Gentlemen's Collection — Local services in Lakewood

I would advise against going to this store. Having worked in retail before my current profession, I know mall stores can be busy and sometimes frustrating to work in. However, this experience stood out in my mind and days later I still can’t really believe that just happened. I entered to exchange a hat. Not return --- exchange. I entered and showed the sales person – Tina (?) the hat (with tags still attached and completely new condition). She said “wait a minute”, turned and left without another word. Ok. No problem, I understand stores can be busy. She came back about 15 minutes later and proceeded to ignore me while she rang another customer up. Ok again. I understand sales come first sometimes. Then, things got weird. She examined the hat, stated that it was not from their store. I said I was sure it was, I remembered the display where this and several other hats were when we purchased it. I also pointed out similar hats hanging near register with IDENTICAL TAGS, same manufacturer, similar patterns, etc. I explained the purchase history, and even that their store had moved since the last time we were there. She again stated that I was wrong and there was nothing at all to be done. This was stated with obvious negative attitude and I thought for a minute I had done something wrong. I again said -I really just wanted an exchange of size, one size smaller please? Tina (?) then said, “for all I know you stole this hat and are trying to return it” …What? How did we get THERE you may ask? I have no idea. It was such an odd and sudden conclusion - and I still can’t believe that’s where her mind immediately went to. Regardless, I was too shocked and offended to say anything other than “are you kidding me?” I’ll admit it, I also started looking for the hidden camera show or something to that effect. I would not recommend this store. We were actually going there also to be measured for formal wear and subsequently a suit for my husband – but I would rather spend my time, efforts, and money somewhere...

High-end fashion's last hope, but ruined by unprofessional management:

I've searched far and wide for a store that carries exotic menswear, and it seems like this is the closest you can come to an authentic Victorian suit boutique. It's heart-breaking to see an art form dying because of this company's disrespect.

I've worked with an older woman, who seems to have a very poor understanding of social cues and their merchandise. Sometimes I would ask her a question, and she would just silently stare at me like a deer in headlights, (instead of even attempting to answer), making for really uncomfortable and unhelpful interactions.

I've also frequently worked with the owner, Peter, who is a cold and dismissive man. He guilt-tripped me into buying tuxedo pants that were 3 sizes too big, and I fell for his manipulation. When I took them to the tailor, she literally laughed at me because they looked ridiculous and they were impossible to fix. When I attempted to return them, I had to visit the store multiple times before they would accept my return, and they charged me a 20% restocking fee 😪

Many items are also currently locked in their storage facility, which is understandable but extremely inconvenient. I've had to wait for days on end (on multiple occasions), for Peter to MAYBE make a trip to storage, just to find out if he even had the product I'm looking for.

Alas, it appears the age of the internet is upon us, and there's no hope for authentic human...

After my experience at the store, I decided to read some of the Google reviews. If you're interested in shopping here, I offer this...

The experience is definitely an 'old school' sales approach. Aga helped me walk through different options, helped me size out coats and gave her honest opinion. Some may have been offended when she called me a 'very big man' and told me what kind of suit I needed (my fiancee laughed), but it was what I needed to hear.

She helped me get a suit picked out that would work, and even on a Sunday afternoon before New Year's Eve they got me sized up, and tailored the suit to my needs within an hour.

Yes, there was a bit of sales involved, and her husband (the tailor) told me that he'd bought the same tux I was looking at (I grew up in a mall, so I'm used to the sales). But it wasn't over the top, and Aga did a great job of letting me make my own decision while providing input.

I had a great experience here, and I wouldn't think twice about shopping again. I liked the suit they helped me pick out for NYE so much I'm wearing it for my...