The term "grudge" is interesting.
At
grudge - definition of grudge by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia., this is defined as "A deep-seated feeling of resentment or rancor"
So, a grudge is a serious thing, yet it is often referred to (especially by the CT person who posts here) as "just a grudge".
This wording creates the impression that there really isn't a problem, and that anything a person with 'just a grudge' might write can be automatically dismissed, as being exaggerated or even made up entirely.
But let's say someone actually 'has a grudge against CT'. Why would that be? Something must have happened.
There could well be cases where someone had unrealistic expectations, and were disappointed in service or support, even though what they received, was typical and reasonable.
But is that really the most likely case?
We frequently read stories here, and on other sites as well, where CT Customers are treated badly. A couple of such stories have been posted just in the past day or so.
Vehicles are brought in for service, are damaged by CT, and then no responsibility is taken.
Expensive items are purchased, are found to be defective, and then CT refuses to give a refund or even exchange.
Stingy policies are enacted without any warning or notice.
Staff are repeatedly rude or even hostile.
Sales items are advertised, but there is no stock in the stores on the first morning of the sale.
The list of common, recurring problems goes on and on.
Yet in the past, CT was formerly viewed as a good store, a Canadian icon, and almost a local resident. Some people are still stuck in the past.
So when that valued, iconic resident suddenly turns on them of course they feel betrayed.
And if the conflict is not resolved (as we read over and over again), then a well-justified grudge can easily form.
Just take a look at the growing list of people who have boycotted the entire chain, permanently.
So, are there 'grudges'? Undoubtedly with any store, more likely with CT than other stores, and they can be more deeply-seated with Canadian Tire.
Are they "just" grudges, in the sense that everything the grudge-holder says can be dismissed? Maybe in some cases, but in the majority of cases, they will be based on legitimate mis-treatment, and fully justified.
It can be "just a grudge', or they can be "a just grudge", in the sense that they are justified, legitimate and warranted.
Certainly, there is something to be learned by this retailer, if they want to look below the surface, and see why people formed a grudge against them in the first place.
My guess, though?
They will continue to dismiss problems out-of-hand, with statements like "it's just a customer with a grudge".
And the Boycott list will continue to grow ...