So.
I have been smitten with Anthro for quite some time but it has been the last 6 months (or so) when our relationship has hit its stride... between my loft renovation and the refreshening of my wardrobe, I have no less than shopped at the Hill Center store and website at least 2-3 times a month. I even attended my first August Birthdays event (dragged along a dear friend) because I started a free Anthropologie account a few months back. There was a 20% discount off your purchase offer, tasty treats and bites, libations, and even an adorable photobooth. Good times.
With that being said, although I have an apparent fondness for the brand and have always enjoyed my experiences at the one that I frequent the most - the Hill Center store, my inaugural trip to the Franklin location left much to be desired. I'm wondering if this is why I am the only person who felt compelled to write a review (positive or negative) for this location. Meanwhile, the Hill Center location has several: http://www.yelp.com/biz/anthropologie-nashville
What's funny is, I added around 6 photos to this business listing to help showcase the location and while it was clear that I was in the process of taking a photograph of the whimsical brooms display )in housewares section) on my phone, a staff member literally watched me and walked into the shot. She murmured, "Sorry" and just kept walking... Oh yea, there's more of that!
I shop. A. Lot. So, I'm comfortable shopping independently without a ton of maintenance from a sales associate or staff BUT I still expect the basics.
What are the basics, you ask?
1. How about when I walk into your place of business, a nod, perhaps a smile, or hell, even a salutation? Ya know, like "Hi there, welcome to Anthropologie." OR if you're feeling festive, "Welcome! Be sure to check out our new sweaters."
I literally walked in, made eye contact with the staff person and she never acknowledged me. It should also be noted that during my entire visit, nobody offered any type of greeting (until at the very end when I walked up to the cash/wrapup area for the 2nd time and the clerk said "hi") or assistance.
2. My arms were full of a long sequin skirt, blouse, lace skirt, pajama bottoms, and a tee shirt for most of my time maneuvering throughout the store. At all of the other Anthros, a crew member offers to start a fitting room or take any of the items that you definitely want to purchase to the cash/wrap. Nope, not here! Between the 8 customers (including myself) total that were in the store, the 5 staff members that I saw throughout my visit didn't seem to think it was a priority to assist a customer. When I finally dragged my items into the fitting room, a nice attendant there started a room for me but she was planted in the fitting room so I assume that she kind of had to do the follow through of setting me up in a room.
3. At the cash wrap, the clerk there scooted by with the bare minimum, addressed me by saying "Hi" and when we were wrapped up, she didn't thank me for my business and it was the awkward ending to my 45 minute shopping experience. I also want it to be known that I only ended up buying two SALE items although I plan to scoot over to the Hill Center location today to purchase the full-priced sequin skirt and blouse. Why didn't I just buy it yesterday? I'll tell you why, as a former retail owner myself while also still being passionate and hyper-conscious of what my money supports, I didn't want to give the Franklin Anthro my business. The only reason that I purchased the PJs was because they were out of my size at the other location (that I was a patron at 2 days earlier). Why would I give $300 additional dollars to a store who is not up to par with customer service? And, I know that with retailers like these, the corporate offices incentivize high sales and excellent customer service, so if I am able to contribute in my little way to the deserving Hill Center location in exceeding their goals, I most certainly will.
On my way out, two of the "sales associates" were chatting near the entrance/exit and looked right at me, continued to chat, and only when I pushed the door to leave, did I hear a doldrum tone with the barely audible "Bye."
I should note that the store itself is nestled in the vibrant Franklin Square neighborhood and the layout and merchandising is absolutely beautiful inside. The 2 stories of beautiful fashion, home goods, and gift items were very much standouts while still keeping with the Anthro brand. The only reason that I didn't give this store a one star review was because of the visual displays. So high-fives to their visual display team but the sales floor and customer service team need a MAJOR tweaking.
And, I can honestly say that I had high hopes for more frequent visits to this location but my inaugural visit will also be my last. read more