To start, I have to clarify that I love Zara - as the other Yelpers have pointed out, for quality, fit, price and style, there's very little to compare. If I have some additional pounds to spend, there's a high chance I'll be spending it in Zara.
Most recently, Zara has been shut for refurbishment, not that I thought it there was anything bad about it in the first place. The general feel of the store is very much the same, with plenty to look at (and touch, if you're anything like me - they use such a variety of textures, it's hard not to go around and feel everything) but there's just something that's not the same.
I'm hoping it's just ironing out a few creases after the big change.
It was rammed - and I mean rammed. People hanging around with nowhere to go, and not exactly room for maneuver, especially near the main entrance. I'm assuming this is a lot of people not knowing where to go (ladies on -1 and ground, TRF on 1, and men on 2 - just so you know). The escalators are also making an excruciating squeaking noise.
After battling through the lost-looking men and battling the squeak, I managed to select my items and join the queue. Each till was taken up by someone returning items. When one finally came free, I was informed that it was card only. Due to a recent purse change, I only had cash - leaving me to have to allow 3/4 people ahead of me and wait it out. When I did get to the front, there was no apology and no sense of urgency to get through the queue.
I left feeling fairly disappointed with one of my favourite brands - if they're trying to become a flagship store, they'll have to try harder. read more