I have never...... - YouLookFab Forum

lyn*

I've been in one! In Palm Springs!!!

I imagined that Angie would be standing inside for some reason, so I was very disappointed when she wasn't there.

I feel discriminated against when I go into "high end" stores too - but with the influx of the Chinese Travel Tourist, I find if I dress like a schlep then I get not bad service!

11 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Hm, interesting thoughts!

I don't feel like I've been discriminated in stores before, given that I live in an area where people of my nationality are common. However, I've felt a bit uncomfortable in the Deep South.

Anyhow, I don't like going to malls and large department stores. They tend to be loud (aurally and visually), smelly (perfume), overwhelming and disorganized. But a few stores, Nordstrom being one, I don't mind, since it's more manageable to me and the customer service is really good.

11 years ago

jennifer

Veteran

Closest Nordies to me is probably up in Nashville,TN and around 2 hours away? Haven't been to that one . May possibly have been to the Seatle one when I was a little one shopping with Mom and Grams.
I do most of my shopping at Lane Bryant and Belks(also thrift and discounters). Many times Belk doesn't have the size in stock so my trips in are more to see the quality/ feel/ true color of an item then order a size or two and return if it doesn't work out. Currently have a blue ruched drape neck top, a tiger tank top,and two Eyeshadow juniors brand dresses on order since I was definitely ordering some b.o.c. Light green sandals that I tried in store on the clearance tables(in store size was too small ).

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I only recently went into a Nordstrom, after visiting one a few years ago? The thing is there is one at my local mall, and it's about a three minute walk from the Macy's I frequent almost weekly and now feel quite at home in. (Honestly, I think it has a lot to do with the clearance rack shelves at Macys, the weekly coupons, and also that women's clothes are now grouped together on one floor, including all sizes --- also my economic demographic fits Macys better).

Economically I didn't fit the profile of Nordstroms desired shopper in the past so I didn't try looking there after I realized all the discounted items were in the Rack across town. I also wasn't personally comfortable with a full service, i.e. 'hovering' shopping experience and felt pangs of guilt if I accepted an offer of assistance from a SA just to try things on which I had little intention of buying full price. I feel lucky with the numerous retail options I have in my city which do fit me and my budget and the way I like to shop -- including Nordstrom Rack (or it would if they had parking). So I'm pretty happy overall, and having satisfied my curiosity a few times at 'new to me' stores, generally tend to stick with what works.

That said, it's always worth browsing new places, that's how I discovered last year that I should check out Macys more and H&M, and this last weekend found a Goodwill in Hood River Oregon with a high percentage of designer resale -- score!

11 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Good questions, Ladywone! Nordstrom is the main department store I'll shop in. I like the attentiveness and knowledge of the sales people; I rely on them to help me make good decisions. I didn't always feel that way--I used to want to be left alone to find my own way. But somewhere along the line I came to appreciate a certain amount of expertise in store help.

Personally I feel put off by Macy's, which seems perpetually understaffed. And it's odd how, in the one nearest me, the shoe department is always in such disarray, with near-empty racks and shoes cast about everywhere, that I get the impression the store is about to go out of business. But it's always there the next time I go to the mall!

Now, all of the reasons you give seem imminently reasonable to me. If I wore plus sizes, I would indeed be put off by where the department is located in the Nordstrom stores I've been in. You described it exactly--out of the way, back in the corner kind of positioning. That certainly does not feel welcoming, does it? And the selection is less than what it is in misses' sizing.

And if my mother had been discriminated against--ignored or worse when she went into a store to spend her hard-earned money--I wouldn't be inclined to support that kind of establishment, either. Really good point!

I do love to shop local boutiques where I can meet the owner or her small select staff and get their personal advice. I go to boutiques where I see clothes that speak especially to me and my style. That is a fun shopping experience, it's inspiring, and it results in purchases that I love to wear. That experience is preferable to the big department store in many ways--I use the two for different purposes. Nordstrom for ease, convenience, large selection, etc., and boutiques for the one-of-a-kind finds or intimate experience.

11 years ago

always trying

Veteran

Only places I don't go in are like Old Navy, forever 21, Charlotte Ruse, and the like-they cater to the very young and I don't belong, so I do not even know what the merchandise looks like other than what is in the windows. macy's has something for everyone, and I sure would hate to see those stores go out. On the other hand Coldwater Creek is mostly frumpy,so never shopped there, and certainly won't miss it.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Nordstrom is my favorite store. Not everything is designer, but there are clothes at many price points and good sales. The shoe department is worth a trip. I find the SAs friendly and helpful but not hovering.
The same mall has a Macys and a Dillard's (large department stores). I shop at Dillard's but rarely go into Macys. Their SAs, when you can find one, want you to find someone else and not bother them. I am ignored at Express and avoid going there.

