Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The Price Of Service Was Twenty Dollars


Last Saturday Hubby Tony and I got a series of text from Son Donald telling us know he was going to a career fair on campus Tuesday and a networking dinner Wednesday.  The texts went on to say that he was trying to figure out how to get the needed clothes for both events.  His college town doesn't have much in the way of shopping options for suits and business casual clothes, so I suggested he come home for a shopping trip.

We didn't hear anything more until Sunday at noon, when we got a text telling us he was on the way.  Two hours later when Donald walked into the house he said hello to us and sought out the cats for some pets.  We chatted for a couple of minutes, then piled in the car.  I can't remember ever shopping for clothes as a family before, but time was short (a lot of the stores closed at 6 PM) and we needed to get a lot done quickly. 

Our first stop was Kohl's, where you can always find something on sale and Tony had an 'extra 30% off' coupon.  With his event just a couple of days away (and no time to get things tailored), the only option for Donald was suit separates.  Donald started trying on coats with his dad's help while I browsed through the racks for the other pieces. Several trips to the dressing room later Donald had found everything but the suit. Part of the problem was that there was no one on the sales floor to answer questions. I suggested we go to the mall.

We started at J. C. Penney.  Tony purchased his last suit there, and the service and selection had been pretty good.  Not this time.  They had plenty of suit coats and plenty of pants but Donald couldn't find two matching pieces in his size.  The store was busy and all the associates were checking out customers, so there was no one that could assist us.  We headed to Macy's at the opposite end of the mall. There Donald found a sales associate who actually knew what he was talking about. The associate took some measurements, then helped Donald find the perfect pieces.

I figured something from a fancy department store men's suit department would come with a fancy price. I was wrong. The suit ended up costing $20 more than it would have at either of the other two stores.  And we got a "Macy's Money" card that I can use as a nice down payment on a dress for a wedding I'm going to next weekend.

Five years ago today: Mall Walking With A Twist

12 comments:

  1. I love Macy's! They are my go-to store for nice clothes.

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    1. I'll definitely keep this experience in mind next time I need clothes.

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  2. It's really great to find a knowledgeable sales associate at stores. I have gotten some great buys at Macy's too, especially when using their coupons. Congratulations on the wonderful suit.

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    1. Sadly, knowledgeable salespeople are getting harder and harder to find.

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  3. I was at Kohl's last week to buy underwear. What a disaster! Terrible shopping experience. I tweeted about it and Kohl's wanted to know what was wrong. When I told them I never heard back, like with an apology or desire to make things better. Kohl's is just bad.

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    1. Whatever happened to the customer-first attitude? When I need clothes and not under time constraints I shop at the thrift stores first. Then, if that doesn't work I try Kohl's (because we have a branch just a couple of miles from the house). If I can't find what I'm looking for there then I go to the mall (a twenty minute trip).

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  4. Our local Kohl's shut down over 6 months ago. Still haven't been bothered to find out where the next closest one is. Glad you got it all done, and a down payment on that dress! :)

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    1. I don't think I'd go out of the way to shop at Kohl's, but with a store just a couple of miles from the house it's convenient.

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  5. My sisters in the US get great deals at Macy's from time to time! Sounds like your son got a good quality suit.

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    1. I hope it lasts him through graduation and his first round of interviews.

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  6. Hello Kathy, greetings and good wishes.

    Finally after spending considerable time, you could get a smart suit. I wish I was young enough to wear such dashing outfits. It makes me jealous.

    Best wishes

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    1. Joseph, his actual suit was a dark (almost black) navy. Very formal.

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