I shop here but mostly because I live in the area. All of the reviews you read about the terrible customer service at Northpark are true - it must reflect management attitude from the top because it is pervasive in almost every department. The only exceptions I know of are a couple of seasoned employees in the men's department.
Recent experiences taught me a couple of things. First, always select the option to receive both email and printed receipts. Bought my daughter an expensive, sequined dress...she wore it once and a long section of the sequins on the back was off by the end of the evening. Took it back - not for a refund b/c she loved the dress - but for either a repair or replacement. Because she didn't keep the tags and we misplaced the receipt, no one...even a manager would help although they all admitted that they knew it had been a very recent purchase since the dress was a "new arrival." I had used my Dillard's account so I suggested we try to get the information they needed (the "pop" number) from customer service - no, that was "illegal" according to a rude sales associate...well, I'm an attorney and if I ask you to call and inquire about something on my account, it is NOT illegal for you to do so stupid girl! So, after a lengthy attempt to get Dillards' employees to provide some customer service, I solved my own problem - bought the dress a second time, gave the tags and receipt for that one along with the defective dress to the manager and she credited my account. Really??? Since they were clearly willing to accept the return of the defective merchandise, why put me through all of that?
Second, never take the first rude sales associate's word for something as final. Tried to buy a Michael Kors dress a few days ago. Great sale price and had my size but only one. So, delighted I took it to the checkout and only person around clearly had an attitude. She had the sourest look on her face, barely even acknowledged me, but went about the process of taking my money. I noticed that the hemming on one of the sleeves had come loose. So, I stopped her and asked if they have an alterations department that could re-hem the sleeve. She blankly looked at me, kind of sighed as if to say, "are you stupid?" and then denied that they have any alterations available at Dillard's. So, I asked if it was possible to get a small discount off of the price and she said, "absolutely not, this is the lowest price available for this dress." I wasn't looking for much - maybe 5 - 10 bucks so I could have it fixed somewhere else! So, I declined to move forward with my purchase. Two days later, the dress was still there so I took it to another sales associate in the department across the aisle and, although she too said Dillard's has no alterations department - she happily offered me an additional 10% discount due to the defect and I didn't even have to ask her about it. Clearly, Dillard's neither trains or monitors their employees. The ghostly white sales associate with her hair slicked back into a greasy ponytail and a bad attitude that works in women's coats should be given her walking papers! But, frankly, if Dillard's fired every employee that has a bad attitude and mistreats its customers, that place would be a ghost town without anyone to unlock the doors on a day!!
Let's face it - most people wouldn't go to Dillard's at all if they can find what they are looking for elsewhere. It's not particularly clean, not particularly less expensive than places where salespeople are taught how to treat customers (like Nordstrom), and you have to go there expecting to be disrespected and leave irritated. Dillard's is simply lucky to stock brands that other stores have and when I can't find what I'm looking for elsewhere, Iike so many others I'll go there.
In fact, I am going for their big sale today. I called this morning to see what time they open - a very, very rude person answered the phone said (without even saying hello), "Dillard's is open from 9 to 7 today" and then just didn't say anything more. Heck, I wasn't sure if it was a recording or what so I hesitated a little and said, "Thank you?" Nope, not a recording...a voice said, "You're welcome" and hung up. Who does that? Just another example of poor leadership and training - I guess it's people like me who keep them going though since I just go there and spend my money even though I almost always have to endure some level of their abuse! Hmmmm - maybe I'll just stay home today and skip the good deals that may or may not be available. It will save me from being offended or angry because of the bad attitudes that most surely WILL be available! read more