I am surprised/not surprised. On the rare occasions that I go to the mall, usually weekday afternoons, the store is mostly empty (as are Ann Taylor and, less frequently, Banana Republic).
Let me describe my typical brick-and-mortar retail experience these days...
I walk into the store, and, remarkably, despite being one of maybe 3 or 4 people when I go in to look, I usually get a mumbled greeting across the store from a sales associate, who goes back to their personal conversation with the other sales associate, or to their smartphone.
So I wander the racks, but I already feel reserved and distanced.**. Then, I see something I like, and, inevitably, there are a stretch of size 8s, 10s, and 12s, and Mediums, and a handful of 00s and XXS. But usually the XS, 2s, 4s, and 6s are not available, or there is one that has makeup marks, or loose buttons from being the last, repeatedly tried-on one of its size.
A glance at the self-absorbed sales associate(s) makes me think, 'nah. I'm not interested in seeing if they can get the out of stock size, or if they have a clean, undamaged garment in the back'.
So I make another pass around the store, but those good, reliable, solid basic items and classics are embellished or somehow made weird, because they're trying to make something trendy out of a solid staple classic. This isn't what I'm looking for when I go to J. Crew or Ann Taylor or Banana Republic.
So I leave and go to my hair appointment, and shop online later, where I am comfortable and can generally find my size and preference.
It kind of blows my mind that so many retailers don't "get" that customers should be paid attention to, If a size repeatedly sells out, restock it, Keep the merchandise steamed and tidy (Anthropologie does this).
Anyway, thems my two cents.
**Anthropologie, because of their engaging sales staff, usually means I spend some good quality time in their store, looking at things that mostly aren't "me". I do wish they made more items that allow for a good thick-strap bra underneath
