The bad ratings baffle me. Tiffanys. It's a brand. Associated with something. You KNOW you are going to pay for the brand. And for what you get. We are a hard working MIDDLE CLASS family. Nothing high class nor "Tiffanys" about us. But it's never been too late to dream.
We have been waltzing in and out of this store for several years (9) where we had eyeballed a ring. And we dreamt and saved. Maybe someday... Depression set in after another hip replacement, and on the first med induced, pain-stricken day out, crutches and all, we head to Natick Collection just to be able to WALK indoors, away from slip threats and the cold wind. It was a quiet and empty mall. Looking like a deranged homeless woman, we come into Tiffanys. Window "shopping". And the salesperson is struck by my simple jewelry, my crutches and the look of "damn leg hurts like a mother". I really needed to walk and see people and be distracted. We strike a conversation about birthstones, and hip replacements and I try on some beautiful diamonds and reminisce about the one we never bought... All the things we can't afford. Solitaire, cocktail rings, dangling earrings, tennis bracelets... All the things I can never have, and yet celebrities sneeze and buy a dozen for their possey! Didn't think they had it anymore a one ring I had seen years ago and stayed in my dreams.
She barely remembered seeing it, and looked it up. She found one of few left in the inventory and thought it would be fun to have it back in the store and "play girly". So, as all extraordinaire Tiffany, she had it flown in. I'm thinking, "The staff must be having a FIELD DAY making fun of me on the video tape. They are flying in a ring for this deranged old lady just to make me feel better, shop therapy? They don't even know if I can afford it, if you are judging by my clothes and crutches!" Several days later, I get a text to take time AT MY CONVENIENCE, to come in to "see it". With her poised and natural demeanor, Elizabeth takes a picture and sends it to me, and says that it has everyone surprised (no one thought it was still made!) and it was really nicer than any of the picture. "Take your time, and if you can't come in, no worries" kinda deal. TRULY ZERO PRESSURE. When I came in for my "mall physican therapy walk" she wasn't in. But Andrew was. And he comes out giddy, protecting the little thing, and also reassuring - NO PRESSURE. It's here and we are having a blast just knowing we have something here we hadn't seen in a while. (It's their "Toys R Us" fest!) - the simple joy and humility is captivating. He also stated that IF I WERE to consider it, to take my time and he knew that I had clicked with Elizabeth and he was nothing more than the "show off" for the day until she was back from holiday time off. NO PRESSURE. Of course he pointed other things out, and I tried on other pieces. Like a little girl in a Disney movie.
Elizabeth contacted me when she came back, mortified she missed me. And offered either a glass of champagne or a cup of tea for my inconveniences. It was sweet, and really, you know they are going to try to seduce you with Tiffany MAGIC! But hey, same thing happens at car dealers, particularly the better ones with their free sodas, chips and food... It's what this type of business does. I am 100% convinced that whether I buy it or not, they know I will come back. For that piece or something else. Because I am smitten with the hard working, "neighbor next door", humble yet tickled pink to work for this company folks. I even considered a part time myself!! Hey, sparkling things in a magic setting. How can this be in Natick, MA? I've been to Tiffany's NY and Boston - too stuffy for my liking (although THEY HAVE STUFF THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HAIRS RAISE AND TOES CURL!).
Every employee is wonderfully like the "person next door", devoid of the snootiness associated with the brand. Sweetly professional and fun. They took their time. They were patient, and understanding. Offered options and nonjudgment. My observation is that no matter what you look like, they don't judge. BUT if you are an ASS in Gucci. You still are an ASS. They will work with you, but don't shoot them if they won't take your crap. Kindness goes a LONG way.
I can't say enough about Elizabeth, our sales rep and her professional courtesy with "old friend" warmth. Andrew. The security staff. Floor sales. And I can honestly say, I observed that same "welcome" to EVERYONE who DARES walk through the door. (let's face it, this is an intimidating brand). What an experience. Whether you "seal the deal" or can't or aren't ready, you leave with nonjudgement and knowing that one day you will return and make a purchase. A memory. Can't thank them enough. I am a believer. And a fan of the little blue box that for a middle-class hard-working mommy like myself is a luxury only dreams are made of. And maybe dreams can come true! As for the Natick Collection Tiffanys... WOW! You guys are fantastic! read more
