I went to quickly check at the Salvatore Ferragamo store in Printemps, blvd. Haussmann whether the brand could repair my Studio Box bag. My bag fell on the ground that day and two of the legs and part of the leather on the bottom got damaged. While I was approaching the SF stand, the sales person did not say hello, but rushed to pick up the phone and made me wait for at least 5 minutes, giving me almost her back. When she finally finished her call, she greeted me in a cold, unpolite way. I ignored that and explained why I was there, showing her the damage on my bag. She showed 0 interest and asked in a very aggressive way: “what do you expect us to do?” Well, I said, this is what I would like to figure out and under what conditions. She was unable to reply and then she told me : by the way, you are at the men’s store. As I was in a hurry, I did not pay attention that I was indeed at the men’s store. She recommended in a rude way to go to see her colleagues from the SF women’s department. I only had 2 minutes, as I was in a rush to get my Eurostar train. I asked her how the brand was then proceeding with men’s articles, as I supposed that the procedure would be the same for women’s and men’s products. She told me that she does not know and it has never happened to have a damaged article. She again told me very aggressively to go to the women’s store.
I was very surprised of this extremely rude behavior and told her so. Then she replied aggressively : “So what are you still doing here? (Alors qu’est-ce que vous faites encore ici????)” I asked her name (as she was not wearing a badge) to send a complaint. She refused to give it to me and lied to me that she would put me on the phone with her manager. She gave me the phone and the man from the other side presented himself (I do not remember his name) and explained that he was working at the women’s store and that he is not her manager. I then explained my issue with my damaged bag and that I was looking to know how to repair my bag. He was very helpful and gave the needed information. I then proceeded with my complaint about his colleague. The man replied that “he was asked to protect her” and that basically I cannot make a complaint against her. I explained how she had replied to me and then the woman, hearing what I was saying, started laughing at me. “Is it a normal behavior for a sales person”, I asked the man… And then she went to call the Printemps security guard who came and stood next to me. As a threat, so that I leave asap, I suppose…
Spending thousands of euros on products and being bullied by a sales person is definitely not acceptable and is certainly not a luxury experience. Basic language, ugly wording, lack of basic general education and complete incompetency and lack of knowledge about the brand are all inacceptable and cannot be tolerated in any shop, even more in a high end/luxury place. I hope that the direct manager of this person and the HR could watch a record video from this incident. This happened on Sunday, 10th December 2023, around 11h30 at the Salvatore Ferragamo men’s store in Printemps, boulevard Haussmann. The rude sales person is a blond young woman between 22 and 26 years old probably, she was alone at the store. This is the last time that my husband and I would ever visit Printemps. The image and reputation of both Printemps and Salvatore Ferragamo are ruined by this sales person. Both my husband and I are appreciating the quality of SF’s quality, but we are very disappointed that the brand could be represented by such an...
Read moreThe less crowded of the two sister department stores right next to each other.
Printemps vs Galeries at Lafayette. I prefer Printemps for this reason. Same brands in both buildings. But much more relaxed shopping in Printemps. If you need taxi service, they line up for pickup and dropoff infront the Galeries Lafayette building only. Otherwise just use the G7 app and hail your own taxi.
The Printemps aqua green branding is also a good color choice. I used it in my own company branding years ago to great success.
Be mindful that there are four buildings that make up the Printemps area. Mens, womens, children, and a food court building (Citadium).
You can cross between them on the basement level -1 without having to leave the air conditioned area. But can also cross on ground level, requiring you to exit to the sidewalks and open air.
Toilets are on the 7th floor of the Men’s building. If you get confused, in Paris, just look for the floors that have restaurants. Those will likely also have the toilets.
Compared to department stores in NYC, Japan and elsewhere around the world, Paris has the best in stock availability. Finding sizing is usually no problem. And unique prints and colors.
Plan to spend an entire afternoon shopping, so block one day out instead of rushing.
Have lunch when lunch restaurants in the area open up at 1200 noon. Too early, and you’ll only find breakfast menus like croissants and fruit plates. Too late (after 2pm) and you’ll find that many restaurants close lunch service. Only reopening later in the evening around 1800.
Taxi or metro to the area around 1100-1130. Be seated and have some drinks while you await lunch hour. Have lunch precisely at 12. To beat other families to the limited seating at restaurants. Around 1300-1400 begin your shopping until your...
Read moreI am writing to express my profound disappointment and alarm regarding a recent experience I had at the Printemps Shopping Mall in Paris. As a regular patron of your establishment, the events of my visit have left me extremely concerned and troubled.
During my visit, I was subjected to a series of unsettling incidents that I believe necessitate your immediate attention. I found myself facing blatant discrimination and racial profiling from certain members of your staff. Their actions included limiting my ability to purchase items, questioning my intentions, and repeatedly checking my identification. The cumulative effect of these actions left me feeling humiliated, belittled, and deeply hurt.
It is deeply disheartening to encounter such behavior in a place that should be welcoming and inclusive to all visitors. The actions of these individuals not only reflect poorly on Printemps as a whole but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes that have no place in a diverse and globalized society.
Discrimination and racial profiling are not only ethically wrong but also legally unacceptable. I trust that Printemps has policies and values in place that align with providing a respectful and non-discriminatory environment for all customers.
Additionally, I believe it is crucial for Printemps to implement comprehensive training on diversity, inclusion, and customer service to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
I want to believe that this unfortunate experience is not representative of Printemps' overall values and commitment to its customers. However, it is essential for the mall's reputation and the well-being of its patrons that swift and meaningful action is taken to address...
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