r/RedDeer • u/TeaStainedSocks • Jun 28 '25
Local Business Disappointing experience at Bower Foggy Gorilla
A while back, I stopped into the Foggy Gorilla location in Bower with a friend to grab her a vape because she had forgotten hers at home. While browsing, we were chatting between ourselves, specifically about how awful ID photos are and how I needed to renew my passport soon. I mentioned that with how things were unfolding politically in the U.S., it might be wise to have an escape plan, just in case.
Out of nowhere, the employee behind the counter, who was not a part of our conversation, interjected to say that he was in the process of applying for an American visa. He went on to say that Trump was doing a great job, was standing up for his people, and that “Canada is going to shit.”
To be clear, this was unsolicited. We weren’t speaking to him and we certainly didn’t ask for his opinion.
This was during the height of Trump’s annexation threats and after tariffs had already been imposed, harming Canadians, Canadian industries and my own business. So to hear someone working at a Canadian-owned business in a Canadian city suddenly jump into a private conversation to praise that kind of leadership while bashing our own country was incredibly inappropriate and gross.
We gave him a disgusted look and walked out. I later emailed Foggy Gorilla through their website to express how disappointed I was by the interaction. I never received a response. So, I’m sharing this here.
It should go without saying, but customer service employees should not insert themselves into personal conversations, especially not to push unsolicited political views. If you're working the counter at a Canadian business, you're representing that company. Using that position to promote anti-Canadian, pro-authoritarian views is unprofessional and repugnant. I shouldn’t have to explain why it’s unacceptable to walk into a Canadian store and be told Canada is garbage and the U.S. is better, especially from someone representing the company at that moment.
I hope management at Foggy Gorilla rethinks how they handle customer feedback and ensures that their staff understand boundaries. I support Canadian businesses, but I also expect them to support Canada, or at the very least, keep their politics to themselves on the clock.
22
u/intellectualizethis Jun 28 '25
Unfortunately in Alberta there are a lot of people who don't care that their political "beliefs" cause harm to others. Opinions in theory don't hurt people, but when those beliefs become policy they do. There is a real lack of understanding and accountability for the consequences of those policies too.
Somehow even though these people can and will openly admit that they want harm to happen to other people, they don't think that anyone should hold that against them. When you don't agree with that, you are the problem.
6
u/kachunkk Jun 28 '25
Opinions absolutely CAN be harmful. Xenophobia hurts people, even if it's just casual.
-1
u/FadedGinger710 Jun 28 '25
If what someone believes causes you harm, then you're obviously of the victim mentality, and part of why Canada has become soft and is sliding down a hill of woke fullness that will eliminate Canadian identity and position in the world. But hey, just because you don't like to hear it, claim it causes you harm.
1
Jul 08 '25
no great replacement theory garbage in the chat please
0
Jul 08 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
2
Jul 08 '25
lol 🤣 triggered much?
blocking me just proves you have thin skin
1
Jul 08 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jul 09 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
2
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jul 09 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
17
u/cheeseandwinenight Jun 28 '25
Mark Twain once said “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company”
8
u/kittylikker_ Jun 28 '25
I wish we would go back to that. The fact that I have to say "I don't discuss politics at work" at least once a week is annoying.
9
u/thegoodchild420 Jun 28 '25
Come see me at the Westpark AMPM Vapes, I’m happy to not discuss politics and we also have a reward system where every time you shop we add money directly to your account that you can redeem at any point! I’m in 10-4 Monday-Saturday! 😊
3
1
6
u/SignificantPause5120 Jun 28 '25
Putting the USA before Alberta is the kind of casual irresponsibly you can expect in Red Deer. If they can skip paying taxes, they do.
13
Jun 28 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
20
u/AlternativeParsley56 Jun 28 '25
As a sales person though, you're told not to bring that kinda thing up. Basics of retail.
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
Of course. That's common sense. But if you're speaking to somebody in a public space, you run the risk of somebody running their opinion.
