Accents Plus — Local services in Evanston Township

I have shopped here off and on for years. Sometimes the service is scattershot, sometimes too pushy. But I overlooked this, as the merchandise was usually decent. However, after my visit today, I will no longer be patronizing this business.

After trying on several items, I wanted to purchase a dress. However, said item had hairs on it, to a noticeable degree (the customer checking out next to me agreed). Besides being obviously unhygienic, I was worried about allergies, as I am alergic to cats and wondered if somebody with an animal had tried it on previously.

When I got up to the front and asked for an additional 10% off for this (as I would need to have it cleaned before wearing), the owner played the nut role and made me repeat my request by saying, "Well, what do you want me to do about it?" When I reiterated my request, she silently rang me up and presented my $124 worth of merchandise without so much as a thank you or a smile. Obviously, in a snit.

I chewed on this, went to the bathroom and then calmly said to her that I was a regular customer, had been for years, and I wondered (since during my previous visits, I have never gotten the full service that the older white customers seem to get, as I can hear them being helped and conversed with while I am not checked on) whether she would be acting like she was doing me a favor by selling to me if I wasn't black. Just as a "shot in the dark", so to speak, since she was so short-tempered and rude to me.

And she said, "Let's not go there." Which is not an apology. Or even a proper rebuttal, I might add.

Now, in my experience, as a 50-year-old black woman working and living in virtually all white spaces my entire life, when people say something like that to you, in a dismissive, hostile tone, that you have struck a nerve. Especially when you are not even given the benefit of eye contact. Which is to say, I was right.

They have many a good sale here as of late, no doubt due to the state of the economy and the lack of interest in brick and mortar stores. My hope, however is that when you patrons out there DO go to a retail space in person, you choose one that treats ALL customers with the respect, kindness and humanity no doubt EVERYONE deserves. Which certainly can't be found at Accents Plus.

Who should settle for...

One of the best fashion Boutiques ever anywhere from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles for classy mature women with style and flair. The scarves are exquisite--not your average find-anywhere-scarf. The staff is colorful and personalble. The clothing represents a spectrum of styles, textures and persona. Go there if you want different; if your want to make a splash; if you want to be remembered; if you want to look good; if you want to feel good about how you look; if you want that expensive upscale look at a reasonable price point Accent Plus is it. You won't be disappointed. I've just added it to one of my...

This is one of my favorite women's clothing stores. Whenever I am looking for sweaters and wardrobe staple dresses I head to Accents Plus in Evanston. They have chairs to keep my husband comfortable while I try on 20+ choices of sweaters, dresses and cute tops. They carry brands like: Chalet, Comfy, Willow, niche and many others and stock plenty of large sizes, l-xxl, at reasonable prices. They also have bags, scarfs and accessories and a very helpful team. I like having options and I have them here. It's a lovely ladies clothing shop and...