‘Sorry for any inconvenience,’ Dollar Tree confirms sudden store closure after weeks of trouble – but offers reassurance

DOLLAR Tree has abruptly closed its doors after customers and staff have suffered for weeks due to system failures.

The budget store in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri , has been struggling to combat the heat as in-store temperatures pushed 90 degrees despite temporary fans being on.

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Problems mounted for the location when the air conditioning system broke down about a month ago, according to Fox News affiliate WDAF-TV .

“They even have to prop the doors open because it’s cooler outside than it is inside,” regular customer Kayleigh Valdez told the news outlet.

She added that the store manager was left helpless as last-ditch efforts to cool down the area with portable air conditioners and fans failed to make much difference.

“One of the cashiers was standing there and had sweat on her shirt because it was so hot from just standing there,” Valdez recalled.

“It’s very hot. It’s like a steamy hot, but no air circulation whatsoever. It’s uncomfortable.”

According to the news outlet, a thermometer inside the store showed in-store temperatures pushing 90 degrees.

“It’s crazy they have to work in those conditions and sit inside and be trapped in there,” fellow shopper Conor Osoro said.

“(A month is) a long time. Something’s definitely wrong.”

The store has since admitted defeat by closing its doors on Wednesday, The Kansas City Star reported.

A sign posted at the location informed customers of the temporary halt in operations.

“We are closing due to no A/C! Sorry for any inconvenience. MGMT,” the sign read.

Dollar Tree has spoken out about the unfortunate closure and reassured customers that the location will be reopening once vital repairs are made.

“We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our associates and customers at all times,” a company spokesperson told The Star.

“We temporarily closed the store while we expedite the HVAC repairs.

“It will reopen once the air conditioning matter is resolved.”

‘INHUMANE’

Meanwhile, on Facebook , customers have noted similar issues at a Dollar Tree location in Baden, Pennsylvania – about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh.

“Was in the Baden Dollar Tree about an hour ago and when I walked the heat hit me like a brick,” Facebook user Kevin Lupo said in a post last week.

“I was in there for a short time and I asked an associate how can you work in here,” he explained.

It’s very hot. It’s like a steamy hot, but no air circulation whatsoever. It’s uncomfortable.

Kayleigh Valdez Dollar Tree shopper

“She told me that their HVAC has been down for three days and corporate (I’m guessing) couldn’t send anyone because of the holiday….really because today is no longer a holiday.

“She said the thermometer in the store reads 85 degrees and that is nothing but INHUMANE.”

Lupo has raised the issue with Dollar Tree and has yet to hear back from the company.

The U.S. Sun has reached out for comment.

Meanwhile, a major department store has been forced to close numerous locations due to HVAC issues, though retail analysts have suggested other factors are at play with shoppers fearing bankruptcy.