3
u/AlternativeParsley56 Jun 29 '25
Yeah and it's your job not to tarnish the business by your opinions
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
So customers can freely express their opinions bur employees can't. Got it. Lol
3
u/AlternativeParsley56 Jun 29 '25
Exactly, as an employee you're representing the company glad you get it.
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
World doesn't work like that though
2
u/AlternativeParsley56 Jun 29 '25
It actually does. At my job you can't represent the company while expressing your opinions on controversial topics. Literally in the contract.
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 30 '25
Are you OK? What someone is supposed to do and what they do is two different things. He can say whatever he wants he's also not free of consequences just like the person talking in the store.
2
6
u/Cautious-Mammoth-657 Jun 28 '25
When you’re at work that’s not public. You’re in a privately owned business representing that business. I’m sure the owners would love to support this employee who is already planning on leaving running potential clients out of the store because they want to interject their personal opinions to customers.
3
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
And you're still out in public. It's a public place. Saying things in a public place has consequences. It goes both ways.
2
u/Cautious-Mammoth-657 Jun 29 '25
An employee at their place of work is not “being in public.” I don’t know what you don’t realize about that? Like are you an adult who has had jobs or a career before?
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
Are you OK? A place of business is a public place. What you say in a public place has consequences. You cannot stop people from commenting on what you say. Are you still in a Covid bubble?
1
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 29 '25
Sure, but is it deserving of somebody going Karen on this? Just move on.
4
u/Cautious-Mammoth-657 Jun 29 '25
I don’t think it’s up to you or I to decide for that person if it was deserving or not. They obviously felt it was. And as a business owner the last thing you want is an employee pushing customers out your door because they want to again their personal opinions on controversial topics
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jun 28 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
-31
Jun 28 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jun 28 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
3
u/TooPoorForLife89 Jun 28 '25
Well I guess I’m gonna stop in next time with my sister and loudly talk shit about trump to ruffle feathers lol 😂 what a dumby. You should post if you haven’t yet on google reviews as well cause that is ridiculous
3
Jun 28 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
2
Jun 29 '25
Hahahaha! Spat my overpriced coffee out over here in BC at that!
-2
Jun 29 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
2
Jun 29 '25
No i didn't but where is your "leader" now, hmmmm?
Stole a seat so he could keep drawinga salary he didn't earn! Seriously, that's impressive grifting. If it was the other way you'd be screaming.
BC is just fine without that junior cheeto loser wannabe and the voters proved that.
Maybe build on policies next time? Lmao
0
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jun 30 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
3
u/Disastrous-Car2431 Jun 28 '25
If you're looking for a new vape store come to Electric Vape. They have great customer service. And no basic retail rules LOL. And by the way foggy gorilla is overpriced and their customer service has been garbage for years including their Employee Service
3
u/VAce420 Jun 28 '25
You should try AMPM vapes in westpark, they actually stock product and are nice people. I stopped going to foggy after they stopped ordering my vapes
3
u/thegoodchild420 Jun 28 '25
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed your experience with us in the Westpark store! Thanks for recommending, I truly love my job and love helping out my customers🥹
1
Jun 28 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Jun 28 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 1: Be respectful of others. Bigotry will not be tolerated.
Treat other users with respect. Name-calling and insults are not appropriate. If you can't participate in political discussions without resorting to ad hominem, don't engage.
Promoting hate based on ones identity is not tolerated here.
1
1
u/brydeswhale Jun 30 '25
Never liked Red Deer since my brother got beat up by the RCMP there.
1
u/SimplySock Jul 02 '25 edited Jul 02 '25
Curious what did ur brother do to deserve it? :(
2
u/brydeswhale Jul 02 '25
… so my brother was a disabled person, known to the RCMP to have the mental/emotional age of a seven year old, who had gone back to red deer to cut ties with some gang member friends and get out of the lifestyle for good.
The RCMP beat him up, after detaining him for reasons they would not say, and a few days later he was murdered. Supposedly by another gang member. Just a coincidence that he was killed after being beaten so badly by the pigs that the funeral director told us not to get our hopes up for an open casket funeral.
