Anika Burke — Local services in Chico

I am really disappointed to write this review, and even more disappointed in this establishment. I do my best to shop small, but in this case, I will never give them my business again and I encourage all who read this to follow suit. My mom purchased my sister and I some items for Christmas on December 21. The first bracelet she gave me was not comfortable so she exchanged it on December 28 for a wrap bracelet that was defective and did not fit an average size female wrist. We went to the store in early January to exchange it and they were closed due to Covid. I sent them a text message on January 14 because they don't answer their phone and the voice message states to text them. I let them know about the defective bracelet and that we attempted to come in but that the shop was closed. I went on to explain that we have Covid and asked if I could come in a few weeks to exchange it. No reply. So I texted again the following day. On January 25, someone finally responded stating that we needed to come in to address the issue. Fine with me- I'll be in once we are no longer dealing with Covid because that's what you do in a pandemic, right? Fast forward to today, February 12. I explained the situation and the store owner found the transaction on their computer. The item I wanted to return was still stocked in the store, unused, and had tags attached. The owner twisted herself into a pretzel to explain "her side", which was: the original purchase was so long ago and had been bought with store credit so they couldn't do anything. She stated they extended their return policy because of their covid closure, however, because of our covid situation and quarantine, I was unable to come in. Which is why I texted them in the first place! Later in the day, my mom even tried to exchange the bracelet since she was the one who spent 100's of dollars there over Christmas and was extremely frustrated with their response. She was unfortunately treated by the owner with the same stubborn and rude demeanor.

As a small business owner myself, I know how important it is to treat your customers with fairness, respect and understanding. Especially in unprecedented times, extending a return policy for an unused and defective item is how you keep customers and keep a good name for yourself in a very small community. As our exchange ended, I let the owner know to keep an eye out for an online review from me. So here it is, and I hope this is worth...

I went into this store to buy my wife a surprise dress for a special night out for our anniversary. I knew it was a risk finding something she’d love. I ended up buying 3 dresses anyway. The young woman shop worker helped me find a few dresses in my wife’s size around 10 or “large”. The worker was surprised I was trying such a risky task, but admired my diligence to find something my wife would like. Spent upwards of $260+ that day. I had said to the worker, “if she doesn’t like what I’ve found, no harm done, I’ll just come back. Can I get a gift receipt.?” The worker said yes. And I was on my way. Long story short, none of the dresses fit my wife in a way she was comfortable with. So...... I went to return the 3 dresses...... I was told by the store owner “that all sales are final once they leave the store.” And there was even a small disclaimer sign on the front counter next to the register. I explained how the store worker never mentioned anything about that policy, and that I was totally unaware of such a policy. The store owner continued to tell me the dresses were YOUTH dresses anyway, and wanted to help me find something else in that may fit my wife. I said no, I wanted a Refund. The dresses were gone for literally 24hrs, and had only been tried on once, respectfully. The store owner claimed the dresses could have been sold that day to someone else they may have fit better, so they must guarantee themselves the sale, because They have low inventory for most of their products. So now....... not only am I returning dresses they can further sell again, but the best she would do was credit me $260+ in a store gift card. To say the least, I was Furious. I hold full responsibility for not seeing The disclaimer of time of purchase, but when I’m trying to surprise my wife with something nice..... I’d hope the store worker was much more helpful and knowledgeable when showing me YOUTH dresses when I clearly stated my wife was a size 10-12, or that I couldn’t return 3 expensive dresses if it didn’t go as planned when trying them on. I guess that sort of common sense is too much to ask for. I will not be returning to This store in the future. And neither...

Ummm I am literally obsessed with Anika Burke - both the store and the owner. The store itself is one of the cutest Chico has to offer - with a great selection of cute, fashionable, and affordable clothing. There are always GREAT deals and the staff always goes above and beyond. My closet is probably 85% Anika Burke clothes and 15% Free People, with Covid, it's probably 95% Anika Burke clothes and 5% Free people. Shopping here is always one of the best experiences. The staff is great - I've literally never had such attentive people that are so kind, genuine, and helpful. Because I'm a shopaholic and basically obsessed with the store, I've built a friendship with the owner over the years and I have to say, that she is the sweetest person ever. She makes an effort to learn her customers names, has an interest in them, and is attentive - but in the most kind, sweetest and non intrusive way. She really is the best. I can't recommend this store or the people who work here enough. 15 out of 10!! FOR REAL....