Anthropologie — Attraction in Bethesda

Disappointing Service at Fairfax & Bethesda Locations

I recently had an unfortunate experience at the Bethesda and Fairfax Anthropologie stores that I feel compelled to share.

After my wonderful experience at the Georgetown location, where I received exceptional service from Jennifer, my visits to Bethesda and Fairfax were a stark contrast.

At these locations, I encountered staff who were unwilling to assist me with returning a lilac candle set of 2, despite my explanation that I had purchased it just a week prior from the Georgetown location. I was within the allowable return period, but without my receipt, the staff refused to help, even when I asked if they could call GT to retrieve my receipt number for me. Their dismissive attitude left me feeling frustrated and unsupported.

In contrast, when I returned to GT, Jennifer went above and beyond to help me. She not only located my receipt but also confirmed that the other stores could have reached out to GT for my receipt number. Her willingness to help and her friendly demeanor made all the difference in my shopping experience.

I sincerely hope that the other locations can learn from the exceptional service provided by Jennifer in GT. It's essential for all locations to prioritize customer care and provide the same level of support to every customer.

I would also like to suggest that Anthropologie consider updating its return policy. A 30-day return window for customers without receipts would be more accommodating, especially when it is clear that the product has not been used. Additionally, implementing a system for customers to select receipt emails or texts upon purchase, particularly for transactions involving gift cards, would be a helpful improvement. This would prevent situations like mine, as my gift was discarded after use.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to see improvements in the service at these locations in the future. Then again, I don't ever intend to return to the other locations. However, I will continue shopping online and at the...

I'm typically a size XL/1X. I love shopping at Anthro.... Online. In store I find they do not typically stock above a size L (often just racks only went to size M). At Bethesda Row today, I went to literally every clothing rack on the floor and found zero plus size clothing, and literally 5 articles of clothing size XL. I tried a couple on and when leaving the changing room, the woman asked if anything worked. I said it all fit but didn't look great. I mentioned my disappointment there wasn't size inclusivity in the store. That I'm frustrated I must shop online, pay for shipping and go through the hassle of returns because there is no other way to try my size as not offered in store. The woman said she would help me find clothes as they have some sizes in back but was too busy today to help. Then she said I could call and schedule a stylist appointment to help me figure out what would suit me. I tried to articulate that I didn't want a stylist, I know how to dress my body, I just wanted to shop and lamented on the lack of available clothing above a size M on the floor. She then talked about how people my size have better luck with stylists... She didn't get it and instead took time from whatever busy work she thought was more important than customer service to show me a dress that would look good on my body type. It was a nondescript gauzy mumu... That only has size to s and m on the rack anyway. It was a truly bizarre and negative experience. Don't go here if you are above a size medium. To the store manager: please bring more size inclusivity to your floor. And as importantly please train your staff to.. not do what this lady did. She was belittling and clueless, and straight up disregarded or dismissed everything I said. Anthropologie: please stock your stores like you do your website. I hate that I have to front hundreds, even thousands of dollars plus shipping and returns to try on legitimately awesome clothes because you won't stock...

Microaggression much?

I dropped in on a random Friday, in search of a new spring wardrobe.

I spent a considerable amount of money, yet received the worst customer service.

It should have been a great visit, right?

Well, sadly, what transpired during my visit ruined my shopping experience, and I can promise you that I will not be returning

To be clear, I have shopped at this location many times before, and I’ve never experienced such poor customer service.

I shopped for an hour, walking around on level 1 and 2, collecting a wide array of clothing choices to try on. No one asked if I needed help or if they could start a dressing room for me. I did see employees assisting other women. I want to add the distinction that the women that received assistance without having to ask for it were Caucasian women.

When I requested a fitting room, the employee looked annoyed, and walked me to a fitting room. No one checked on me to see if I needed another size, etc. I peeked out to request another size, and the same employee looked visibly annoyed when I asked for assistance.

I paid for my clothing, and as I walked toward the exit on the first floor, I noticed two Caucasian employees chatting away. One of the women was right by the exit. She looked up at me, and made it a point to pretend to fold a shirt that was already folded and stared at the shirt as she did this. Why not just say bye, thanks for shopping here instead of putting all of that energy into avoiding eye contact/communication?

This is where this store gets it wrong.

I will state the obvious: You can in fact be a woman of color, dressed in yoga pants and a hoodie, and purchase a very generous amount of clothing on a random Friday,

If customer service means anything to this store, they will educate their employees on how ALL customers should be treated.

A little anti-bias training would go a long way… they...