Vultures.

31Mar08
When I was working for J. Crew, the Management staff expected you to point out to a customer if they are wearing your product. It was their way of starting a conversation with a customer. However, if you didn’t see a customer wearing J. Crew, they weren’t given the same service than some who was wearing the product. About a year and a half into my time working there, the way they wanted to do business changed. J. Crew as a whole felt like the “wrong” people were wearing their product, and not reaching the right clientele. So what did they do? Increase their prices so those who already were spending $60 on a button down shirt of $80 for a pair of chino’s, wouldn’t be turned off- and would continue to shop at the store. However, the people who were paying the lower price for product who maybe realistically couldn’t afford $60 for a button down shirt and $80 for a pair of chino’s wouldn’t shop there anymore because they didn’t fit the “look” of J. Crew.

I refused to treat someone differently if they don’t fit the look of J. Crew. I even notice this happen with Origins when prospective customers come in and they’re looking for employment. I don’t know why, but it’s really difficult to get a job with Origins because they want someone who fits the look of the company. I’ve seen many people come through who have wanted a job and for one reason or another, don’t get a call back. Getting back to J.Crew, I refused to be one of those people who gave special treatment and offered services to someone who was wearing the product versus someone who isn’t. In so many words that’s what they wanted. Greet those who are wearing the product because in so many words they have money and that’s who you should be focusing on versus the customer who isn’t wearing the product, and yet again in so many words, avoid them.

It’s just not with J. Crew or with Origins, but I find that most times… if I’m not greeted or anyone doesn’t flinch to help me find my size, I’m out. After all, I don’t have to deal with snooty employees if I decide to shop online. At least then I won’t be looked down upon for my appearance or the way I’m dressed.

Society is so focused on themselves and material things, it’s disgusting.


Filed under: Etc.   |  

2 Responses to “Vultures.”  

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  1. 1 Mel on Monday March 31, 2008 said:

    God, I have never worked in Retail….ok, Best Buy, but that was 6 years ago and we didn’t give two hoots about who was wearing what.

    But no wonder I had a hard time getting work at any place but Bath and Body Works. There, they just wanted someone who looked like they had a trendy hair do and would look cute in khakis, white shirts, and an apron.

    It is sad, however, that when I have gone into some of my favorite stores…Like Banana Republic. I love that place, but it’s soooo pricey that normally, I just cruise the clearance racks (and have found fantastic pieces!), but usually I get ignored by the sales people meandering around the store. Or they just treat me rudely because they assume that I’m not classy enough to be shopping there.

  2. 2 Cristina on Monday March 31, 2008 said:

    @Mel,

    Management at J. Crew wanted you to approach those wearing J. Crew because they obviously had the money to buy the product. I know it happens because I’ve seen it. Several times, customers would enter the store wearing J. Crew because they knew they’d be offered services that someone who didn’t wear the product would. I’ve even tested it out too. And it’s true.

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