Giant Chemist HarbourTownPROVerified business?

Very disappointing experience at Giant Chemist. I noticed that they were selling sample products that were clearly labelled “NOT FOR SALE.” When I pointed this out at the checkout, instead of taking the concern seriously or even providing an explanation, I was met with a very dismissive and rude response. Regardless of the explanation behind it, I find it extremely concerning for a retailer to charge customers for products that are explicitly marked “NOT FOR SALE.” The way my concern was handled made the experience even worse. I would strongly recommend checking the products you purchase here and their labels before paying. Very disappointing customer service and business practice.

If you are looking for a pharmacy that combines an incredible range of products with top-tier clinical expertise, Giant Chemist Harbour Town is the gold standard. It is easily one of the most well-organized pharmacies I have ever visited. One of the biggest perks is how easily accessible it is; located right in the middle of Harbour Town with ample parking nearby, it takes the stress out of running errands or picking up urgent supplies. ​What truly sets this location apart, however, is the quality of the staff. I specifically want to highlight Sarah for her exceptional service. Her professionalism is truly unmatched; she took the time to listen to my concerns with genuine care and provided expert advice that was both personalized and thorough. ​Whether you need a specific prescription, high-end skincare, or honest health advice, you are in great hands. Between the convenient location and Sarah’s elite service, I won’t go anywhere else. Highly recommended!

🛑⛔️🛑⛔️🛑 There needs to be a 'ZERO stars' option. As a local customer, I believe community members deserve to know when a business handling essential healthcare services responds to concerns about public humiliation, profiling, and customer treatment with dismissiveness, defensiveness, and blame rather than dignity, accountability, and care. What has disappointed me most is not simply the original incident itself, but the passive-aggressive manner in which my complaint was handled afterward despite my repeated efforts to resolve the matter privately, respectfully, and in good faith. Following the incident, I actually contacted Giant Chemist myself to apologise for initially providing the incorrect time of the interaction in my first correspondence. My clarification was politely acknowledged and thanked at the time. It was therefore surprising and deeply disappointing to later receive a defensive response effectively attempting to shift blame back onto me as the customer — including repeated references to my initial timing error and allegations that I exited the store incorrectly via an entry point, despite my following the designated exit arrows and established store process. Most concerning of all was that the response largely ignored the actual substance of my feedback: namely, the repeated manner in which I have been publicly spoken to, singled out, and treated by a particular security officer over multiple visits to this store. After approximately 88 visits and close to $4,000 spent at Giant Chemist Harbour Town since relocating from New Zealand, I believed I had earned the right to be treated with basic dignity, fairness, and courtesy as a loyal customer. To be clear, this review is not about the existence of bag checks or security procedures. Customers understand stores have policies in place. My concern is the manner, tone, escalation, and apparent differential treatment involved. On my most recent visit, despite already presenting my receipt and opening my shopping bag, I was loudly instructed to empty the contents of my bags in front of surrounding customers while onlookers stopped and stared. I found the interaction deeply humiliating and disproportionate. What is especially disappointing is that this matter could likely have been resolved through a simple, gracious, empathetic, and customer-focused response. Instead, the correspondence I received felt focused on rebuttal, minimisation, and procedural defence rather than genuine reflection or accountability. I also note that despite formal findings being made regarding my complaint, no individual has attached their name or title to the correspondence sent to me — only “Management.” I have also since reviewed publicly available customer feedback relating to Giant Chemist Harbour Town and note that concerns regarding customer treatment and professionalism do not appear to be isolated experiences. Local community members deserve to feel respected, safe, and genuinely valued when accessing essential healthcare and pharmacy services. Consumers ultimately choose where they spend their money, and many of us are increasingly choosing to support businesses that treat locals with dignity, fairness, and appreciation. What I find particularly troubling is that this is a pharmacy — a business centred around health, wellbeing, and care — yet my experience left me feeling publicly humiliated, anxious, and deeply uncomfortable returning. After reviewing other publicly available feedback relating to this store, it is difficult not to question whether broader conversations around professionalism, customer care, accountability, and security conduct within retail pharmacy settings deserve greater public attention and scrutiny. 🛑⛔️🛑⛔️🛑