were met with silence, leaving customers and onlookers awaiting a response to the escalating concerns.