https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 04:42:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-860025 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:30:28 +0000 Jenava 860025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the feedback. VC, I love your idea of the "scanner" I was also thinking I'd love to look through things online at home and then be able to bring that up in store and have all that stuff collected for me.</p> <p>IK, this sort of store would actually be much easier to stock! That's where I started, actually, was trying to make stocking the store easier and then came around to this idea. In this model you wouldn't have to worry as much about keeping the racks looking full of a size run,etc.</p> <p>The only problem with the sample garment idea - and it's a great idea, true to the shoe floor example - is that we may not have your size available and there's no way for us to "hide" the items from you that we don't have in your size. We could easily do that on a website, though, if we knew your size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859143 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:42:30 +0000 Amy 859143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I much prefer an uncluttered sales floor/racks, I still am a very tactile person and would miss being able to examine and touch fabrics before selecting what I'd want to try on. However, I guess I buy enough stuff online to try on, so maybe that's not as important to me as I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859084 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:34:59 +0000 Janet 859084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds intriguing. I have to say I would need to be in the right mood or frame of mind for this kind of experience. I would definitely try it. I suppose the big question would be whether i had a successful, satisfying enough experience that I would be a repeat shopper. </p> <p>As an emotional/recreational shopper, this would really appeal to me at some times and not so much at others. I'm not sure what exactly would dictate that mindset.</p> <p>How's that for vague and ambivalent? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859079 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:48 +0000 Anonymous 859079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many others here, I would miss seeing physical stock, touching the fabric, etc. Also, I can look at an item on the hanger and get a pretty decent idea of whether the shape would fit/flatter me. I personally find that much harder to do from a picture.<br /> I have shopped in a couple of smaller stores where they only have two or three of each item they stock on the racks and keep all of the other sizes in the back. That makes for a wonderful shopping experience - the clothes on the floor have room to "breathe", you don't miss anything because it's buried on the far end of a rack, etc.<br /> Never shopped somewhere that used the ipad system modgrl described -- that sounds appealing, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859061 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:12:24 +0000 annaj 859061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd rather shop online, OR browse a physical store, so this concept wouldn't work for me. If I get dressed and go out, I want to touch and feel and make my decisions, not sit away somewhere and look at a screen! The "seeing" is half the fun of shopping for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859056 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:05:07 +0000 jayne 859056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, I think I would prefer a sample store concept. Like they stock 5 dresses in all sizes and you go in, find your size and they have it made in the material you wish and sent to your home. You can touch the materials and be told what material is allowed for which dresses so you be assured drap and cling will be the same in the final version. Maybe options for arm lengths and stuff are also possible. I realize Etsy is well on the way here but I am not a fan of not getting to touch a material before I buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859035 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:43:15 +0000 ironkurtin 859035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How would you keep stocked?</p> <p>(Sorry... being practical.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859032 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:38:19 +0000 velvetychocolate 859032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love this idea! One thing I find annoying is searching for my size in an item I like at a bricks and mortar store, and I feel a bit silly when an SA asks if I need help and then proceeds to look through the racks right there with me. </p> <p>I have another request (in addition to a double Americano coffee) - could we also have hand-held scanners where we can look through the beautiful displays in the showroom and scan in things we'd like to try in the dressing room too? Of course, the scanning system would know which sizes to bring as well, kind of like how the True Fit system on Nordstrom's website works - it guides you to the right size in a particular brand. If I see an entire outfit on display that I love, I'd like to be able to scan that in and have it in my dressing room when I get there (in my sizes, right down to the shoes and belt etc.) Or maybe I just scan in the blouse. I think they do this sort of thing for wedding registries don't they? It'd sure be nice to go through a beautiful showroom scanning things in and not have to look for someone to take it to a dressing room etc. </p> <p>Hopefully, I can try on the things I've scanned in along the way AND I could "order" a bunch of stuff from the screen in the dressing room too - or ask for an additional size in something. </p> <p>This would get me into the stores more and probably buying more. I don't like to rummage through racks looking for a size - drives me a bit nuts actually. I would really enjoy seeing beautiful displays in just one "display size" (like shoes), and then be able to request my sizes to try on. A real bonus to this type of system is being able to display the items to their best advantage - where the client can see it from all angles etc., without the item being wedged into a rack. </p> <p>Great idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-859010 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:05:59 +0000 modgrl 859010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what they've done at AllSaint's where they have ipads available to check the website. it's nice to be able to do things like check for stock, sizes, reviews, even comparison shop. Or even look up something I saw on the web that I can't find in the store... it would bring together some of the advantages of online shopping with shopping at a bricks and mortar store...<br /> if the "store" itself were missing, I would miss it. that is part of the shopping experience for me. Online I may focus on finding what I want (Must have black knee high boots, with these measurements). In a store, there is a sense of discovery of new styles and new merchandise that I simply don't get online. If there was no "store," if it was a style window connected to a warehouse, this would be a problem for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858937 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:23:08 +0000 Jenava 858937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echo, the entire stockroom would be run by machines, so no judgements! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858919 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 04:39:41 +0000 columbine(erin) 858919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this idea. I prefer to shop online since I have two little boys and it's hard to cram us all in a dressing room. Shopping online means having to wait for things to arrive and having to sometimes send it back though, which your plan would eliminate. Sounds like it would save time and aggravation, to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858917 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 04:33:44 +0000 Deborah 858917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenava! That could the deal breaker for me.. a latte, sales assistants responding to my every request ... happy sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858839 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:47:27 +0000 Jules 858839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's an amazing swimsuit/lingerie store here in Toronto where you consult with the SA in the (candlelit) dressing room, then she brings items she has picked out for you. Worked out great for me. Not exactly the same I realize!