The Perky Lady — Attraction in Apex

I visited The Perky Lady last August for a bra fitting, accompanied by my mom. While I was hopeful for a positive experience, I unfortunately left feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

When I informed the fitter that I was nursing, she repeatedly expressed doubts about my ability to try on bras, despite my explanation that my supply is regulated and I no longer leak. Her attitude felt dismissive, and it seemed like she was reluctant to assist me, which was really disheartening.

As a Black woman, I felt a noticeable standoffishness that made me question whether I was truly welcome in the store. It’s important for spaces like this to be inclusive and supportive, and my experience didn’t reflect that.

I hope this review serves as a warning to others who may be considering a visit. It's essential for businesses to treat all customers with respect and warmth, regardless of their background. And for the employees perhaps some breastfeeding education would make the workers feel more comfortable.

Edit: Dear “Owner”,

I have called and left my details for you to call me directly. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review. I must express my complete and utter disappointment with your dismissal of my experiences and feelings. What did the mention of luxury have to do with anything when I did not mention price or being able to afford it?

My review was a reflection of my personal experience as a customer in your store. Feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable in any retail environment is a valid concern, and I believe it’s crucial for businesses to listen to and reflect on customer feedback.

As a Black woman, I often navigate spaces where I have felt unwelcome or marginalized, and it’s disheartening to encounter this in a place that should be supportive and inclusive to all women. My review reflected not only my personal experience but also the broader sentiment many people of color face in various retail environments. And additionally my mother witnessed it and she remained up front. So again, how is my claim baseless? Your reply is disappointing and frankly speaks volumes.

Feeling unwelcome isn’t just about one interaction; it’s about a cumulative experience that can weigh heavily on individuals from marginalized backgrounds. It’s essential for businesses to recognize that the atmosphere they create can significantly impact customers’ experiences. When I felt dismissed during my fitting, it reinforced a sense of exclusion that many Black women can relate to, where our concerns and identities are not fully acknowledged.

I appreciate your commitment to inclusivity, but it’s crucial to understand that actions speak louder than words. Training staff on cultural sensitivity and the unique challenges faced by diverse customers can foster a more welcoming environment. I hope my feedback can contribute to a deeper understanding of how to ensure that all customers feel respected and valued.

Thank you for considering my...

Replying to owners response- I’m going to be honest—your message feels incredibly dismissive. Yes, I acknowledged that the staff was friendly and helpful during my visit, but the point of my review was to express that despite that, I’m left with an expensive bra I can’t wear. If the fitting was done properly, why am I having issues with the fit now?

I spent a significant amount of money at your store, expecting expertise and quality. Instead of acknowledging that maybe something didn’t go as planned, I’m being met with a rigid reiteration of policy and a tone that suggests I’m at fault for not acting quickly enough. I did not intend to be outside the return window, but life happens—and I reached out as soon as I realized there was a problem.

This isn’t just about policy; it’s about customer care and accountability. I’m disappointed that instead of trying to find a solution, your response focused on defending the rules and questioning my star review.

My original review- I visited The Perky Lady last Friday and purchased three bras. It was a significant investment, but I wanted to support a small, local business—especially as a small business director myself. The in-store experience was excellent. The woman who helped me was knowledgeable and kind, and I left feeling optimistic that I had found a great fit. However, after wearing one of the bras for a week, I realized it just wasn’t right. The underwire was poking into my armpit and causing discomfort. I reached out through their online chat and was directed to call the store. When I called today, I was told that because it had been more than 7 days, (it’s day 8 after the purchase)there was nothing they could do—no exchange, no credit, nothing. I explained my disappointment and how I now have an unworn, expensive bra that I can’t use. I expected more understanding and flexibility, especially from a local boutique. I’m all for supporting small businesses, but part of that relationship is trust and reasonable customer care. This experience left me feeling dismissed and frustrated. Please be forewarned before spending hundreds of dollars here. While the fitting service was great, the rigid policy and lack of accommodation after the sale were not what I expected from a business in the heart of...

I’ve been buying bras from The Perky Lady for a year or two now and I’ve grown increasingly disappointed in my experience. I was initially very excited to shop for bras from a plus sized owned businesses but I was disappointed as soon as I walked in the door. All the manikins are strait sized. All the bras and such on display are A/B/C cups. I have also always found it rather silly that I have to pay for and book an appointment when I’ve never been in the store with another customer. I’ve also been repeatedly disappointed with their selection. Up until today I’ve only ever been offered black and beige bras. I prefer black bras so that’s okay but twice now they’ve not even had black bras in my size. Last time I went to the store they forgot to apply my $25 apt fee to my purchase and then sent me a $10 gift card in return. Then today I went hopping to get a sports bra but they didn’t have any (how does a specialty bra store not carry specialty bras I was also disappointed to find out they don’t offer nursing bra conversions like The Bra Patch does again how are you a specialty store not offering this extremely basic service). The employee offered me a total of 3 bras. One orange one that I fell in love with only for her to declare it “didn’t fit” (it fit righty perfectly but was a little sung on the left) a blue one that was kinda cute I guess but not at all my color and another nude one. (I hate nude bras I never wear white I don’t need a nude bra). She then brought me the “matching panties” and left me to decide. I picked the nude one because I guess it doesn’t hurt to have a basic and I was determined that this was going to be my last time in the store. Paid and got home only for my husband to point out the bra and panties don’t match. They aren’t even the same brand. I never would have paid $75 for a pair of underwear that doesn’t even match the bra! And it’s has a gusset so no returns. I...