https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:41:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia/page/2#post-2325351 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:00:23 +0000 RobinF 2325351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently shopped in Aritzia for the first time (we don't have one in our town) and was shocked at how young the clientele was - I had no idea it was popular with the twenty-somethings. I got out pretty fast and didn't go near the dressing rooms. Thank goodness.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia/page/2#post-2325346 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:40:51 +0000 Helena 2325346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't notice this before! But like Suz that's probably because I don't shop there on the weekends when it would be busy ... but agree with the sentiment; this is super-annoying - I hope they change it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia/page/2#post-2325345 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:52:27 +0000 Janet 2325345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL Mary Beth! </p> <p>My favorite local boutique is a favorite partly for this very reason. There are generously sized mirrors in the dressing stalls, but also an even better mirror outside of the stalls. The SAs there are so good, they know to step away and give some time and space, but they’re nearby enough that I can call out if I need a different size or want advice. They’ll check in but not hover. They’ll suggest but not push. And they know my style enough that one of them went to the back to fetch a pair of Mother wide-leg dark-wash jeans that had just come in but not hit the sales floor yet, which she strongly suspected would be great on me (spoiler alert: I bought them). It reminds me of what Nordstrom’s service used to be like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia/page/2#post-2325318 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:22:13 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2325318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Loehmann's in Atlanta had communal mirrors, and I was never bothered by other people trying on clothes around me.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm fine with that.&nbsp; &nbsp;The fitting room attendant was courteous and pleasant and kept her distance unless specifically asked.&nbsp; &nbsp;Loehmann's understood the niceties of the communal mirrors area.</p> <p>What I'm not fine with is trying to really look at myself and assess, and immediately some sales associate is chirping at me and asking me if everything is okay, and do I want any other sizes, and blahblahblahblahblah.&nbsp; &nbsp;All I want is a moment of quiet to look at what I've tried on, and decide whether this is something that I'm excited about, and whether it will work with what I already have.</p> <p>That, in a nutshell, is what drives me crazy about Aritzia.&nbsp; &nbsp;You have one foot out of the dressing room, and a sales associate apparates in front of you like freakin' Harry Potter, jabbering a mile a minute about other sizes.</p> <p>Got a newsflash for ya, Dobby the Elf... there's never another size.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm willing to wait here awkwardly, half undressed, while you go check, but I already know.&nbsp; <u>There</u> <u>are</u> <u>no</u> <u>other</u> <u>sizes</u>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Size up, size down... there have never been other sizes in anything I've tried on, that fit me.&nbsp; &nbsp;I just want to put all of my clothes back on, and slink on out of this chaos.</p> <p>There.&nbsp; My mini-rant is complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;Carry on.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325314 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 23:55:36 +0000 Suz 2325314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember communal change rooms, too. I forget where I first encountered them (as a teen) but wow, what a shocker, at first, and then, how intimidating, but also, yes, how fun. I am not sure how fun I'd find it now, at my age, but hey, maybe I'd be the grandma offering advice or the search for a new husband now!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325280 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 18:43:05 +0000 Janet 2325280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, yes! I LOVED the Loehmann’s near Towson and I missed it when it closed. I got some amazing pieces there over the years. That particular store started out with individual rooms, went to a big communal room, and ended with a combination of the two. I didn’t hate the communal room there, but of course I was younger then. I was willing to put up with it to possibly find something great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325275 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:51:07 +0000 Greyscale 2325275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also about to mention Filene’s basement! It’s been years but I remember that as more of a free for all with women trying things on right in the aisles of the store. </p> <p>And ugh, lighting… I get migraines from flickering lights and as retail budgets shrink, these don’t get fixed promptly. Pretty common for me to change fitting room stalls because of lighting problems. But Aritzia is much better at that. I get the sense that their sales numbers are robust and it’s mostly one demographic of well-off young people. Who apparently don’t mind the shared mirror! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325212 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 02:07:23 +0000 Jaime 2325212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Rachy I remember stores with communal changing areas. I am spontaneously remember Filene's Basement in Boston, but could have that wrong. Anyway, I agree about mirrors in changing rooms and while they are installing them please improve the super unflattering lighting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325199 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 23:23:46 +0000 Dee 2325199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla - Hmm.. that is a potential sales strategy I never considered before but highly possible.