That has happened to me too J’Aileen! I don’t forget these bad experiences in stores and there would have to be an excellent reason why I might try again.

PERI - All excellent points, however, the reason I really wanted to go into these designer stores was mostly just out of curiosity, I had no intention of buying. So, I'm not really feeling unworthy, its more about not giving false hope of a sale to some of these sales associates. I find it uncomfortable extracting myself from clerks trying to sell me on something. I prefer to browse at my own leisure and have assistance when I choose it. However, that being said, that particular Chanel boutique I mentioned earlier in the thread, still feels way too intimidating for my comfort level lol.

Dee, I still don't care about any of that! If they get all hopeful, that's their problem...but I also think they are used to everything. If someone is rude I definitely leave, but if someone is just trying too hard I simply say "I'm just browsing, thanks. I'll find you if I need any help." But I also imagine some of the hovering might be because of shoplifting problems. Can't blame them for that.

It's all very interesting, but we all have a right to our own comfort level. I guess I feel comfortable being a B in recent years! But also, I don't shop in person nearly as much these days, so maybe I'm overly optimistic about the experience.

I felt a bit intimidated the first few times I went into higher end boutiques years ago, even though I was really mostly just looking, but I got over it. I don’t remember any unpleasant attitudes— at least no worse than the indifference of a young cashier at a Zara. ;-D

Now I’ll go in anywhere that strikes my fancy — in the states or elsewhere. I’ve made some great discoveries and even met some great people that way. Issey Miyake, Tibi, Stella McCartney, etc. I would have hesitated to walk in them years ago, but I now know better. They are just stores, open to the public, and no one is required to buy anything when they walk in a store, no matter the price point, demographic, or vibe!

One of my not so great experiences was after my menopausal weight gain, when I went into a boutique in one of the 4 malls within easy driving distance of me. I was looking for a sort of light evening jacket. “Women over 40 shouldn’t show their upper arms” and “We don’t have a Large in that… not that you’re large!”
It’s perhaps 17 years ago when I was about 48 and I still remember how bad I felt.
The boutique closed down and I admit to some happiness about that! It was part of a small chain of boutiques which I still like and shop at, the women in the other 2 branches I go to are much more pleasant than that one. I suspect actually it closed because the demographic is a bit different in that mall, but I was still happy to see the back of that woman.

My one experience in a Chanel boutique (about 25 years ago) was lovely. DH and I had been hiking in Sydney (crossing the harbour bridge into the city doing a 15km walk) when DH decided to buy me a Chanel bag as a reward for getting a big promotion at work. I was shocked and said there was no way I was going into the store in my gear, but DH said if the sales assistants were rude or snotty, then we were not buying. They could not have been more welcoming or lovely to us, and I got my precious bag.

I am much like you, I prefer to shop in stores where I may find an item that I want. I occasionally buy designer items but only go into stores if I think it is possible that I would buy something. I love checking out stores in Japan, especially by Japanese designers and have a few treasured items from those shopping experiences. Japanese sales assistants get the balance right; they are very helpful without being overbearing, friendly, yet reserved.

Thanks all for sharing some of your thoughts and experiences of both the good and unfortunately some of the bad too. Gives one lots to ponder on.