1 /5 Jennifer Paul: I hate writing this review. I find it really unfortunate, but I feel it is important as a consumer for other potential consumers to know my experience. First of all I want to say, I love this store, and (again) I hate writing this negative review. I went in one day with my son. I had in mind to look and potentially buy a nice dress for an event. The items at this store are investment pieces. They may be more expensive; however, you know you are getting very good quality. The owner was actually in the store. She and the employees there were very helpful and even tolerated my little boys wild antics with such kindness. I know what youre thinking...so what exactly is the problem???
The problem arose when I found several pieces that worked for me, but expressed that I could only purchase one item. The owner told me that they had a layaway program and I could put down 30% and pay for the items a little along. Ok, that sounded good. She (the owner) mentioned to me that if at any time I wanted one item it would need to be paid for in full. Again, ok. I understand that. Additionally, when I got up to the register, the girl at checkout told me it was actually 40% that needed to be put down....which I accepted (regrettably).
You see, customers can understand policies if you communicate them. Preferably in writing...especially if they have a wild five year old boy they are trying to manage. Do you see where Im going with this?
A few hours later I was looking at pictures of the three outfits I had put on layaway and realized that two of them were just too big and ill fitting. When contacting the store about exchange I was told all sales for layaway were FINAL. What?? I was basically stuck with those items. So yeah, I can either lose the considerable amount of money I had already put down OR pay more money and be stuck with clothes I dont want. Wow. I asked if I could speak with the owner. She was on vacation, but they would leave a message for her to call me.
After two weeks and me contacting again, the owner called and left a voicemail. She was sorry but that was their policy. She said she had expressed the policy to me. Maybe she did, but I honestly did not get that information and it was not only the first time I had done layaway, but my first shopping experience with them.
For the third time, I hate writing this book of a review, BUT it is the only recourse I have as a consumer that feels slighted. Again, this is a beautiful store with great quality items; however, it is now obvious to me that they are seriously lacking in customer service and communicating policies. I believe in shopping small and locally, but in a world where you can literally get everything online, customer service for a small business should be #1. Furthermore, there are many other locally owned boutiques that WILL go the extra mile for their customer. When shopping at places like this, its about the experience and mine has been incredibly unfortunate. I have not yet made the decision about what I am going to do - lose the 40% I have already put down or pay the rest and have clothes that I not only do not want but have such a negative connotation attached. Either option, as a single working mom, make me more than a little nauseous...