<br /> Brooklyn -OMG dogs in the communal change area too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325194 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 22:53:46 +0000 Brooklyn 2325194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate them with a passion, especially when it’s combined with pushy sales tactics. I like to make my decisions solo. I also like to take my time, and you can’t really do that in a public setting. </p> <p>But I do share Kate’s fond memories of Loehmanns. I shopped there several times in NYC. I was sad when it closed. The communal change room had a party atmosphere. There were dogs running around the place! I found that experience more like getting changed at the gym. Not the same as going outside the change room and parading in public. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325185 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 21:32:30 +0000 Carla 2325185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if women buy items at Aritzia without trying them on, and then do the try-on at home with a view to returning what doesn’t work? &nbsp;Again, a sales strategy - because how many folks ‘forget’ to make the returns? &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I did not know about the communal mirror. &nbsp;The only thing I tried at Aritzia was a coat - and I did that in front of the mirror nearest the rack of coats. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I&nbsp;<i>do&nbsp;</i>appreciate a spacious change room with decent lighting and good mirrors…</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325168 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 17:11:30 +0000 judy 2325168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't been to the store you mentioned, but I think I'm the odd one out here, because I don't mind having a shared mirror.&nbsp; I've also enjoyed a communal dressing room which doesn't seem to happen much any more, but used to, where all the women are helping each other.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325166 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:57:13 +0000 Echo 2325166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I look into this, it isn't anything new. Despite how most people seem to feel, SOMEONE must be shopping there (a lot of someones, actually). There are articles dating back over a decade about this and what a bad idea it is, yet Aritzia still persists, so it must be a business model that works for them.</p> <p>Until people vote with their wallets, it will not change because it WORKS, apparently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325165 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:49:42 +0000 nuancedream 2325165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Communal mirrors??? You won't catch me in Aritzia or any store that has them. Two thumbs down!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325151 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 14:15:42 +0000 Dee 2325151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No surprise that most fabbers want their own mirrors in the fitting rooms, as well as plenty of other people as per the article, but I guess many of the stores that do this must have their own rationale for continuing to do so despite it being so unpopular.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325066 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:36:13 +0000 kkards 2325066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The communal fitting rooms in Loehmann’s where teenage me was trying on next the lovely and who cared it’s a bargain Jewish grandmother </p> <p>But, these days sorry, give me my own mirror and a dressing room with a door. I’ll let you know, if/when I’d like your opinion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325061 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:11:56 +0000 Dee 2325061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kate&nbsp;</b>although that communal dressing room does sound like a hoot, I’m not sure I’d be ready to strip down in front of strangers for a deal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325060 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:53:24 +0000 ophelia 2325060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, I remember both those Loehmann’s. The dressing room were a blast. Got &amp; gave helpful feedback, &amp; commiseration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325059 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:32:41 +0000 Kate 2325059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer a dressing room with a mirror, but like others, if I like the garment, I want to see what it looks like from all angles, so I go outside the stall to do so.</p> <p>I do have one seminal experience of communal dressing rooms, but it is a far, far cry from Aritizia's.</p> <p>Decades ago, when I first came to DC, I was introduced to the late lamented Loehmann's. It was a great place to get designer wear at a discount, but you did have to brave the group dressing room. There I experienced both the horror—public nudity!—and hilarity of the freewheeling commentary—everybody's grandma, mother and little sister were there and they all had opinions! There were a couple of Loehmann's near me—one in Rockville, MD, and one further out in No. Va. The one in Va. was a bit more staid, but Rockville was a rollicking store. Yes, the Loehmann's group dressing room was certainly a judge-y place, but never in a mean way. It was also funny and kind and there was always someone there to extricate you from a stuck dress, wayward lingerie or too tight pants. Or to tell you, "if your husband doesn't tell you you look gorgeous in that dress, call me. I can find you one who will! I miss the Loehmann's experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325057 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:26:47 +0000 Style Fan 2325057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have only shopped in the B &amp; M Aritizia once.