11 years ago

Echo

Veteran

For some reason, I always felt that Nordie's was above my pay grade. Then I took a look online when the NAS came around and realized that wasn't true at all. But we don't have a Nordstrom in the state yet (they just put in a Rack by Milwaukee and plan to build a Nordstrom on the west side of Madison by the end of this year), so I have never shopped there in person and don't know what sort of atmosphere or service they have. The Rack we have doesn't carry much designer merchandise, which is disappointing, but perhaps the regular store will. Nordie's online keeps me coming back because they have EXCELLENT service, good prices and a fabulous return policy.

As for stores I don't like, Macy's is a disappointment. But maybe that is because they took over Marshall Field's and I was a huge fan of that store so nothing else can measure up. I also won't shop at Old Navy (they are always picked over and have XS and XXL left when I shop there), Forever 21 (Juniors sizes don't work for me), Aeropostale (their music is so loud it is deafening, and the smell of "perfume" is so strong that it could kill mosquitoes), and the sizes at H&M are so wonky that I hardly bother anymore.

For less clear reasons, I tend to avoid smaller boutique stores. I have an assumption that there will be too much service and that I will feel obligated to buy something. I prefer to shop without much salesperson interference, and it is hard to get people to leave you alone in a smaller store.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My thoughts are two-fold:

1. Leave no retail stone unturned.

2. A retail store is there for you - you are not there for them.

When my clients feel intimidated about going into a high-end boutique or store, I tell them: "Don't worry. I will protect you". We walk in and I make sure we are treated like royalty.

I'll protect you, Ladywone.

11 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Lyn- I admit to being frumpy sometimes going into stores I wounder about Angie being in stores like that to make a person like myself feel more comfortable.

cciele- I get you with statement like "large department stores. They tend to be loud (aurally and visually), smelly (perfume), overwhelming and disorganized" It has been at least 7 years for me going into a mall. Maybe times have changed. I will just have to go to Nordstrum to check them out. I am willing to give them a chance.

jennifer- I have spent some time in Lane Bryant to purchase some quality items. But like you I do tend to frequent the discount chains and thrift stores when shopping. Maybe it is time to give the larger stores a try.

rabbitt- A friend of mine loves Macy's, My experience is like the one I first described in this thread. I tend to feel overwhelmed and under appreciated. I work middle of downtown Chicago So I have been to the Macy's several times and had the same experience. Oh I fit the profile on paper just IRL it is sometimes different.

firecracker- It is challenging going into stores like this but I am willing to try. The incident with my mother happened in the 90's so I am open to the possibility of change. But in the back of my mind I wonder what is the deeper meaning of what happens when we have judged something or someone based on our own perception. I have been to a local Boutique in Evanston and the quality and service was above excellent. So I am in favor of shopping at smaller stores.

always trying- Now I have been in those stores and I find it very interesting I have had the best customer service and I am not at all in the demographic.

Let me just say I don't want to bash any store based on my own bias opinions. I am of the mindset that I will try until I don't want to try anymore.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Big department stores can be a lot for me. Overwhelming. All the departments, the amount of floor that has to be covered, the stuffed racks, etc. They're also, because of where I live now, a big trial to get to. I have to drive 45-50 miles to get to any such department store - or worse, go downtown SF, which experience makes me want to tear my hair out.

That said, Nordies are always nicely laid out in my experience - there's some room to breathe. Also, some very good prices. Not thrift prices, of course, but not all designer either. At the NAS sale last year, there was a lot for $40 and under. I think customers and staff are pretty normal in Nordstrom.

11 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

joy- Thank you for the feedback and the response I am encouraged to try the local Nordstrom. I think we have a Dillards in Chicago but, it has not been on my radar.

Echo- Oh my that "Pay Grade" sound like something I used to say when I was in the military. I felt the same way even when I became an engineer. I had the same mindset that I could not shop in certain types of places. I guess I do feel somewhat out of my depth when I even think about going into stores like that. That is really an interesting statement about the smaller stores and the pressure to feel like you have to buy something.

