Why I Am Boycotting The Avenue Plus Size Clothing

So a few days ago I was browsing the internet and came across a coupon code for The Avenue on a reputable coupon website. On May 19th, 2016 I placed an order for a bunch of items, used the coupon code and paid $13.95 for the remainder of what the coupon code didn’t cover and for shipping. A few hours later tons of people were reporting their orders were being canceled so the very next day I called The Avenue’s customer service to try and cancel my order because I was worried the company was going to charge me the full $103.50. I spoke to a male and after asking him to cancel my order I was told I could not cancel it because it was ready to ship. I then asked him about the coupon code he told me that the coupon code was only valid for The Avenue Credit Card Holders and since I am not one I would most likely be charged the full amount and I could be refunded once I sent the package back.

Fast forward to yesterday, I received an email that said

I am just one of MANY women who had their order canceled…No biggy! I partly expected for my order to be canceled…but what I am angry about and the reason I am boycotting The Avenue is how they are treating customers.

The Avenue is now claiming the code was meant to be used in stores ONLY and any online orders are going to be canceled.I find that funny because the terms of the coupon code says NOTHING about in-store use and the male customer service rep I talked to said it was an ONLINE coupon for credit card holders. The icing on the cake is The Avenue is NOW blaming their customers!

Seriously The Avenue? You are going to blame your customers for YOUR mistake….If this coupon code was meant to ONLY be used in stores then why did the terms say NOTHING about use for in store only? I also think your PR team needs some seriously revamping! I am not even angry about the fact that my order was canceled but that The Avenue is blaming its customers and the horrible way they are dealing with this situation. I have tried to contact them by phone and can’t get through as to when I am going to be refunded my $13.50 because it’s already been taken out of my bank….I know $13.50 doesn’t sound like a lot of money but I have talked to a woman who spent much more than that and can’t get a straight answer as to when they will be refunded. Good customer service is a MUST have and obviously, The Avenue needs some revamping there!

Update 5/23: So sometime between yesterday and today The Avenue blocked me on facebook AND twitter. My bank contacted me because The Avenue kept trying to take money out of my account and my bank BLOCKED them because they thought the activity was suspicious. The Avenue is claiming people will be getting refunds in 3-5 business days so I guess we will see what happens. I feel this whole situation is nothing but The Avenue taking advantage of plus sized woman and I really think the PR department of The Avenue needs some SERIOUS revamping! They are still blaiming customers and even BLOCKING people who email them asking about refunds. I have talked to a few woman who ALSO say they have been HUNG up on by The Avenue’s Customer Service when asking about refunds. This is seriously one PR disaster!