I was very excited for the store opening yesterday. I had an appoint at the apple store at ten thirty so I thought I would pop in Free People before I go my computer fixed.
I had looked over their website the night before and fell in love with a pair of boots. I looked at pictures of other stores to see if they carried shoes, I found several stores that did. No where did it say that shoes are internet only. If it did I couldn't find it.
As I walked up I could tell I was going to love the store. The displays were beautiful. The wall that was their sign, as well as art, was nicely done. I walked in the store excited to try on a pair of gorgeous boots I had seen on the site. I looked around and I couldn't see shoes. I asked the nicely dressed woman where the shoes were and she said this store doesn't carry shoes. My bubble was burst! I said, Oh man, you're killing me! I guess that turned her off because her demeanor was not too nice after that. I was told I could buy them on the internet. I said I wanted to try them on because they received a few bad reviews on the website. (I like to read reviews!) The boots were over the knee boots and some people said they rubbed the back of their leg. She looked at me and said have you ever worn over the knee boots. I said yes. She didn't say anything but just looked at me. Her face said, you are such an idiot. I looked back at her and said I will just look around then....I walked around thinking maybe this is just opening day stress she is getting rid of. I kept looking but I couldn't stop thinking about my first impression of this cute store. The next thing I noticed was a beautiful hand beaded Indian inspired belt that some of the beading was falling off of. It's your opening day and you put damaged goods on display?!? No way am I telling Miss Congeniality at the front door.
I found a pair of pants I wanted to try on but I was pretty sure I was not going to buy anything. There was also a really cute over the shoulder purse that was perfect for going out. I passed it up. No one was really saying anything to me. There 2 employees to every customer at that time so I thought someone would say something. I was just about to give up when another stylishly dressed woman came from the back and asked if she could put my pants in a dressing room. She also answered a few more questions and was extremely helpful. She told me about the dresses that were on display for the holidays. She convinced me to try on this lace top that I thought would be too tight, it wasn't. I bought it. She held my items for me while I ran over to the Apple store to get my computer fixed. She was a saving grace to my horrible first impression of the store. While talking to her as I checked out I found out Miss Congeniality was a district manager and was only at the store a few hours or a few days. To me, it was a few too many.
I will go back again. They are getting more clothes in next week. I will order the boots on line. (well, maybe) When you go ask to speak to the assistant manager, Olivia, she made my shopping experience at Free People go from Bad to Beautiful! read more
