Big Lots ~ doesn't let kids use the restroom

[needmoredeals]

I was just at Big Lots and my 3YO needed to use the bathroom, urgently as 3 YO's only tell you at the last minute they need to go. So, I look for the bathrooms and see them at the front of the store. I head over there and they are pad locked. OK, that's weird. I head over to the counter and ask the cashier to let us into the bathroom and she tells me they are out of order. Um, both bathrooms are out of order and instead of putting up a sign, you pad locked them???? So, I told the woman that my little girl needed to use the bathroom right away and she said again that they are out of order. My kid wet her pants while I tried to get her over to Wendy's. Nice, huh? I'm never going back there again.
This was in South Plainfield, NJ.
Does anyone know the phone number to Big Lots? They don't post it on their website.

[Macaela25]

This happened to me in a convenience store with my 2 year old godsister 15 years ago. She needed to go urgently, and I was told the bathrooms weren't for public use. I told her to go ahead and pee right there in the floor...the nice man would clean it up. You've never seen a key appear so quick...

[queenofthehivemomof5]

That sucks...the customer care phone number for Big Lots is: (866) 244-5687

HTH

[iansusie]

Wow, what a mean nasty lady, I go to big lots and my kid has used the restroom countless times!

[CW&M Mom]

I found where we live... a lot of places do not have working bathrooms...or at least ones that are supposed to be "for the public" not sure how legal that is.

I totally would just have had her squat there and pee her pants at the store too. Maybe ask for a bucket LOL

[loaslaen]

If I were going to be out and about and wasn't sure about restrooms, I'd have my child wear a pull-up. They can still pull them up and down so they don't have to use them if there's a restroom available. But I'd prefer them NOT to pee in their clothes.

[greenfrog57]

Our Big Lots had the restroom closed for several months due to water outage -- even the employees had to use the gas station -- I hope you call thenumber Heidi posted and report back. Sorry that happened to you.

[jen276here]

If I were going to be out and about and wasn't sure about restrooms, I'd have my child wear a pull-up. They can still pull them up and down so they don't have to use them if there's a restroom available. But I'd prefer them NOT to pee in their clothes.

I'm pretty much guessing here, but I bet that most parents prefer for their child NOT to pee in their clothes... Just a guess though.

OP Sorry your little one had the accident - I hope she is feeling better about it. I would definitely put in a call to Big Lots. I don't think they are legally required to offer public restrooms, but from a CS standpoint, that is terrible....

[CouponQueen23]

I have had this happen at a few stores. In my little town there was a movie rental storeI know they had a bathroom and peoplehave used it in the past. The one day my ds # 1 was I would say 3 or 4 he had to pee pretty bad we asked nicely if he could use the restroom and they guy said no public restroom, I said ok fine and let my son water there parking lot. Another was the family dollar in town wouldn't let people use the restrooms same thing water the parking lot. I am glad I have boys in these situations. I dont see why stores can't be bothered to let the public use the restrooms, it is one thing to keep them lock to monitor theif and bathroom cleanliness but deniy people is down right rude, when they come in to give thier business

[needmoredeals]

Well, I did think about letting her go right on the floor, but I knew it would upset her. She was actually really upset. I emailed them yesterday and got a response that they were going to contact the district manager and I could have a nice afternoon, feel free to shop at the website. blah blah blah.
Also, I just called the number given above and they are telling me that the district manager should be contacting me within a day. We will see how it goes. Thanks for all of your responses.