Privilege

Hello-

I am concerned about a sign that has been hanging at my local CVS for a few months now. The sign reads, "Parking for new and expectant mothers" and hangs next to some handicapped spaced near the door. I feel that this sign is sexist, and perhaps illegal.

At the very least the sign should read, "Parking for new and expectant parents," to keep from being sexist. I understand that mothers have some medical issues after giving birth, but fathers of new babies should not be excluded unless the parking is only for mothers who are still physically healing after giving birth. Since new mothers do not get placards to distinguish their need for special parking how can special parking for only them be enforced? There is no parking lot attendant to make sure that only new and expectant mothers are using the spot. I have watched many mothers with 5 and 6-year-old children use the space, probably because they do not have a clear idea of what the parking is really meant for.

Please let me know why this sign was added. I cannot believe that CVS would do such a thing unless there was a very good reason.

Thank you,

Barrington Consumer

AFTER WE SHIPPED IT 5 TIMES, WE FINALLY GOT THIS REPLY:

 Thank you for contacting CVS.com. We have forwarded your email to
the CVS chain store customer service department. We here at CVS.com have a
separate headquarters from the stores. Please call the store customer
service department at 1-800-666-0500 if you require immediate attention.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you CVS.com.

Customer Service
CVS.com

So we sent it again and got a response that actually addresses the issue, unsatisfying though it may be.

From: "Briggs, Marilyn M." 
To: "'barringtonconsumer@hotmail.com'" 
Subject: Response from CVS/pharmacy
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 14:58:09 -0500

03/30/2000

Dear CVS Customer:

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Barrington, RI CVS/pharmacy.

We appreciate the time that you have taken to express your thoughts on our
company. At CVS, customer input plays an important role in influencing our
decision making.  Therefore, I will make sure that the appropriate
individuals and departments are made aware of your comments regarding the
parking sign for new and expectant mothers.

Again, thank you for your input.  We value your patronage and look forward
to serving you again soon.

Sincerely,
Suzanne J. DuQuesnay
Customer Relations Representative

SJD/mmb
00318578