A delightful experience. I remember last summer going to the Ralph Lauren section inside Selfridges, in search of some polo shirts. I have an athletic, muscled build with a flat tummy so like to wear good fitting clothes instead of loose/baggy ones. Tried some on and none could provide me with the fit I wanted. So I was recommended by a female staff to try out the teen range from RL children's store. It emerged that she buys polo shirts for herself there.
Anyway, this particular store is hidden away quietly on Fulham Road near South Kensington tube station and takes a comfortable 10 minutes to get to by foot.
The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a smile by a friendly female sales assistant and a giant life size teddy bear (a human being in a costume) waving at me. The store is small but has a basement too. It is well presented, with plenty of assistants ready to help you. Each of them are well mannered, quite pleasant and eager to help. I spent about an hour in there trying out many different tops which needed to be brought out from the stock room. No matter how many times I asked, the sales assistant was ready and willing to help. There were no looks of frustration or facial expression indicating "I can't be bothered to help" which are found in far too many stores these days. Even the manager was genuinely friendly, communicative and helpful. Made me feel like a friend. I was definitely charmed by all the ladies working there.
The fitting room is gorgeous - very "picturesque". Unlike most stores where you have a tiny cubicle to change in, this is the size of a tiny room - with framed pictures on the wall, luxury pillows, large mirror, a sitting area the size of a 4 seater sofa. All this feeling of luxury just for one person wanting to try on some clothes.
Unlike the Ralph Lauren store on Bond Street (the adult store which is also the RL UK flagship store), there was none of that stiff, stuck-up, high and mighty feeling in the air.
I ended up buying two polo shirts here on the day and another from the RL children's store on Bond Steet. Also plan on returning again in a few days.
I know in today's climate we should be saying no to accepting carrier bags but I could not resist RL's beautiful shop bag. (see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaimelondonboy/3666103360/ ) In fairness, I do always re-use my grocery shopping bags without fail and recycle all my paper, plastics, cans and more - so I don't feel too bad about accepting this one. :)
This is the best customer service I have ever experienced in a store. Just how it should be. 5 out of 5. read more