<br /> I do sometimes, actually often, want the anonymity too, I get what you are saying Echo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858833 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:34:46 +0000 Echo 858833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes when I shop, I use a dressing room as an opportunity to try looks I don't think I could pull off IRL. I try things I am relatively sure I will not buy. Putting clothing back on a rack to be reshelved is more anonymous than putting it in a window where someone might comment to a coworker about how the person in dressing room 3 is a real PITA. I cannot quite identify why I care if I am identified as a pain by people who don't know me, it is just that I prefer a more anonymous shopping experience. </p> <p>Then again, a lot of people really love personalized attention and shopping assistants, so I am probably in the minority. I would bet an idea like this might really take off with the younger, more tech-savvy crowd, and particularly for those seeking a specific item. For those who like to browse and just see what's new? This probably would not be right for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858831 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:33:59 +0000 Girl X 858831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Throw a mimosa into the mix and I'm in! </p> <p>The one downside for me is that I feel like I couldn't just shop this way casually, like there would be a lot of pressure to buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858827 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:26:33 +0000 Day Vies 858827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the concept, but I what I love about going into the store is getting feel the fabric, assess the color the shape and weight before I invest my time in taking off my clothes to try it on. That is part of the reason why I did not really enjoy my experience shopping at intimacy -- I felt like though they knew my size and bras could be customized to fit me I was not in control of what I got to choose because the sales person was filtering for me. For some people this is a Godsend for me it's annoying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858825 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:24:08 +0000 Jenava 858825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll add it to the list, Deborah...(-: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858822 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:22:15 +0000 Deborah 858822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its definitely an interesting concept. I suppose I do a version of this myself in that I browse on line at home and then go into the store and then select the garments I liked on line and try them on. I do quite enjoy the wandering around a store and touching and feeling before I try on. Would they bring me a latte? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858801 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:58:14 +0000 Jenava 858801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, of course! But, you could have all of those things since the product is very simply and quickly available at the touch of a button. (-:</p> <p>I do realize that it might eliminate some of those "impulse" type try-ons where you're just walking by it on the rack and it's not something you'd ever thought to try. I guess in a way the salesperson would be an attempt at substituting for this in this experience.</p> <p>I admit I think it might be a bit odd. I think I'd like to try it out, but that something might be missing. Having at least samples around to touch and feel before deciding might help this. But, the idea is to make the "hurdle" between requesting the product and seeing it on-screen very low, so even if you aren't sure you can order lots and lots of things. Basically, you'd be creating your own personal boutique for yourself on-demand in the dressing room! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858800 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:56:33 +0000 Thistle 858800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is interesting what a difficult time plus size ladies - defined as size 14 or higher - have finding clothes when we are 67% of the market. <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-18/demand-from-plus-sized-women-spawns-fatshion-category-retail.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bloomberg.com/news/.....etail.html</a></p> <p>Bring the size down to 10, which I have heard some retailers call plus size, and you are talking even more of a potential market. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858798 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:55:45 +0000 Suz 858798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cool idea, Jeneva! I can imagine it, yes! Although I do wonder how much of the pleasure of touching actual fabrics would be lost...sometimes that is what makes me want to try something - the feel of it. The drape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858785 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:45:44 +0000 Jenava 858785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, the inventory would be totally based on customer demand, so I would assume that in stores where they can sell it, they would carry a wider range. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858779 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:43:18 +0000 Thistle 858779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved The Toyota Ay. Such a different way of looking at things, and we try to apply much of it to our manufacturing process.</p> <p>I love your application to fashion. I would totally go for that! Maybe then they could stock a wider range of sizes. * looking at you Ann Taylor* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-shop-a-store#post-858771 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:32:20 +0000 Jenava 858771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That was sort of a hybrid between a website and a physical store? Imagine this: </p> <p>You walk into the store and are shown to a larger dressing room with a computer screen. On the screen, in the privacy of the room (where your friends can join you and have their own screens if they wish) you can filter, sort browse. A sales person can also help you pick things out based on their product knowledge and knowledge of your style (because they are personal stylists, not traditional sales staff).</p> <p>You place your order and within a couple of minutes the clothes are automatically brought to a window in your room. Since you've shopped there before and had your measurements taken, the sizes are all close to your size, without you having to guess. </p> <p>You try them on and place the things you don't want in another window and they are whisked away. Your sales person rings you up on the spot and you go on your merry way.</p> <p>I am reading "The Toyota Way" and this is my first idea for applying "lean" to fashion retail. I was thinking about how the shoes floor at Nordies or other dept stores work - they set out samples and then bring you your size. Also, Nordies has such a convoluted set up with their depts in-store, but online its much easier to see across all the depts what is on offer that you might be interested in. It also hides the messy stock that is "sticks" (broken sizing) that tend to clutter racks on the floor, and allows the merchandisers to not have to invest in a whole size run if that's not what they'll sell (called "presentation stock" because it's only there to make the rack look good and full). </p> <p>I thought I'd run the idea by you ladies and get your feedback since you're all such great shoppers! </p>