I first made an appt at the David's Bridal location in SouthCommon in Edmonton, AB back in March. Got in, everything was great. Service was awesome, employee was attentive and found the dress my mom ended up purchasing for me ($1200). They booked me in for alterations that day, and said nothing else about it. Thank god I put it in my schedule for that appt, 8 weeks out of our wedding, because no one called me to remind me. When I arrived at 10am today (tues sept 30) the place was a ghost town. No lights on, no music. Someone did greet me, didn't ask my name, and seemed flustered already. Proceeded to tell me that their store hours were changed that week so they now open at 11:00, so I wouldn't be able to use the proper fitting room as the lights are controlled by head office in the states... (???).... Ok that's fine I guess I slipped through the cracks to let me know your store is still closed. So I didn't get that awesome bride experience in the proper fitting room, I had to go to the public fitting rooms. That's totally ok with me, however, the floors were disgusting. I didn't want to set my dress down. Like these are first world problems, but if my mom is paying over $1000 for something I'm wearing for a couple hours, for the biggest day of my life so far, this better be top notch. We had to ask for the pedestal. So as I'm trying it on, another staff member (no smiling, doesn't say hello or even a 'you look great' just continues to Vaccuum around me with, what seemed like, the loudest vacuum on the planet. My sister and I couldn't talk, I couldn't hear the alterations lady... It was a gong show. I had no problems with my alterations person, Grace (i think?) she never asked my name, seemed really distant & asked no questions about my maid of honour there (my sister) or my wedding. Bad rapport building skills. I'm in sales for a living and wow - poorly trained. She wouldn't drop the fact that my hips are large for my size four waist. I said yes thank you I'm aware, lol. Then I don't know what made me ask this, but I just randomly asked 'so these alterations are included in the dress price, correct?' She proceeded to tell me 'no. None of our dresses have that included' I said what! No body told me this when I purchased the dress. How much will it be? She said $170 base, $70 for sides, $100 for bust etc etc. I said Woa Woa Woa I was NOT told this and that would have affected my decision about the dress. She kept belittling me saying 'I don't know why they wouldn't tell you but they aren't included'. I proceeded to say yes thank you now I know that.... So i made a bit of a fuss because that's a big slimy sideswipe in my opinion. I heard terrible reviews from there and was warned, but I gave the benefit of the doubt. It comes time for her to give me an alterations summary and as she goes to tell me, the front desk girl comes and gets her and leaves me for five minutes just standing there twiddling my thumbs. So anyways when she finally gets back, the total is....... Get ready..... $470!!!!!!!!! Honestly, it's not about the price. I was peeved at the experience so far, on top of not being told. Have integrity. I asked if I needed to pay now or later, they of course said now. Like what the hell is going on here. This business is POORLY operated and staff are horrendously trained. They put a sour taste in my mouth about the whole process. Extremely disappointed. None of the staff were inviting. Grace was okay, and I feel bad for taking it out on her. But damn! And also - I was being poked with pins all over my body. My maid of honour called our mom during this process and told her what happened. Mom asked to speak to the manager. The manager was surprised by this, but took the phone. Mom ended up giving her credit card over the phone, and I ended up paying for half as well. But while mom was on the phone, she ended up getting the manager to throw in the Bussels ($57) for free. Went to pay, and magically they changed their mind. I honestly just wanted to cry. At one point I was in tears. I'm sure David's Bridal has many good apples working for them, but I honestly think the training needs to stem from head office. Just maybe take a week and re train everyone. It was awful, and what do they care that I'm not happy? It's not like I'm going to be a repeat customer?? They schmoozed me before purchasing the dress. Then it was like I didn't exist. I am thankful they carried what ended up being my dream dress. But would not recommend my worst enemy to go here, let alone people I care about. I hope the wedding day is so good that I forget about this debacle. :(
*update* as of Thurs, Oct 1st and after tweeting DB until they do something, DB customer service promised me a call from a district manager yesterday. Still have not received a call! Going to keep using the power of social media until something is done. read more