What I didn't know about DSW - YouLookFab Forum

Yesterday I returned three pairs of Converse Hi Ness (ordered from DSW.com) to local DSW. Great service, no issues. They have Hi Ness Cons in stock, so I'd figured they'd join that inventory.

About 40 minutes later [hang on then I'll justify being there for 40 minutes], I was at the clearance section and along came a SA with the shoes I'd just returned. Turns out, they're not allowed to sell on-line returns with their regular stock.

Any idea why this is?

I looked at the light grey Hi Ness, now 30% off, and they still didn't call to me. That was reassuring. Also, the Prada boots I'd purchased then returned are still there, now 70% off. I'm tempted to check again next time the %-off labels rotate to 80%, but even if they're still there I would probably still opt to put that money toward custom boots.

Now, why I spent an *hour* at DSW just hanging out? It's prime feline patrol and minion-gathering territory. The cat loves, just loves that place, and she'd needed an outing. She gets loads of positive social interaction there, and there are so many boxes and bags to inspect!

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I only wish I could be at the DSW and watch. I don't know which would be more impressive -- your fortitude against purchasing, or the number of double takes the cat must get.

CocoLion

Sorry no help with solving the mysteries of DSW… but I am cracking up at your story!

OK I wasn't going to ask this but I can't help myself. Is your feline a Service Cat? (Thinking only Service Animals were allowed in retail.)

Anonymous

Your story explains why what looks like current stock shows up in clearance. I also wondered why a cat was allowed in a retail store but it must be fun watching kitty explore. I am highly allergic and would have had to leave. That happened recently in a mom and pop appliance store with a store cat.

Thistle

Totally unsure about DSW as I know returns I have made to stores show up in their regular stock (Ann Taylor, Talbots, etc.) I know because many of the items I purchase are onyl available on line, so if it is then with their other merchandise, it had to have come from me!

I to am curious about the kitty, but I can only imagine how thrilled mine would be in a store like that!

Echo

I wonder if that is policy for all DSWs because our stores are never stocked with designer name brand shoes; we just aren't a big enough market. Any designer shoes in the store are returns from online purchases.

And I thought most stores prohibited animals except for service animals?

gryffin

Amy I did not know they allowed animals into stores!! Sorry no idea about DSW but I was so impressed with kitties outting!! I am sure it was nirvana for her and what a nice mommy to take her!! Totally weird about the pricing though plus I do admire you staying on task and refusing temptation!!

always trying

Doesn't surprise me about the returns going to the markdown. In some stores I do not even look on them as once I returned sandals because the little size sticker they put on the heel peeled off the leather when I took off the sticker, and left a hole and glue residue. Just like you saw, a few minutes later a clerk brought the sandals to the sale rack.

milehighstyle (Linda)

That is really interesting that the cat is allowed. Come to think of it, when we adopted our 2 pups the rescue group was telling us how important it is to socialize them and they said you can bring dogs into most places that don't serve food. I've never been brave enough to try it in a store, though.

Diana

I'm guessing maybe one reason they put online returns back into the clearance section is that the B&M store may not actually carry that style? So there wouldn't be a place for it in the regular stock.

I bet Kitty had fun! I am slightly surprised that DSW allows her though. I have been in some stores where pets are allowed but they are mostly small indy shops, many of which have their own shop cats or dogs. I feel like big chains are less tolerant of pets.

deb

Great cat story!

minimalist

Oh Suz, I wish I had fortitude against purchasing. Really I'm just terribly keen on getting the perfect boots, probably custom, so I'm happy to forego lesser items if it means putting more money toward The Boots. Just found out that a renowned western-bootmaker (not my thing) has ventured into non-western bespoke projects over the past five years, and I like what I've seen.

And I didn't say I didn't buy *anything* at DSW. Will post those later. All-leather Vera Wang thong sandals feel great, were 80% off, but probably going back bc probably not really my present style. And then the Ironic-Valentines-Night-In shoes, for which I'll need styling tips.

Diana, I'd have thought the same, but they had Hi Ness in other colors.

We live in a *very* pet-friendly city; I read recently that there are more dogs than children. (Fine by me!) Restaurants with outside tables often have water bowls, as do many shops. Of course dogs outweigh other species, but you also see parrots and reptiles out and about.

This was the third or fourth time The Cat has been to DSW; the staff knows her name. FWIW, she's on a leash and very well behaved. Still, I always ask before letting her out of the bag in a store.

@Milehighstyle Linda, this cat is even socialized to fly well! Although she gives quite the stinkeye when the seat beside you is free yet she *still* has to stay in her carrier in its footspace.

kellycat

Active Member

Wow, it sounds like I'll have to check the clearance section more often! I just assumed it was their oldest stock. Might be some cool designer finds in there!

Oh yeah, huge cat person here. That would have put a smile on my face!

Gigi

Interesting...makes me realize the cost of online returns for some retailers. At a clothing store, it's usually no biggie, as they can just put the item on a rack with everything else and still sell it at full price. But in a shoe store, where you need to have a dedicated display for each item, what do you do when a customer returns something that you don't carry in-store? Even if it's just a different color, as Amy said, there is still no dedicated display for that color. So off to the clearance rack it goes.

These Vera Wang flats fit a long-ago hostess formula (plain shift dress + glitzy flat footwear) that long ago worked for me but no more. So much for "original price $198" marked down to 18-something incl. tax. Just doesn't fit the here and now. Back they go. The Feline will be pleased for another outing.

The second pair is for goofy dress-up on Valentine's stay-in. I'm getting a long wig in a color similar to my own, and will pull out one of my standard black drapey dresses. Technically, since that wear will be indoors-only, I could return them after that, but 1) yuck and 2) if an item has served its purpose, I couldn't in good faith take a refund. Even, in this case, of $7-something incl. tax. Goodwill, then?

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Liz A.

I, for one, like your dress up sandals. Maybe you can find another use for them.

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