Angie- Always the Defender and Protector I would love to have you come to Chicago to help me and those who have the same fear yes, fear about these bigger stores. I think you were in Chicago some years back at that time I was still a lurker. But let me know when you are in town again and I will be there with my war clothes on.

11 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Hmm, I've never felt uncomfortable at any department store but I can relate to that feeling whenever I'm in a high-end boutique, especially one that seems to cater only to a very young, very thin, clientele who obviously have tons of disposable income to spend on $4000 jeans with designer-created holes in them. Not my tribe, as Rachylou might say, so I usually circle around and walk out.

And I think I'd find any "attitude" from sales staff more amusing than intimidating, especially if they were working on commission. After all, discouraging me from using my credit card means they might not be able to pay their rent next month. Like Angie, I expect good service from sales assistants because their job is to assist me. Helping me find something I like is a win-win situation for both of us.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I've also experienced that Macy's SA often seem to be spread quite thin, and try not expect much except that I can hopefully find a staffed cashier station on the floor I'm shopping on.

On the other hand, looking at the 20 clothing items I've bought from Macys this year on my spreadsheet, only 6 of them cost me over 10$, and none over 20$. So I basically treat it as a quieter, more spread out off price retail location with thrift store prices if you are shopping clearance. It's less crowded in terms of people and clothes, although with a lower percentage of designer goods than the closest Rack.

It's interesting thinking about it, because I do value and pay for a welcoming environment and pleasant service and consistently top quality goods, but from restaurants and bars rather than retail stores. In retail stores the pleasure comes from the particular item itself once I've found it and brought it home and is amplified by paying less for it --- I would pay more out of necessity, but not out of a preference to have a nicer shopping environment or more assistance. This wouldn't be the case of course if I felt hostility or judgement rather than just mild indifference from employees. I think it totally makes sense to listen to your gut and find the places that work best for you.

11 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Rachylou- It seem as if it is a journey for you to get to any store but, thank you for your input.

Gaylene-thanks for your feedback. I know from trial and error we must all find our comfort zone as they say money talks.

Rabbit-I also expect the best when it comes to certain things I wonder why I don't expect the same from service retail.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

For a long time, I avoided Nordstrom. I felt an "old money" vibe in there, and everyone seemed really snooty. But I'm difficult to fit (small petite sizes), and so I eventually had to try them out, simply because I needed a bigger selection than what I could find elsewhere. I discovered that the SAs really know their stuff and are very professional, and although the store may seem "snooty," a lot of the SAs are very normal, kind people. And the service is extraordinary. I can think of very few places that have customer service like Nordie's.

So now I am a regular, and the petites' SAs know me when I stop in. I've gotten some really nice pieces from there. And it's not all superexpensive. There is a lot of midrange clothing too. After going there for a while, I felt bolder and actually tried on some of the more expensive stuff. None of the SAs pressured me to buy. I told them I was just trying clothes on to check the sizing in different designer lines and wasn't planning to buy.

I know what you mean about having your special sizing tucked into the corner. Usually petites' are right next to plus size and maternity, in the back of the store, no matter where you are. I'm used to it, I guess.

I vote that you should try the Nordstrom store. You might be surprised. If you hate it, you don't have to go back.

11 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Gigi - I guess we'd can all get used to something. Nevertheless I have already made up my mind to stop in the next time.

11 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I grew up following my mother around department stores like Macy's and only wanting to go to the book store. So I was never really intimidated by department stores but dreaded them. I was a nervous wreck about entering small boutiques where you would be immediately noticed but age has given me a sense of gravitas (or obliviousness) and I have adjusted. But, frankly, nothing beats a thrift store for me!

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I find boutiques intimidating as well. Any small store that I haven't been in can be intimidating - you never know what you will get. Even thrift stores - I've entered one and wanted to instantly leave but I didn't feel like I could because I'd be so conspicuous!

I didn't grow up with Nordstrom - so it's definitely been more of a recent, west coast thing. Department stores seem to have differentiated in recent years - you've got the more high end stuff, and then you've got places like Sears which has become more like Kohls or TJ Maxx.

The interesting thing about Nordstrom, at least the ones near me, is that they're not crowded like the low price stores, but they're not high priced like Neiman Marcus or Saks.

11 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

My annoyance with Nordstrom is that at least two of my local stores have pulled out the plus size department altogether. If I can get to one with the Encore department the clothes can be pretty great. One of my local Macy's has the plus department on the main floor and it isn't hidden, I love that store. Most of them hide the department though.

