STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Trouble with Boutiques

Alegria · Kate Spade

That totally sucks. It's like you're Pretty Woman or something. No advice here just wanted to sympathize...sorry this is happening to you.

Kitty · Hermes

I often hate going in to boutiques because I feel watched (especially if there aren't a lot of people or I'm the only person). I also feel more pressure to buy, especially if I try on.

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I own a boutique (not clothing, but beauty products) and I understand what you're saying. I think the best way to be treated the way that you want in a boutique is to make it very clear. If you want attention, ask questions. If she ignores you, ask more questions. If you feel like they're overbearing, simply say "I'm just browsing but I will let you know if I need anything." There's that fine line between being boutique sales associates annoying and helpful, and if they're just trying to help you, acknowledge their assistance. I can tell immediately what type of customer she will be when she walks in the door, and a good customer makes it clear to the associate what she wants/needs/and what level of assistance she wants.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

pollyjean23 wrote:

I dress for comfort; I am often wearing non-fashion-forward clothing, but that shouldn't be the issue.

This is the issue. It "shouldn't" be but if you dress the same way you would browsing at Target, you are not going to be treated like gold at a boutique. They are known for being snobby and judgemental.

I tend to dress really well when I go somewhere where I need special treatment and I know its sad, but it works. I'd say don't try to fight it and simply put on a pretty wrap dress and sandals rather than sweats and tank.

Are you from Long Island? There's a wonderful boutique in Queens at Atlas Park called Stella Gialla. It is small but they carry Marc Jacobs, DVF, Botkier, Paige jeans, etc. They've always been helpful and non-judgemental to me.

-- Edited by XtinaStyles on Sunday 26th of July 2009 06:06:16 PM

Suasoria · Chanel

I agree with Xtina. I always get treated better when I'm dressed well. If I don't want to be bothered by a salesperson, I don't care, but I admit to being a little smug when a wage slave is rude to me, because I know I can buy and sell her if I wanted to.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Suasoria wrote:
I agree with Xtina. I always get treated better when I'm dressed well. If I don't want to be bothered by a salesperson, I don't care, but I admit to being a little smug when a wage slave is rude to me, because I know I can buy and sell her if I wanted to.

I've had this happen especially at Bloomingdales. I recall one woman asking if I'd ever tried Joe's Jeans and I said yes but I never really fell in love with a pair. She looked at me like i peed my pants in front of her. Such a look of disgust!

It feels so much nicer to handle people with a smile and be helpful, especially working in retail. I really don't understand all the sour-pusses I meet.

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

pollyjean23 wrote:

Is it me? Am I putting people off? Almost every time I walk into a clothing boutique, the staff do one or more of the following: (1) ignore me completely, (2) look at me weird, (3) laugh and make comments, (4) approach me with concern or hesitation, or (5) give me a Long-Island-Lookover.

I must have some horrible look on my face or something.

I dress for comfort; I am often wearing non-fashion-forward clothing, but that shouldn't be the issue. There is always some woman who just finished working out and is wearing a tank and yoga capris--and she doesn't seem to be getting the crap treatment.

I keep trying to go into boutiques because I love fashion, I appreciate unique apparel, and I want to try to feel more comfortable shopping at independent shops, but my experiences are not helping me get there.

Thats unfortunate - now it seems you can't get good customer service anywhere. When I find a good boutique that has good customer service -I'ma repeat customer!