I visited the Howdens Southport branch recently to purchase some items, but unfortunately had a very poor experience. When I asked the counter staff for assistance, a staff member named Dave said to me, “Do I have the product code? If I don’t, I’m going to walk away from you.”

I explained that I didn’t have the product code to hand but I knew the item name from the Howdens website, yet instead of helping me, he repeated that he’d walk away if he didn’t have it.

I asked, “Don’t you want customers to buy from here?” and he replied, “No, not really — I’ve got enough.”

It’s disappointing to be treated that way as a genuine customer ready to make a purchase. Because of this attitude, I went to the Ormskirk branch, where the staff were extremely helpful and professional — and I completed my purchase there for £672.60.

The Southport branch lost that sale purely due to poor customer service. I hope management take note and review staff training, as the contrast between the two branches was night and day.