Marshalls & HomeGoods — Attraction in Mountain View

I hadn't been in Marshalls in many years (probably between five and ten). But I was in the area and decided to drop in. I had nothing in particular in mind; part of the fun of these places for me is window shopping and coming across a small home-dec trinket for a low price.

I was surprised to find the exterior had been updated (modern in design, which is not my cup of tea), but I hadn't realized they'd redone the storefronts.

When I entered the store, I found the entrance was more or less the same but VERY clean. This is the Christmas season; stores get VERY messy VERY quickly. But the front was tidy and attractively merchandised for the season.

I don't usually shop clothes or shoes when I go into these sorts of shops. I don't enjoy looking through racks and racks of hodge-podge clothing all lumped together. But I did run my eyes over these areas and didn't see stuff strewn about on the floors or errant articles off hangers and draped atop the racks, getting in the way. It all seemed pretty clean.

From the entry, I hung a right straight into Housewares! First, all the international foods, coffees, and teas. Then came the pots and pans, plates, cups, teapots, etc. I saw many things that called to me (I always do), but I bought only one: a lovely black-background floral teacup and saucer. I collect teacups, pots, and saucers, and I have always adored floral prints on a black ground. And I applaud Management's decision to secure cup to saucer with tape. I hadn't grabbed a cart but was able to walk around the rest of the store without fear of the cup's falling off--all because of someone's perspicacity.

Following the flow of the store around to the back, I was pleased to find their home-dec sections have increased. Now they have a good panoply of furniture (but nothing as big as a bed, of course, except for animals) and furnishings (lamps, art, mirrors, etc.). They even had kid-sized upholstered recliners!

I walked back up to the registers and got in line, which was long (remember: Christmastime). But the wait wasn't long because of the well-organized register system, which was all new to me. Hooked up to a central terminal, when a register's free, an automated voice tells you which register is now open. "Next guest: register 11." I was surprised and impressed. As I said, it kept things moving quickly. Oh, and another thing that kept things steadily advancing was the separate line for returns; that's always nice.

And my cashier was kind and wished me "happy holidays," to which I replied, "Merry Christmas." He instantly smiled and said, "Yes. Merry Christmas to you, too."

Just a side note: If you dislike shopping around pets, you may not enjoy this Marshalls. In the home-dec section, I came across a woman pushing her Llaso in her shopping cart. In line, another woman had her half-German shepherd "mutt" on a leash. Now, I adore animals, and these that I saw were very well behaved, so I had no problems. (Besides, this is the Silicon Valleyn. It's become de rigueur for people to bring their pooches everywhere--even in their purses!) But I know some people don't appreciate this growing trend. So be forewarned: You could very well come across a Fido or a Snookums while shopping.

All in all, a pleasant shopping experience.

Oh, but I should add: While I saw plenty of employees on the floor as I shopped (even the manager), no one greeted me or stopped to ask if I needed help. Personally, I don't care about being approached. I like to shop at my own pace, taking in the items for sale without being accosted at every turn. If I need help, I prefer just finding someone to ask, and there were plenty of employees around. And I don't really mind not being greeted. I understand that employees are busy tending to other tasks, so, unless there's a specific "greeter" at the door, I never expect that particular service. Still, I mention both only because I know some people do like being greeted at the door or approached while shopping with: "Is there anything I can help you with?" Neither happened...

This was my first time at this location. I absolutely love HomeGoods and all of the other affiliates. I take high blood pressure medication, which is a diuretic. It causes the body to rid itself of excessive fliuds. After dropping my husband off to visit a friend in the hospital, I decided to see what deals I could find while my husband stayed chatting at the hospital. Upon entering, I was impressed with the store's cleanly and neatly stacked shelves. I found some things, but the medication kicked in 😳. I asked an associate who directed me to the restrooms. I rushed there and came upon the fitting rooms/ bathrooms. I was hit immediately with an overwhelming stench 🤮😷. I ignored it and went on in. One stall was taken, and the open one grossed me out (video). I was going to force myself, but I refused to expose myself to gross neglect! No seat covers, and fecal matter was splashed. Holding my breath and urge, I walked back out and spoke a very nice fitting room associate named Gina ♥️. She apologized in horror, said thanks, and told me to speak with management up front. I got in the long line and asked another worker who was stooped down restocking. She paged management to come. Manager Mariel came, and I explained showing her the footage on my phone. She started off good but walked away, not clearly stating her name. I had to ask twice. The customer behind me overheard us and said what she thought her name was. I literally had to get out of line to ask again. She saw me looking at her badge and said it again while raising it. I sensed some hostility in her attitude and voice as she spoke to the associate who paged her. I was happy with my purchases, but the experience was horrible. Compliments to Gina, the restocked and Esperanza the cashier who listened to my complaint while I purchased. Good job! Mariel, I told you that I do...

This store was having a particularly great sale today...sweaters for 6, 8, and $10...great selection in all departments. Well organized and the bathrooms were clean. My only and major complaint is that the dressing room attendant was a little over zealous and I heard a second attendant telling people that they could bring in 10 items and the first attendant told me I could only bring in 9. it's a bit annoying when you have a cart full of things--you'd like to know if you can have 10, since that would have saved me one trip at the end from the dressing rooms back out to swap things out in my cart. I wish Marshalls would reconsider their dressing room policy because it definitely makes me less likely to shop there. It's happened to me a couple times where the ladies act so suspicious... I get that they have to hang them up to count them and it's theft prevention but boy it's annoying when they act like you need to stand by as you're leaving until they count them on your way out again. just saying something like "I know it's inconvenient but thank you for bearing with us, it helps keep costs down". You know, something like that would be a better...