Anything I need to know about shopping at Anthropologie?

Makrame

I have a family member visiting from overseas who would like to do a bit of shopping in the US. She is particularly interested in Anthropologie. The closest bricks and mortar store is about 1.5 hrs away. I am generally an online shopper since I prefer the selection and the convenience - I even shop Gap and BR online only in spite of having the stores within 15 minute drive - I am not a fan of big malls, and it is easier to find the sizes and colors I want online.

I have never shopped at Anthropologie online and have rarely visited their stores - is there anything you can share based on your experience that I need to know? It looks like they have a reasonable return and exchange policy. How does online selection compare to bricks and mortar stores? Do they frequently have sales or free shipping?

Thanks in advance!

11 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from JayS

Susie

Veteran

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores to browse in, probably because there is a mix of fashion and home goods. I can easily spend a good deal of time in that store! It's one of the few places where I buy more in store than online. But if they don't have your size in something and they place the order for you, you get free shipping. I've bought some shoes online because the selection in store is very limited, unless you are in one of their shoe/accessories stores.

There is always an area with a variety of items that are marked down. (It's in a separate small room in my store.) Then there might be another few items with a temporary sale. Most of the things I buy from Anthro are full price; I haven't had much luck waiting for something to be marked down; it's usually gone by then.

11 years ago

viva

Veteran

I have shopped at Anthro quite a bit. They always have a good sales selection in stores and online, and I have found returns to be easy in both cases although I am not sure what their policy is for duration (how long you can take before returning) because I always return really quickly. Shipping costs are high, though, and they rarely have free or reduced shipping. Also, because they carry a variety of brands, sizing is inconsistent. It is definitely worth traveling to the store rather than ordering online, if you can. It's a really nice store to visit. They tend to be very pretty, nicely laid out, and they have lovely household decor items that are fun to look at -- great for gifts. The sales rooms are tightly packed but you can find some really good buys tucked in there if you are diligent and patient. Full priced items can be spendy but are often worth it for special or unusual items, or if you are just really into the Anthro vibe, which has sort of a cool, more west-coast feel to me. It's more laid back and a really nice option for women who don't necessarily always want tailored clothing and clean lines. Lots of natural fabrics and flowing items, but also some great jeans. Online, they have great jewelry and shoes; they tend to have more limited selections of both in stores -- although it may be that I haven't been in one of their biggest stores. I have been to Anthro stores in Santa Monica CA, NYC, Greenwich and Westport CT, Boston and Burlington MA, DC, Durham, North Carolina, and I'm sure a few others too. (Okay, that list actually makes me feel like a bit of an Anthro stalker.)

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I like Anthro a lot. The stores vary a lot in terms of size and stock. I have been to the flagship in Philly and I don't even think that store carries all their stock. Not all stores carry things like shoes. Some items are online only, although in-store returns means you can sometimes find one in a B&M store.

They have excellent customer service and returns policy in general. (For example, they've refunded me for something that fell apart in the wash, etc.) They'll also order an item from another store for you if they don't happen to have it in the right size in the store you are in.

I'd say if there are specific items your friend is interested it, it might be worth it to order online (you could always return it in store anyway) since you have no way of knowing if that item is even stocked in the specific store you're going to. However, if she just wants to browse and try things on, just go to the store. I think a lot of their items are things that need to be tried on and seen on a body so I do prefer to shop Anthro B&M despite the smaller selection. It's also just a fun place to shop.

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Be prepared to be overwhelmed.

I love Anthro to tears, but man, the store is just crazy. It's a jumble of houseware and clothing and assorted antique things. They have a funny smell in the air too (if you're scent sensitive, then look out!). The furniture is pretty to look at but super expensive!

There's a small selection of certain sizes in store, so I have had better luck online. They can ship it to the store for no cost, but if it's that far away from you, that's not really a savings.

All Anthro stores are different though - the ones in California are very different from the ones in Canada.

Have fun!

11 years ago

kkards

Veteran

ditto to everything already said. i would add, 2 additional callouts. 1st, of all the stores that i shop, this is the one that is the most hit or miss. some times i go in, and i love tons of stuff, some times, i can't find anything. and that's related to the 2nd call out, the merchandise changes frequently, so what you see on one visit maybe gone (or very limited in remaining sizes), but there is always something new to see.

11 years ago

Peri

Veteran

I like Anthro too, but I've had a common frustration...I've had more things shrink from there than any other store. So many things are hand wash, and even then I've had shrinking. I'm getting enough irritated about it I may quit shopping there.

So one thing overall...when trying to decide between 2 sizes...size up! Not meaning go huge, but if you are on the edge go for the larger size just in case.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Just one thing about the cute decor, Anthropologie is well known among crafters for ripping off indie designers who sell on Etsy and the like. Small artisans can't afford to sue for even blatant unauthorized copies. There are several articles about it (and they aren't alone in doing this, but have been caught several times) http://www.fastcodesign.com/30.....gners-work

I don't think this happens with the clothes?, but I'd definitely be cautious regarding the X-mas ornaments and things like that if this bothers you.

11 years ago

kkards

Veteran

rabbit, interesting about the crafters. i know that for a while, anthro was working with small and not well know designers and clothing company's. but its been a while since i've seen anything like that in their stores.

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think Anthro and their sister companies got in trouble recently for stealing patterns from artwork to use on their clothes. Pair of shorts or something...

11 years ago

Melaine

(website)

Active Member

DH is also totally anti-anthro after reading about their practices of infringing on the rights of small business owners and artists. I hope they have cleaned up their act but I don't know.

11 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

Thanks, everyone! Very interesting!

We can stop by the store on the way from a sightseeing trip - sounds like it might be worth doing that rather than online shopping, given their shipping prices. Plus, it will probably be a fun browsing experience. I will mention the ripping-off designers issue to my guest - I don't know how much it matters to her, and I personally do not plan on buying anything there so that's not a problem for me.

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I like Anthro but check item reviews and quality! Some items and brands are better than others and I find them overpriced.

11 years ago

JayS

Veteran

Ditto what AG said. Quality varies greatly there. Really look the items over. On a happier note, if something you buy is discounted in the next 2 weeks, they will do a price adjustment.
Also, if you want to look online before you go, there is a way to check if the store you are going to has an item in stock. Click on the item, look below the "add to basket" button and click " find in store". You'll need to know the store's zip code. As someone else mentioned, if you order an item in the store, you don't have to pay shipping. If you really love something, that would be the way to go.
One more thing...Anthro's item reviews are very helpful. I will even pull them up on my phone in store to help in making a decision about purchase.
Good luck and have fun!

11 years ago

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