ViVi Trendsetters — Local services in Bowie

I visited this store today and had a terrible experience. After shopping and trying on several outfits, I paid for my merchandise, signed for the receipt and the transaction reflected on my credit card. The worker claimed the transaction didn’t process and refused to give me the items I paid for. I showed the workers my account statement and even called my bank to verify the transaction. They went back and forth with me in a very prejudiced manner claiming that the transaction did not reflect on their side due to their system error. I waited for at least 20 minutes while they called their bank to “verify.” I called my bank twice while in the store to confirm the transaction & allowed the worker to speak to someone from my bank on speaker phone confirming the transaction. I also showed them my mobile banking app confirming payment for the transaction. My bank even provided the store employee with the name and address of the store’s bank confirming the transaction. There would be no way I could have the legal name and address of the store’s bank if payment had not been processed. This experience was very disheartening as they continued to claim they were unable to confirm the transaction and would not give me the items I paid for — after the provided me with a payment receipt. It was absurd!! Ultimately, the workers refused to give me the merchandise, hid it behind the counter and I had to call my bank yet another time to cancel the transaction while in the store. The treatment of me was extremely prejudiced and I feel like they would not have interacted with me in this manner if I wasn’t a person of color. The racial profiling was so egregious that even my bank employee commented on it when I called. I waited patiently attempting to resolve the matter to no avail, as the workers continued to yell in my face. I was very excited about the clothes I tried on here as I was preparing to travel the next day but after the experience, I decided to cancel the transaction with my bank and went to another store because based on how I was being treated I no longer wished to spend money in this establishment. If I could give them zero stars, I would.

I ended up going to the location in Laurel to purchase the items I really loved. The Laurel location’s prices were at least $20 cheaper for the same clothing items and the customer service was much much better. The Bowie location is also violating the Prince George’s County plastic bag ordinance and I will be reporting their business for the violation. The racial profiling I experienced at this location was so extreme, I also intend to file a complaint with the Better...

I shopped at Vivi for the past several years, referred customers, and even visited with friends whom I convinced them that they will have the best shopping experience from beginning to end. Well, today I was disappointed and we will NOT return. I wanted to try on a dress and my size was on a mannequin. I was told if they take it off the mannequin for me to try on, I have to buy it regardless of whether it fits or not. So, what does not make sense is the obligation to purchase something that may not fit you AND considering they do not have a return policy. They have fitting rooms and all other merchandise does not have a requirement whearas you must purchase if you try on. Its almost as if they are desperate for money, forcing customers to purchase items they may not like. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the ideal shopping experience, to purchase what makes you happy not forced to purchase what you try on whether you like it or not. I will never put myself in such a predicament whereas a store is controlling my funds through forced purchases. This gives dictatorship vibes when we live in a democracy whereas I should dictate how my hard earned money is spent. After spending thousands of my hard earned dollars at this establishment, this is NOT what I anticipated. I will NOT return and will ensure family and friends know not to come back. I do not want my name to be on the line for referring them to an establishment when there is no guarantee they will have a positive experience. This is unfortunate but I will be going to Akira in Columbia Mall which has better, unique items and more merchandise. At Arika, customer service is priority, you can try on as many items as you like without forced purchase, and you as the customer partake in your shopping experience as opposed to the positivity of that being taken away by Vivi. Choose wisely where you shop AND do not allow any establishment dictate how you spend your money through forced purchases. If you work hard for your money, these stores should work for your business. They need you to survive and thrive, not the only way around....

I’ve been shopping at all Vivi Trendsetter locations since 2012, over 13 years. They always get me what I need for every event and occasion. The customer service at this location is unmatched and the girls who work here are my favorite ones to interact with. I know when I need an item or want to put something on hold they are a helpful phone call away.

Ms. Rachel and Alexis are always good to me, same with Destiny and Janiyah. I am pleased to leave a good review for this location, and will be back time and time again! Even when I don’t buy anything I get good service and quality help, and that can’t be found...