1. Walmart
Let’s be honest: most people have a love-hate relationship with Walmart. The prices are hard to beat, and the convenience of grabbing groceries, socks, and a flat-screen TV in one stop is unmatched. But customer service? That’s been a sore spot for years, according to Ashley Lutz of Business Insider.
Long wait times, unhelpful staff, and understaffed checkout lanes are frequent complaints. Despite this, Walmart still draws millions of loyal shoppers every week. Its low prices and widespread locations keep people coming back, even if the experience isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy. In this case, savings truly speak louder than service.
2. Comcast/Xfinity
Yes, it’s a cable and internet provider, but it’s still a store—just one where the “shopping” is for bundles and service packages. And people have not been shy about how much they loathe the customer service, according to Daniel Kline of The Street. It’s been the butt of jokes, horror stories, and viral recordings for years.
Still, Comcast remains one of the largest providers in the U.S. because its services are often bundled in deals that are too good—or too monopolized—to pass up. Many customers feel stuck, but they also admit the internet speeds are solid. So despite long wait times and robotic phone trees, people keep signing up. It’s the classic case of convenience over courtesy.
3. Spirit Airlines
Flying Spirit is like rolling the dice—you might win with a cheap fare, or you might be stuck in an airport for hours with no help in sight, according to Mark Matousek of Business Insider. The airline is notorious for charging fees for everything and offering minimal customer support. But guess what? People still fly Spirit in droves.
That’s because when you need a cheap ticket, Spirit often delivers. For travelers willing to sacrifice legroom and peace of mind, the savings make the trade-off worth it. Complaints about rude staff and chaotic boarding don’t stop the bookings. As long as they stay budget-friendly, people will keep coming back.
4. GameStop
Gamers love GameStop—but not necessarily the experience of shopping there. The trade-in value for used games is infamous for being insultingly low. And many customers complain about pushy upsells, long waits, and hard-to-find help in the stores. Yet somehow, the brand has survived even in the digital era.
That’s partly because it’s still one of the few places where gamers can talk shop in person. Nostalgia and the occasional great deal keep fans loyal, even when the service leaves them gritting their teeth. GameStop’s cult-like following shows that passion often beats polish. And that emotional connection runs deep, even when the service feels more like a boss battle.
5. McDonald’s
Fast food isn’t known for Michelin-star service, but McDonald’s takes the cake for how often people gripe about bad experiences, according to Rhys Fisher of CX Today. Cold fries, wrong orders, and apathetic employees are common themes. And yet? Those Golden Arches still pull people in like moths to a heat lamp.
The menu is familiar, affordable, and available nearly everywhere. People know exactly what they’re getting—and that consistency matters more than a smile. Whether it’s nostalgia or a late-night craving, McDonald’s keeps winning despite the flak. When you want fast food fast, it’s often the first (and only) stop.
6. IKEA
Ah, IKEA: where you go in for a lamp and come out three hours later with meatballs and mild existential dread. Shoppers love the trendy, affordable furniture—but hate the confusing layouts and limited staff help. If you need assistance on the showroom floor, good luck. Still, the parking lot is always packed.
The flat-pack prices are too tempting to ignore. Even if building a dresser turns into a test of your relationship, people keep going back. The style and affordability make the frustration seem like a fair trade. And hey, who doesn’t secretly enjoy the meatballs?
7. Best Buy
Best Buy has come a long way, but its service has historically been hit or miss. Between long wait times and poorly trained staff, many shoppers walked away more confused than when they walked in. Returns and tech support often come with headaches. Yet people continue to flock there.
That’s because it’s one of the last major electronics stores with a wide in-store selection. For hands-on shoppers who want to see a TV before buying it, Best Buy is a go-to. The Geek Squad brand still carries weight despite occasional missteps. At the end of the day, it’s still a one-stop tech shop.
8. Forever 21
Forever 21 might just be the poster child for chaotic energy. Clothes scattered everywhere, slow checkouts, and indifferent staff are par for the course. But those price tags? They keep shoppers coming.
Teenagers and young adults love the trendy, fast fashion vibe. The low prices make up for the service—you’re not expecting Nordstrom-level treatment here. It’s grab-and-go fashion, and the store’s messy charm somehow works. When you want a $5 crop top, you’re not too worried about the customer service.
9. Sears
Sears may be fading, but there was a time when people would endure anything to shop there. The customer service was often slow or disorganized, especially as the brand struggled in its later years. But long after the shine wore off, loyal customers kept returning. Why? Because it was Sears.
It was once the go-to for appliances, tools, and even clothes. That brand recognition had staying power, even as complaints grew. Some shoppers stuck with it out of habit or loyalty, while others hoped the service would bounce back. It rarely did—but it didn’t matter for a long time.
10. Redbox
Redbox kiosks might be convenient, but when something goes wrong? Good luck finding help. There’s no in-person staff, and customer service is largely online or over the phone. Yet people kept swiping their cards at those little red boxes for years.
Why? Because it was cheap, fast, and easy. Before streaming took over, Redbox was the budget-friendly movie night MVP. Sure, there were late fees and scratched discs—but it beat going to a rental store. People tolerated the drawbacks because the experience was so simple.
11. Abercrombie & Fitch
Back in the early 2000s, Abercrombie was the it store, even if the service made you feel like an intruder. Staff were often more interested in folding jeans than helping customers. The vibe was exclusive to the point of being cold. But teens and college kids didn’t care—they were obsessed.
The brand was aspirational, and that allure overpowered the awkward shopping experience. Dim lighting and thumping music didn’t exactly say “welcome,” but the clothes were a status symbol. People were willing to ignore the cool aloofness for that iconic logo. For many, it was part of the brand’s mystique.
12. Hot Topic
Hot Topic was a safe haven for alt kids—but that doesn’t mean the customer service was great. Stores were often understaffed, and getting help sometimes felt like interrupting a band rehearsal. Still, fans flocked to it for the edgy merch, music gear, and pop culture treasures. It wasn’t about service—it was about belonging.
Shoppers didn’t mind the grunge because they felt seen. The store’s vibe outweighed any lack of polish. If you wanted anime tees, band merch, or studded belts, this was the place. The customer experience might have been messy, but the community made up for it.
13. Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret built its empire on glamor—but not necessarily customer service. Shoppers often complain about awkward fitting room experiences, inattentive staff, and pushy upsells. Even so, the brand has long had a loyal following. Why? The image.
For years, it was the go-to for lingerie and made people feel like part of something more stylish and luxurious. People endured the less-than-stellar service for that aspirational appeal. Although it’s faced backlash and sales dips, it still has serious staying power. The vibe continues to outshine the help.
14. Apple Stores
Here’s a curveball: Apple Stores actually get high marks and a ton of complaints. The “Genius Bar” sounds cool, but good luck getting a timely appointment. Some shoppers find the layout confusing and the staff too scripted. But has that slowed down the crowds? Not even close.
People love the sleek design, the hands-on experience, and the brand loyalty is through the roof. Even when the service frustrates them, customers keep coming back for that Apple magic. Whether it’s to play with a new iPhone or fix a glitchy MacBook, the store stays buzzing. In this case, brand trust outweighs any hiccups in service.