&nbsp; Every other time was online.&nbsp; I do find the store overwhelming.<br />I prefer a mirror in the dressing room to see if the item has promise.&nbsp; Then I will venture out to look in the bigger and hopefully three-way mirror. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325047 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:15:42 +0000 Greyscale 2325047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s my least favorite thing about Aritzia. Like others, I do like to step out of my room to check in a big mirror. So I want them to keep the big mirrors but also add mirrors in the individual stalls. I’m older than anyone else shopping there, whenever I stop in, and I don’t feel like navigating the dynamic. Sales people have been helpful and non pushy about buying things recently - one of them commiserated with me last week about how I was truly in between two sizes and neither was quite right. So it could be worse! But I still don’t like it. </p> <p>Some locations have one bigger accessible stall with its own mirror. If there aren’t people using it, I pop in to check myself in that mirror. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325046 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:47:04 +0000 Echo 2325046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I have never been to the store mentioned, I would likely never visit, knowing this. At times, I have been shocked at how bad (or good) something I've tried on looks compared to how it feels. To find that out - especially the former instead of the latter - in a communal setting would be awful.&nbsp;</p> <p>Stores like WHBM are sales associate intensive (with them offering opinions, trying to sell you more, etc.) along with having generous dressing rooms with mirrors as well as a "runway" like outside area with three-way mirrors. A retail outlet CAN do both (be sales intensive and still allow privacy), although I'm not fond of high-pressure places.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325044 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:38:39 +0000 Anonymous 2325044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nope! The main brick and mortar shopping I do though is boutiques or consignment- so luckily it hasn't come up. If DH or mom is with me, I may step out of the dressing room to show them, but not otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325043 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:04:34 +0000 Bijou 2325043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really hate sales strategies like this and avoid shops that have marketing tactics forcing the customer to engage with sales assistants who try to convince you to buy. Give me my own space and mirror to make up my mind! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325039 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:49:30 +0000 rachylou 2325039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do as Angie does. Initial check in the room and then a walk-around out. More mirrors is better.</p> <p>But hey! You know what’s really horrible? An entirety communal dressing room! I’ve been in stores like that. Yuck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325038 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:41:51 +0000 Suz 2325038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. Like the rest of you, I prefer a mirror in the dressing room, but I also typically come out of the room if I am at all interested in the item, to see how it moves and what it looks like from different angles (where that is possible). If it doesn't fit at all, I just don't bother coming out. And even if it fits, 'll only venture out if I have a sense that I might like it or if I am trying to get a real sense of how I feel in a new silhouette -- even if I don't think this item is "the one."&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't like feeling pushed to buy before I have had time to consider. And I don't like competing for mirror space with inconsiderate shoppers who pay no attention to the fact that I might have been there first, but that rarely happens. Maybe because I have flexible hours so rarely find myself shopping in a super busy time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325036 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:57:52 +0000 Dee 2325036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie, Janet, </b>yes having a 3-way mirror to check things out after checking your own mirror first is fine, and actually some stores like Old Navy and Zara have additional mirrors for another angle right in each fitting room, I definitely appreciate that too.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: What I definitely don’t appreciate about these communal mirrors &nbsp;is a sales associate trying to sell me on something I don’t want. I just hate a hard sell, <b>give me my space to figure out if I&nbsp;want it or not.</b></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325033 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:46:31 +0000 Janet 2325033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what Angie said. I like to have my own mirror to check out first impressions and then step out to see a wider view and different light. So many dressing rooms have horrible light! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325029 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:16:21 +0000 Angie 2325029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA: I do like stepping out of the dressing room to see how the item I'm trying on works and feels in motion. I also try to find the 3-way mirror to look at the item from the back.</p> <p>Still, I prefer there to be a mirror in the dressing room so that I can have my privacy and gather my initial thoughts!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/communal-mirror-pushback-at-aritzia#post-2325028 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:09:18 +0000 Anonymous 2325028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like getting comments from other shoppers on what I am trying on, but I struggle to hear my own wisdom in a group setting. &nbsp;Time in front of the mirror is limited.&nbsp; </p>