I'm pretty hardcore on not spending money at a store that doesn't want to sell me clothes--I won't even buy accessories at a store like Zara.

11 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

I love Nordstrom. I won't set foot in a Macy's unless it's to buy sheets, or unless I'm with my sister. I'm pretty sure the Nordstrom personnel will do anything they can to help you. I can't wait to hear how it goes!

11 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

You should definitely visit Nordstrom's. I have felt your same hesitation but not with regard to Nordstrom, I have felt that way about Sak's Fifth Avenue and probably still do. I have never found anything in my size in Sak's unless it was online. I don't particularly care for Macy's at all since they senselessly took over Marshall Field's here in Chicago and down-graded the entire experience of shopping at the original store on State street but I digress.
I overcame my hesitation by just going in and looking around. I start with shoes and makeup (big fan of MAC cosmetics) then I start looking for reasonably priced clothes in my size. I have to shop in 3 different departments stores like Nordstrom (Misses, Womens and Petites. Woman Petites if available ;-)) If the clothes are interesting and appeal to my aesthetic the store has earned a new customer.

11 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Hah, you cracked me up lyn*:-)))))

11 years ago

viva

Veteran

I think keeping in mind what Angie said -- that the store is there for you -- is pretty key. As long as your Nordstrom has a plus size department, Ladywone, so you know they will have options for you, then I think you are absolutely right to go -- and I know you've made your mind up to do that.

I used to feel so intimidated by the extra help of Nordstrom SAs, especially since I am not exactly the demo.

And then, the last time I went, I was looking for a special dress for my 50th bday, and when the SA started helping me, I was just straight with her -- this is what I am looking for, and this is my budget. It was a modest budget. She was really, really helpful. She took into account my size and body type and recommended several items within that range, and when I was done trying on, I didn't buy a thing because it was the first store I had gone to, and she was really great -- "Good luck! I hope you find something, and don't forget that you can call me if you decide that one of these will work!" No pressure, just great service.

FYI ... I didn't end up buying there -- I found something that worked that was less at Lord and Taylor -- but I got NO service there. I don't even think an SA acknowledged me. I wish it had worked out that I had found the item at Nordstrom because I do think they work for their salaries there.

Good luck!

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

My personal style is that I like SAs to be present and helpful if I ask questions, but I don't like them to hover or to push things on me. I'm an introvert - I don't like to chat with strangers unless there's a purpose to the chatting. I think nordies is a good middle ground here - they are well staffed and very helpful/knowledgeable but leave you alone if you are just browsing around. The extremes are places like macys (no SA in sight) or some small boutiques where I'm the only customer and the SA is always breathing down my shoulder.

By the way, my Macy's trick is to go to the jewelry dept when I need something rung up or returned. There's always someone at the fancy jewelry counter - I think it's required for security.

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

(sorry, double posted)

11 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

Since I'm in Canada, I've only been into Nordstroms when I'm on vacation somewhere in the US. I have no problem bumbling around because I'm in tourist mode anyways.

On the other hand, I totally know how you feel. We have a high end retail store here, Holt Renfrew. I have never.ever.ever shopped there because I am way too intimidated. I have walked through enroute from the parking lot when I parked in the wrong area.

Angie is right, the retail store is there for you. I should try it out one day too...

11 years ago

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I hate hovering as much as anyone. When I went for a bra fitting at Nordstrom, I finally understood what the fuss was about WRT the service model. I spent way more than I intended, but the SA helped me find things that solved wardrobe malfunctions for a number of things I already owned that weren't even on my list. Maybe start there?

11 years ago

abc

Veteran

I, too, thought Nordstrom was just for "old money" and I totally didn't get it for a long time.

Now I get what all the fuss is about.

Just echoing what others have said on the forum. Be sincere about your intentions and budget and I am pretty sure the SAs will do all they can to help you find what you're looking for.

Also - their shoe selection is TO DIE FOR. Just sayin'

ETA: thinking more about it, ladywone, I think you like thrifting for the thrill of the hunt. Your Nordies experience might be different than this - so be prepared for that. The SAs will do the hunting for you if you let them. You will be able to relax and enjoy a different shopping experience. It took me a while to get used to this model of shopping but it's way less labor intensive! The Nordies experience (to me at least) does not feel anything like shopping at Macy's or a thrift store where YOU do all of the work. The service really is what sets the store apart, IMHO. Good luck and please report back.

11 years ago

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