Origins: Not as it once was

By DAVID FAUCHEUX

Long-time readers to my blog may recall during one holiday season, I chose Origins as one of my little luxuries. I am now removing them from my list. During the past year I have had no end of trouble with the Store-in-Store in the Dillards in the Acadiana Mall when I was buying Origins products.

After arranging at considerable trouble to get there, I often find the counter unstaffed or understaffed.

One of the cosmeticians turned her nose up so far when I returned a product, had a bird been flying, she'd have had serious sinus problems. I then had to go online, arrange to ship it thru the post office, and experience $10 worth of trouble for a $25 product! I have emailed the company several times about this matter and have often gotten a concerned person on the other end.

Just Wednesday I emailed again letting them know about this understaffing situation and about my concern that their bath salts that come in a nifty old-time glass bottle with metal ring device are not as reusable (the plastic label is impossible, I tried everything, to remove) as the skin scrub that comes in a plastic antique-looking jar. I wonder what they'd have done if this had been Oprah?

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Dear Mr. Faucheux,

Thank you for your interest in Origins.

We are truly sorry for any inconvenience experienced at the Origins counter in Dillard's. Every effort is made to ensure that our retail store accounts provide sufficient coverage by trained representatives at our counters. We therefore share in your disappointment, and appreciate your bringing this matter to our attention. Your experience has been communicated to the appropriate executives, as we know they will be interested in your remarks.

Recycling has always occurred at the manufacturing stage, where worldwide manufacturing programs take maximum advantage of locally available options. To be successful, this effort must continue at the consumer level. As you probably know, consumer recycling is determined by the local municipality, dependent upon the type of collecting and sorting program available in the area.

Our Environmental Affairs personnel continuously explore state-of-the-art recycling initiatives. In this regard, we will be sure to share your comments with them, as we know they will appreciate your interest.

Once again, thank you for this opportunity to respond to your concerns. We look forward to having you visit your favorite Origins location in the near future. We hope you will continue to look to Origins for product honesty, performance and concern for the environment.

Sincerely,

Global Consumer Communications

2,746,9xx

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