Research Project On Salespeople And Shopping

[Sharper2002]

Hi TFSer's! I'm new here, although I've been lurking around here for the longest. I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this topic in, and if it is, I apologize. I am working on a research project about the sales performances and practices of sales people in various high, middle, and low end stores for my Communication class. I am also examining why customers believe they cannot shop in certain stores b/c they might believe the store is too exspensive, they aren't dressed the part, etc. So I was wondering if there are any sales people here? If yes, is it possible can you PM me and can I ask a few questions? I also have a different survey for consumers and their views as a customer while shopping in these stores. ANY help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

 

[AlexN]

Originally posted by Sharper2002@Oct 27 2004, 11:32 PM
I am also examining why customers believe they cannot shop in certain stores b/c they might believe the store is too exspensive, they aren't dressed the part, etc.

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Isn't that because a lot of boutiques have a "dress code"? I remember hearing that Jennifer Love Hewitt almost got kicked out of Valentino because she didn't look rich enough.

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something?

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something?

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something?

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something?

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something of the like?

 

[Erin]

Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something of the like?

 

[tangerine]

This thread might help...

 

[AlexN]

Originally posted by tangerine@Oct 28 2004, 05:46 PM
This thread might help...

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Wow, thanks for the link. I missed that the first time around.

 

[strawberry daiquiri]

Originally posted by AlexN@Oct 29 2004, 12:31 AM
Wow, thanks for the link. I missed that the first time around.

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An experience not to be missed.

 

[Sharper2002]

Originally posted by AlexN@Oct 28 2004, 02:17 PM
Isn't that because a lot of boutiques have a "dress code"? I remember hearing that Jennifer Love Hewitt almost got kicked out of Valentino because she didn't look rich enough.

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That's what I'm looking at also. I've found most articles on people who believe either A. they were not given proper service or no service at all b/c they were not dressed the part or B. b/c of their race and the stigmas that come with it. So for now, I'm just interviewing people (salespeople and customers) to get more feedback on this and also to get to the root of this problem. So far, it's been really interesting what I've found.

 

[Sharper2002]

Originally posted by Erin@Oct 28 2004, 02:30 PM
Maybe she isn't referring to boutiques, really... but places like Banana, or Bloomingdale's, or something?

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Well for now, I am looking at basically all retail stores and it does include boutiques, although I think that they have a different...feel, I guess? So for it to be high to low end, I figured boutiques has to fit in there somewhere.

 

[Sharper2002]

Originally posted by tangerine@Oct 28 2004, 05:46 PM
This thread might help...

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Thanks alot Tangerine! This wil be very valuable

 

[metal-on-metal]

Damn. I missed that thread, too. What a read!

It rarely happens, but if I'm ever given sub-par treatment in any store, I will never ever return. I just have absolutely no tolerance for attitude, especially when I'm the one shelling out the cash. It's pretty rare these days and almost every store I frequent has a friendly staff. So when it does happen, it's doubly shocking.

 

[metal-on-metal]

Originally posted by AlexN@Oct 28 2004, 03:17 PM
I remember hearing that Jennifer Love Hewitt almost got kicked out of Valentino because she didn't look rich enough.

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That sounds ridiculous and I doubt that that ever actually happened. Sounds like a PR placement for Ms. Hewitt.

 

[Toxxxic]

I find that I get better service if I dress up really well or If my hair is perfectly done with airbrush make-up but thats just me. I think the service you recieve is in the hand of the salespeople and I know for the salespeople at Saks Fifthe Avenue (high-end) treats me very well, on the other hand places like Hollister and Abercromie (middle) treat me like utter sh*t everytime I walk in, everytime my friends goes in (Blonde, Tan, White) she get salepeople thrown at her while I (Brunette, Tannish, Asian) can't even get a salesperson to ask me if I need help. The SA at Express can be nice or mean at times depending on who the person really is. I know some salespeople at Saks, Neimans, and Nordstrom who'll only help people if they look "rich", while some who'll help everyone who walks in.


My mom and I went to this really upscale mall near us where they had every luxury brand you can think of. We walk into Louis Vuitton and three salespeople practically threw themselves at us when the store was alreay crowded. The were helpful attentive and friendly even though we never buy Louis Vuitton from there before.
When we left there was a Chanel right across from LV so we walk in and we were basically ignored even though the store was practically empty. *sigh* If only there was good service all around shopping might be a pleasant trip instead of a miserable one.

 

[metal-on-metal]

Originally posted by Toxxxic@Oct 28 2004, 09:44 PM
I find that I get better service if I dress up really well or If my hair is perfectly done with airbrush make-up but thats just me.

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See, I don't believe in that. My life is too busy for me to go primping just so I can go spend MY money on clothing. Maybe if they were giving me clothes for free, I'd feel obliged to put on my Sunday best. I think that you should be able to wear sweatpants and a ratty coat to a boutique and get the same service as if you were wearing Dior couture. Maybe I'm too idealistic.

 

[faust]

I think that things have changed for the better since downtown shut Madison the fvck up by being successful while having a laid back attitude (and Barneys got the hint first). In the stores that I visit the salespeople are always laid back but helpful at the same time. The ideal service to me is not being bothered while looking at the clothes but being helped after picking something or if having a question.

But then again I wouldn't be caught dead in a Gucci store .

Also, I most enjoy salespeople who actually know what they are talking about, who understand fashion - those are usually found in smaller stores or in boutiques.

Softie, how cool was the girl at Yohji yesterday?!

 

[AlexN]

Originally posted by metal-on-metal@Oct 28 2004, 08:40 PM
That sounds ridiculous and I doubt that that ever actually happened. Sounds like a PR placement for Ms. Hewitt.

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Supposedly, they didn't recognize her at first and someone was coming to escort her out because she had just come from exercising and looked like complete crap. Then they realized it was her.

I have the same experience as Toxxxic. Higher end stores are nice to me, but the ONE time I went into an Abercrombie store, I was the only customer, and there were five people working. No one said a single thing to me. Which is fine, because I hate their clothes. But still, it's just strange. It's like they're paid to just stand their and look trendy.