Anthropologie gives me a headache - YouLookFab Forum

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Anthropologie gives me a headache

avicennia

Veteran

By that I mean the store, not the academic subject! I’m sensitive to perfumes, and my sensitivity waxes and wanes depending on overall health at the moment. As much as I’d love to try the Maeve pants Angie and others are raving about, I couldn’t get near the store yesterday. Even my non-chemically sensitive shopping buddy said she could smell the perfumed air 20 feet from the entrance. Does anyone else have this problem? If I order online do the clothes come reeking of candles and perfume?

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19 replies

Latest reply was from avicennia

Joy

Veteran

Yes. Your sensitivity is universal. Getting into some department stores means going through the perfume section and often getting spayed with something smelly before being asked. The leather in the shoe department can be overwhelming. The worst for me is the fluorescent lights which I can hear. I stay away from those stores.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, what a shame. I'm sorry

I hope you order them online to try in the comfort of your home! I've had no problem with opening boxes from Anthro in terms of permeating scents.

Personally, I don't have a scent sensitvity, and am in Anthroplogie about once a week at the moment. Great store, that most of my clients greatly enjoy.

I am though, sensitive to the lighting in stores that can be overwhelming, and make me want to put on my sunglasses. Sometimes trigger a headache. Same in restaurants. We move to another table if I cannot handle the lights.

Sisi

Veteran

I hate the smell in stores! (and the loud music). I do not even enter to give a look and if I do I get out as quickly as possible.

cat2

Veteran

I sympathize. Smoke is a migraine trigger for me and I can’t do a lot of local events due to the BBQ trucks. Can you shop online? Online usually involves more stinky plastic packaging than going in store, but the greener brands use a lot less of it.

slim cat

Veteran

Yes. Some co-workers overdo spraying the perfume over freshly laundered ( with excess of strong smelling detergent ) clothes - I just run away for a while - lol .
I only use light Jo Malone fragrances on myself and could not ever work perfume counter.

phoebe

No related health issues or special sensitivities to scent but I stay out of stores like Anthropologie, that overdo perfume. It's rude.

avicennia

Veteran

Thanks all for the supportive comments. My secret wish is that someone from the company reads YLF and will alter practices accordingly!! I’m hesitant to shop online right now, as I’m so rushed at work, I run the risk of not returning a package promptly.

Kate

Veteran

Definitely. I have chronic migraine and scents are a huge trigger. So many stores are overly scented, and they are a no-go zone for me. It's another reason that online shopping has been a real godsend for me.

Anonymous

I only went in Anthro once, and didn't notice anything too ott as far as scent. It's the cleaning aisles in grocery stores that get to me!

But similarly, I hate going in the Coach outlet because they have this dizzying patterned carpet, and mirrors reflecting it all. I had a client that applied to work there, and I'm soo glad she didn't- cause I wouldv'e had to job coach her in there. :/

Ket

Veteran

A quick note: order online. If they don’t work, have a friend or family member return them to the store. Maybe not perfect. But it’s usually worked great for me with companies.

I don’t tend to be bothered by scents but I have friends who are. I generally find the music way too loud in Anthropologie, Old Navy, etc. Add the lighting, crowds, and trying on clothes, and sometimes I find these shops irritating.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Don't know about Anthropologie but there are certain stores, usually full of very cheap imports, that have such a strong chemical smell that my eyes tear. I think it the stuff they spray on the products to "protect" them.

Echo

Veteran

I am probably sensitive (annoyed by, not legitimately allergic) to everything except lighting. I prefer places that are well-lit. But I avoid certain restaurants and stores due to the NOISE. It is overwhelming, and I wonder why would anyone want to go out to dinner at a place where they cannot even hear what their dining companion has to say?

And yes, places that overdo the perfume (and people who overdo it) are repulsive. I do use fragrance, but have never had anyone except my Dh compiment me because it cannot be smelled at even conversational distance. I wear it for me, not to fumigate the neighborhood. And sometimes people don't realize they become anosmic to familiar scents, so they apply more and more. I used to work in a leather store, and for the longest time I could not smell leather. I was surrounded by it every day, and it just became normal. It took a year or slightly more after leaving that store for that particular scent to be detectable to me.

MsMaven

Veteran

There was a time when I thought Nordstrom and a few other stores must have sprayed women's clothes with Febreze. I hate the smell and it apparently has an ingredient I'm allergic to. The older I get the more allergies I have. Lavender is the worst, followed by jasmine and other white flowers. I don't buy or wear perfume anymore.

Haven't been inside an Anthropologie in years and this sounds like a good reasons to stay away. Occasionally items I've bought online have the odor of Febreze. Nordstrom has been guilty of this. Come to think of it, hasn't been a problem lately.

When I go into a department store, I skirt the fragrance and cosmetic counters, which are often near the entrance. So annoying. Don't the store managers have any sense at all?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Our closest Anthro goes pretty subtle on the scented candle thing — I think they only uncover/burn them occasionally. I’ve been in some stores where it’s overwhelming though!

I gag just walking past Abercrombie in the mall. Good lord the cologne smell is overwhelming — I’ve never set foot in one, and clearly I’m not the market anyway, but how do the kids tolerate it?? LOL

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That sounds so frustrating. And I get it! What a shame, because I think some of the clothes would appeal to you. Especially if even online orders are a problem.

I have noticed that the scent quotient varies -- at different seasons and in different store locations. Sometimes it is too much for me, too. Also a lot of visual "noise" with so many kinds of items on sale. So I have to go when I am fresh. Otherwise, I tap out quickly in Anthro.

I don't have a particular scent sensitivity but I do notice fragrances and can get overwhelmed by some. I used to work in a department store in the bath good section and sometimes would get a headache from the scents plus the lights. (Um, not to mention, some of the customers....)

jam

I love the smell of Anthropologie but can understand that if you don't like it, it must be very off-putting.

At this time of year I am constantly annoyed by the overpowering fake-cinnamon smell that greets customers every time we walk into a grocery store. I think it's artifically-scented pinecones. Ugh! Some people must enjoy the scent but not me.

Helen247

Interesting...about sensory sensitivity.

https://media.hubspot.com/walm.....mr_3HlzkEg

avicennia

Veteran

Thanks all for your supportive comments. @Suz you are right that the Maeve pants are up my alley. Maybe I’ll try ordering online and as @Ket suggests, have a friend help with the returns. I’ll have to order 4 pairs (petite and regular and two sizes) but it may be worth it. @Janet it’s also good to know that not all the stores have the same level of scent.

avicennia

Veteran

Thanks for the link @Helen247!