Boot Barn — Local services in Alaska

I originally went in to Silva Saddle Western Wear & Tack, but was surprised and disappointed to find that they had permanently closed down their business. So, I got on Google and found that there was a Boot Barn. Having never been to a Boot Barn, I didn’t know what to expect. I went there primarily looking to purchase my first “real” cowboy hat. I’ve owned lots of cowboy boots but wanted something a bit nicer than a ball cap. I was also planning to purchase a couple pairs of jeans and a few button down shirts as well. However, I wanted to select the hat first, to make sure the rest of the clothing looked good.

Upon entering the store a well dressed lady greeted me, but did not ask if she could help me with anything. I assumed she was busy, and figured she’d get back to me soon. I hung out in the hat section for around 20 minutes waiting for her or someone else to come size me and give me some recommendations on styles. While waiting I tried on several hats. I looked up on my phone how a cowboy hat should fit and I determined that my size was 7 1/8. Having sized myself, I looked around several times, waiting for someone to spot me and offer some help with selection and shaping. I saw at least 2 additional employees, but neither of them offered me any help. I feel it important to note that the store was not busy and I only saw 2 other customers shopping. In my opinion, there was ample time to offer me assistance in selecting a hat. Despite the store having a wide selection of everything I was shopping for, I felt like my business wasn’t valued, so I left the store.

I’ll find somewhere else to buy...

I was greeted when I walked in and that's it. I had to chase down an employee to try on boots. She did not give me her name but she was pleasent. As my shopping journey continued I was being followed by the most obvious man shopping in the women's department, ugh. I understand protecting your merchandise but it really makes people feel weird when it's that obvious. Maybe that was the goal? I'll shop online to avoid the creepy, large, blonde headed fellow following me again. Was it because I am brown or spending too much time in the jeans section because I'm unfamiliar with Ariat sizing or because I reached in my pocket for my cell phone to research Ariat sizing because there were no charts around to look at? I was probably the loudest customer in there because of my purse charm. I'd be pretty obvious if I was doing something nefarious. The store looks great. Customer service, eh. Hit and miss. The loss prevention folks comical, at best. BB hasn't lost me as a customer but I will not be going into the AK store...

While the selection of boots is great and I love the clothes sold at Boot Barns down south (and this store was on par), the customer service was almost non-existent. I was not greeted when I came into the store and when I brought my selection to the counter and stood there for a while, the person who came to check me out acted like I was bothering her. As she walked away from me to call someone to take care of the people in line behind me, she could not even bother to say, I'll be right with you, thank you for your patience. Friendliness goes a long way in keeping customers coming back. I think I will try one of the local western wear stores to buy my next...