A shopper has criticised department store John Lewis after he claims an employee not wearing a mask told him “you don’t have to buy from me”.
John Lewis has since apologised after customer John Northridge, from Derby, said he left the Nottingham store in anger after the dispute.
Mr Northridge said the incident happened during a visit to the high-end Victoria Centre store with his wife on Monday afternoon, December 13.
The pair had gone to the store intending to buy perfume but had the trip take an unexpected turn.
Mr Northridge, 71, told Nottinghamshire Live : "My wife bought some Bulgari & Musc Noir, and then moved to the Aqua di Parma counter and I noticed that the salesman was not wearing a mask.
"When I asked him why he responded with glee that he was exempt.
"My response was countered with ‘you don’t have to buy from me’.
"I just think that is a ridiculous response."
It comes as mandatory masks measures were reintroduced in December .
It is now required that people wear face masks while inside shops and on public transport. This rule is also in place for workers, unless they are exempt.
Mr Northridge added: "I think it's bad to be on the staff not wearing masks and serving people.
"I was just amazed by the number of people not wearing masks."
It is understood that Mr Northridge has submitted a complaint to the retail chain following the incident.
In response to his concerns, a spokesperson for John Lewis added: "We are very sorry that our customer was spoken to in this way - this is unacceptable and we will take this up with the Acqua di Parma concession.
"The safety of our customers and Partners remains of paramount importance. We have continued to recommend customers, Partners and concession staff wear a face covering in our shops and in line with Government guidance unless exempt."
