Flirt — Attraction in Hamden

I don't live in CT but whenever I passed through I would stop at Flirt Boutique. I have had many great experiences with Flirt and its staff, but this last visit... not so much. I went into the store on Monday morning and was met by the most friendly worker (I wish I had gotten her name). She greeted me and talked with me—I have nothing but to complement her (5 star review to her!). I ended up purchasing a dress from the $20 rack after looking through the store and trying on different items (one dress along with a few other items I decided not try on as it was Free People, stretchy fabric and I could tell that it would fit). I went home excited about my purchase and with high spirits from the sweet lady who was working there, and immediately wanted to try on the dress in my mirror. And so, I did. I quickly realized that the dress was completely mis-sewn. There was a large gaping hole with extra fabric that exposed one side of my chest (and trust me this was not because I did not fill out the dress, it was mis sewn completely!). So the next day, yesterday (Tuesday) I went in to ask if I could return for store credit as my receipt said. The lady who was working immediately asked if I purchased this from the $20 rack. I said yes, and she said that there are no returns and no store credit for 20 dollar items, as it was store policy. I wish I had known that purchasing this item, and it is partly my fault for not seeing the small sign near the cash register that does state this policy. However, what I have more of a problem with was the way I was met by this worker. She was rude in her tone and exclaimed after I had told her that it was mis-sewn (i'm paraphrasing) "Well thats why it was $20. Does not get cheaper than that." Almost as if to suggest that she knew items that were mis-sewn or defected were there and that if an unlucky customer gets stuck with it... well that they are out of luck. And then to mention the "cheap" part..I am more than willing to spend over 20 dollars on items at Flirt, and have many times before. But by her tone she suggested that I could not afford the other clothes and was a cheapo shopper (Which!- by the way, there is absolutely NO problem with. Business is business— and every customer should be greeted with kindness and respect (first rule of customer service— I worked in a clothing boutique for over a year just before COVID shut us down)). This was not a return/store credit item I brought back because I realized I did not like it, nor because it did not fit, but because the item was defected. I make a point to go into Flirt because I know they are a small business and that am usually met with kindness—and especially now during COVID-19 when it is hard for small businesses. Unfortunately, this last experience has tainted my regard for Flirt......

We come to Connecticut frequently to enjoy friends and the wine vineyards. We live in Massachusetts, so we're a good couple of hours away from this unique boutique store, that we just stumbled on in our travels. It's a hidden gem. My wife is always hard on herself and hesitant to try on things that she doesn't think will work for her. In this boutique, the owner and her staff not only helps overcome this self doubt, but has an intimate, friendly and classy environment to support it. With her subtle encouragement my wife tried on a Joseph Ribbkof dress in a size 4 (my wife normally wears a size 6-8)...she looked amazing and confident. She walked out of that store with a new birthday dress and a smile on her face. This store easily could have been located in Boston or NYC and fit right in. The owner has a very fine eye for fashion. We'll be back...it was worth the drive! Thanks again for making my wife feel comfortable...

This place is nice! The young lady I meet was so sweet. And the displays looked fresh and new. The clothes..cute comes to mind. I...