I debated typing this out, but this story DOES need to be heard.
Here's a few things you should know about me + this store before proceeding on:
1. I have stopped in to this J Crew on several occasions.
2. I have always been (until this weekend) treated with respect and
friendliness.
3. I do often check out the clearance rack, because - let's face it - J Crew is stylish, cute...and somewhat overpriced. And I love a good deal!
This is mind, I strolled into the J Crew on Saturday. The store wasn't very busy, but I wasn't greeting when I walked in. Whatever, no big.
I walked around, checking out the new styles, etc. I didn't make the deliberate beeline toward the clearance rack - because even though I like deals, I do think that J Crew is better manufactured than 'cheap' brands.
Anyway.
After my walk around, I strolled to the clearance area and saw several good prices on plain tees and basic skirts. I was happy to see that there were a good variety of items in my size as well. I picked up a few items, and asked a clerk for a dressing room. Said clerk wasn't chatty (at all) but was pleasant enough.
I tried on my items, and really fell in love with a striped tee with a laceup side. Kinda nautical looking - I glanced at the price - 10.99! I could barely believe it!
Since their Japan Tsunami Recovery shirt was sold out (something I was hoping to purchase) I was ready to check out with just that item. So, I walked up and this was the exchange:
Clerk: Are you ready to check out?
Me: Yes, thanks.
Clerk: Did anyone help you today?
Me: Not really.
Clerk: (fake voice) Oh, I am really sorry to hear that.
Me: No, I mean, I didn't ask for help, I was just -
Clerk: (exasperated) I know what you mean.
Me: Okay.
Clerk: (scans the item) Your total is $20.xx
Me: Um, I think it was marked down from...
Clerk: (looks at price) Yeah, well this was mismarked.
Me: Excuse me?
Clerk: Yeah, it's not supposed to be that price. (dryly) Sorry.
Me: (flustered) Oh. Well. I don't really need it then.
I walked out.
I had this really weird feeling come over me. I mean, $20 for a J Crew shirt was still a good deal. But that wasn't the point. It was marked down. I was the customer. I should have fought it. I hate those kinds of confrontations. I already felt like she was judging me - thinking I was cheap. Not good enough for J Crew clothing.
I had to banish those negative thoughts pronto!
I glanced back in the store and saw the previously smug clerk speaking with who I assumed to be her manager. She seemed irritated.
But gosh darn it - I wanted that silly shirt.
I walked back in. The woman who I assumed was the manager told me she could honor that price. I thanked her and paid my $11.xx thank you very much. I made some kind of nervous small talk, to the effect of my excitement of finding such a good deal. The girl just rolled her eyes.
I clutched the bag on the way out. Proud that I went back in but still weirdly emotional about the situation.
When I returned home, I retold the story to hubs, when I realized, taking a glance at the tag - she had pulled off the 10.99 price!
Just...weird.
I'll think of it each time I wear that shirt... read more