It was a horrible experience. I am a size 16 and a little self conscious anyway and because of this I drove for hours especially to Liverpool because I was told that the shop assistants would leave you alone and give you the experience that you wanted - I just wanted to browse in peace as promised and didn't want anyone to come in the changing room.
The young shop assistant was really nice, but the store manager was really abrupt and horrible. When I tried on my first dress it was actually quite nice, I felt like it was a little clingy on my hips, but I quite liked it anyway and put it on the 'maybe' pile.
The manager comes over and immediately tells me that she could see my problem area...she told me I was pear shaped and that I needed something more 'forgiving' they kept saying this over and over again and even heard them whispering outside the changing room and I felt so bad about myself it put me off the original dress that I tried and they kept suggesting these other dresses that I hadn't picked out. I didn't ask for anyone's opinion, as I said I just wanted to be left alone as promised. I didn't expect anyone to lay into me about my body shape!
I just bought a dress that I didn't particularly like as the thought of going in another shop and be criticised was too much for me and I just needed to get out ASAP before I burst into tears. The only positive thing was that they gave me 20% off for the dress having a couple of loose threads which was nice.
Other than that I left the shop in tears and it has completely destroyed me, my self confidence is terrible and I am really dreading my wedding.
Please think about what you say next time someone visits your store. Every bride no matter what shape or size deserves to feel beautiful and don't promise these ladies that you will give them the exact experience that they want because that's not what you offer.
Oh & the comment about my name being 'foreign' was also a bit weird and thoughtless.
Have some tact & sensitivity for the sake of the next bride who is in a similar situation to me.
I was sent an email by Copplestones to ask me for feedback and I told them how upsetting it was - nobody asked me why or even acknowledged my response. I was just completely ignored. Even though my experience was horrible I wasn't going to post a public review, but after not getting any sort of apology I think it's important that I do. You just don't treat people that way. read more