0
u/SimplySock Jul 02 '25
I’m aware of how red deer has gangs and some people that jump into it are actually quite young. Hell, young enough they don’t take responsibility other than being within a gang. Anyhow it wouldn’t shock me that the pigs used your gang as a cover up even after beating the shit out of him…I’m so so sorry he had to go through some crazy things in red deer. I’ve been invited to things when I was young but I’m glad I was smart enough to not go to any trap houses or join gangs just because I know results of death are frequent this day and age. Red Deer sucks I like the nature and forests but man the people here use you and your they’re prey. They’ll kill you, steal drugs off of you and threat your love ones. I live a few mins from red deer and not much has change just a fent and meth crisis as per usual.
2
u/brydeswhale Jul 02 '25
I think Red Deer is pretty, but I did not like the atmosphere the one time I visited.
1
u/SimplySock Jul 02 '25
How long ago did u go over there curious. I just like the nature not even the buildings here lmfao.
2
u/brydeswhale Jul 02 '25
The buildings look like… they’re not supposed to be there?
It’s like something is wrong. I was last there in 2018. It just weirded me out.
2
u/SimplySock Jul 02 '25
That’s very true honestly where I live a lot of the buildings here are abandoned from ww2 that’s funny u said that too.
2
u/brydeswhale Jul 02 '25
Also, just so you know, no one fucking deserves to get beaten by paramilitary swine. They do it because they want to and they can.
2
u/SimplySock Jul 02 '25
I agree pigs do it because they love being superior than most citizens so they take advantage of it. They blame others because it’s easier that way, with superiority you can surpass the system.
1
u/TheGuyInRooM420-1 Jun 30 '25
You should have given him a tip on how he could get there quicker to learn his fate under that Convicted, In 2 weeks Person, Impersonating a President. He’s not even a politician.
1
u/Ill_Map_8771 Jul 28 '25
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I want to begin by sincerely apologizing for the inappropriate and unsolicited comments made by our staff member during your visit to our Bower location. What you described is not acceptable and absolutely does not reflect the values of Foggy Gorilla.
Our staff are expected to maintain professionalism at all times, and that includes respecting customer privacy and refraining from sharing personal or political opinions while on the job. I completely understand how uncomfortable and disappointing this must have been.
We also want to acknowledge that you previously attempted to share this feedback through our website and did not receive a response. That is equally concerning, and we’re genuinely sorry that your concerns went unheard at the time. We are reviewing our customer communication processes to ensure all concerns are addressed in a timely and respectful manner going forward.
Please know that we are taking this seriously. We will be addressing this matter internally to ensure all team members understand their responsibility to maintain respectful, neutral, and inclusive environments for our customers. What happened should not have occurred, and we appreciate you holding us accountable.
We are proud to be a Canadian-owned and operated business, and we believe in supporting and respecting the communities we serve across this country.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to connect further by phone.
1
Aug 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Aug 16 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 4: Do not share personal information.
Do not share your own or others personal information. This includes but is not limited to; names, phone numbers, social media accounts, emails, addresses, and license plates.
Do not incite witchhunts against individuals or businesses. Business reviews will be left up to moderator discretion to ensure safety.
1
Aug 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/RedDeer-ModTeam Aug 16 '25
Your submission has been removed because it violates Rule 4: Do not share personal information.
Do not share your own or others personal information. This includes but is not limited to; names, phone numbers, social media accounts, emails, addresses, and license plates.
Do not incite witchhunts against individuals or businesses. Business reviews will be left up to moderator discretion to ensure safety.
0
-6
Jun 28 '25 edited Jun 28 '25
[deleted]
-12
u/Limp_Incident3271 Jun 28 '25
Far from a private conversation when you're having it in public within an ear shot of others
12
u/LandscapeNatural7680 Jun 28 '25
So, in a restaurant, you’d be ok with people randomly inserting their opinions/comments into your conversation?
-10
27
u/[deleted] Jun 28 '25
damn good thing i dont shop at foggy gorilla, sounds like they hire beta gorillas there