Happy Thursday, friends. Today I would like all of us to describe perfect in-store shopping.
Then after we look at our preferences for in-store shopping, I am going to share a decision with you that I have made…and I hope you are OK with it.
I love in-store shopping…much better than online (though I shop often online)…but I want to touch see and experience the stores myself when possible.
I confess that larger cities hold an advantage on in-store shopping, and a smaller community is more of a challenge.
But, the boutiques hold the advantage for in-store shopping in the smaller places…especially boutiques who are doing it right.
In-store shopping is limited where I am, but I have been working hard to make the best of it and enjoy stores that this audience enjoys.
It is not a problem for me to shop the favorites… Chicos, Talbots, and JJill…because I know my sizes in these places and what I like.
Department stores currently have been the challenge, and the challenges have existed everywhere since the pandemic…nevertheless, if I was managing a store, I would be getting it together and making an attempt at success.
So, allow me to describe my perfect in-store shopping, and then my not perfect in-store shopping…and I hope everyone will join in.
DESCRIBE PERFECT IN-STORE SHOPPING: MY PERFECT
Aside from the boutiques, my example of almost perfect in-store shopping is presently Dillard’s.
Let’s look at my checklist for perfect in-store shopping:
- CLEAN store…throughout the entire store…and a nice aroma…an atmosphere where I am glad I came
- Current stock, displayed in creative, orderly fashion…including sale racks
- Easy to find departments
- Clean, accessible restrooms
- Clean, accessible dressing rooms with nice mirrors
My last point is what keeps our local Dillard’s from being perfect…and has it in the almost perfect category….in fact, Old Navy is beating them on this point…
6. Friendly, available, well groomed, consistent sales associates. (I understand that many stores are experiencing personnel difficulties)
However, my sales associate in one of the San Antonio Dillard’s was the same for years and often sent cards…she knew her customers well.
It is so important to me for the employees to be friendly and well groomed and…easy to find.
The six points can lead to perfect in-store shopping for me! Now …how about for you? What are your most important points?
DESCRIBE PERFECT IN-STORE SHOPPING: MY NIGHTMARE
Doesn’t take much to figure out that my least favorite in-store shopping is the opposite of what I described as perfect.
I want everyone to know that I have honestly tried with Kohl’s…in more that one city.
But, I want to run out the minute I walk into the door.
The only reason I have hung in there with this store is YOU..because I know some of you like and wear their brands.
The clutter, and dirt, and poor quality of the clothing (that continues with each season to go down) just has me perplexed and gives me a headache each time I go.
I went this week and every garment I took into the dressing room looked like this jacket hanging here…wrinkled, puckering, poor sewing on hems…it was abysmal.
I just couldn’t bring before you a post featuring these clothes.
I took samples of Lauren Conrad, Nine West, Simply Vera Vera Wang, and Croft & Barrow…all were done with thin fabrics and poor sewing.
I do believe this has been happening over time, but has reached a point I can no longer write positively about shopping there.
So, I have decided not to return to Kohl’s for now…I might check-in to see if anything has changed before the holidays…but lately I leave there in a bad mood…and that is not worth it.
I would not want to tell anyone to wear these clothes…there are affordable clothing options out there that are better than this.
If I am judging too harshly and you disagree with me, please tell me what you like about Kohl’s…and if you still wear their clothing.
I do want to share that Leigh Ann enjoys shopping Kohl’s occasionally for Eddie Bauer, Columbia and Adidas clothing. She also purchased a Simply Vera Vera Wang dress in the spring that she loves.
I do respect her opinion. My opinion is based on two cities, two stores…perhaps you can add a favorable note like Leigh Ann’s.
I am willing to go back and give it another try, if several of you want me to….I realize that they are the main department store for some areas.
Also, you may see them as a perfect in-store shopping experience…I am listening, tell us why…
Before you leave your comments, here is a note on the two Dillard’s garments featured above in the displays:
- EILEEN FISHER Organic Linen Cotton Blend V-Neck Long Sleeve Sweater and the display colors are tamarillo and sangria
- TOMMY BAHAMAS Short Sleeve Johnny Collar Linen Top…gray one and it is super cute
OK…ball is in your court…please share what your perfect in-store shopping looks like, and also any thoughts you have on Kohl’s.
Thanks for joining in….
KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog. It means the world.
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