This review was in dire need of an update. I have taken away two stars for the following: Cleanliness and Service.
First, let's start by saying that I LOVE Old Navy. I seriously don't own much else, and am a walking billboard for the company. Amy Poehler -- step aside. I was wearing Pixie pants last summer, before there was even a commercial.
Not only am I a fan -- but I serve the kool-aid. I am consistently telling people how affordable it is and how you can really round out a wardrobe with their cardigans, wrap dresses and pixie pants.
That is why I am hurt and betrayed. ON, for years we have enjoyed each others' company. I would stroll to visit you on my lunch hour and before long, you were whispering in my ear and had me handing over my wallet. You were my Target. I would come and visit, hoping to pick up a new cami, and leave with a shopping bag of delightful goodies.
On my most recent visit to ON, I was shopping for a trip to Hawaii (don't hate -- just read the review). It is RARE that I use a fitting room at any store, I don't trust their mirrors. However, on this occasion, because shorts and swimsuits were involved (the shopping equivalents of a blind date), I made my way to the back of the store.
First, let me start by saying this to all individuals working in retail -- NO ONE WANTS THE FITTING ROOM DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE ENTRANCE. I don't care if the security system on the fitting room door could rival that of an apartment in Newark -- no one is having it. It's feels like a violation of privacy. Even though you're behind a door - you're right there -- in front of the world. Your unshaved, winter white calves and mismatched socks on display for all to judge. When ALL the other fitting rooms are open, this is about the WORST option a store employee can give you.
As I enter the fitting room, I am immediately skeeved out. It is filthy. I mean, DIRTY. The floor is unwashed and visibly unclean; debris is scattered and miscellaneous hangers are strewn about. Did I make a wrong turn in Albuquerque? Where was I? WalMart?
The next 25 minutes of trying on my swag were near unbearable. At some point, a family had entered the fitting room area. One of the children, clearly not entertained by his mother's cell phone conversation, began opening and slamming all of the doors shut. Repeatedly. Repeatedly. Repeatedly. Look, I love little angels as much as the next person, and I get this is a family friendly store, but get a hold of you spawn already! Newsflash: Your child is obnoxious. While 99% of the time, I blame the parents (solely) for this, at some POINT the stores need to let people know this is not the Trampoline place.
Finally finished trying on my new, exciting clothes -- I make my way to the register. First, I am happy they added the bank barriers for a line. I was constantly amazed by the number of people who would walk past the line of 10 individuals and march up to a register behind someone. Because, OBVIOUSLY we are all standing there because there was a shortage of Incredible Hulk lunch boxes and the Memorial Day Pig Banks -- and we're waiting for them to re-stock.
Up at the register I throw down about $200 in clothes. And this is where I lose it. As my clothes are swiped, I am asked, not once, not twice, not three -- but FOUR times if I want an ON credit card. The first three times I politely said no. On the fourth attempt, I started to feel vulnerable. Clearly no doesn't mean no at ON. I looked directly at the cashier and said, "This is the fourth time you have asked, and like the previous, my reply is still no. I have been very polite, but have had enough, please do not ask again." Look, I know for a fact corporate requires you to sell X amount of credit cards per month -- but this is NOT the way. I am a regular shopper and this experience seriously alienates people like me.
Anyway - I'll bump the rating back up if they clean the store and stop honey badgering customers. Until then, order online.
The lack of star is purely personal, as I hate stores with children in them.
That being said, this is a great location. The service is friendly and helpful and the store is always neat and clean. You always know what's on sale, what's new and can find someone to help you get a different size.
The return policy at Old Navy is great, and is largely based on the "Customer is Always Right" mentality. I bought a pair of slacks, washed them accordign to the directions and they shrunk up about 2 inches. I took them back in and explained. They kindly exchanged them for me (they would have returned them too, just not the option I took).
If you are going to shop Old Navy, I recommend this store. A large stock, a friendly staff and not too many small children. read more