After looking online at different brands, I came in to this store serious about purchasing a pair of glasses (and, perhaps, sunglasses). Although I was initially greeted, it was clear that I did not register as someone to really attend to for the sales associates, who were occupied with other customers. That was fine for me, and I tried on frames on my own for awhile. The shop is quite small, with a large display table in the center that narrows the areas around the shelves considerably. The mirrors were also quite small, and with other customers dominating the larger mirrors, it was difficult to judge how anything really looked.
Eventually a sales associate did appear free, and asked if I had questions, although she looked distracted and immediately walked away from me. When I did finally nab someone for what I thought would be dedicated attention and assistance, the SA was completely unengaged and kept walking away, to either talk to another employee, or another customer. This even happened (twice) when I was mid-sentence, trying to gauge her opinion on a color / shape. Another small detail... but, each time I tried on a pair and put them down for a moment to keep track of them while I reached for another to compare, a SA reached and put them back on the shelf. Odd, since another customer had about 7 pairs laid out for him.
I don't expect, or need, to be given a red carpet experience whenever I walk into a shop, but when its a high-end brand and there is the chance of a considerable exchange of goods and services, I don't anticipate walking out feeling snubbed and put out. There were customers inside who were being helped, so I wouldn't say this is across the board poor service, but I would encourage this sales staff (and, from what I've read, perhaps the brand's overall in-store service) to approach all visitors with respect and similar degrees of attentiveness. If I decide to purchase Oliver Peoples frames, it will be from another retailer who carries the brand and not from a boutique. read more
