Talbots — Local services in Laurel Park

My Mother doesn’t use Social Media so I am writing this review on her behalf. She has been a regular and supportive customer of Talbots for years, mainly shopping at the Laurel Park location. Over the past several months she noticed the absence of Beth Bell, sales associate, and other familiar personnel who were always welcoming, pleasant and very helpful. The new staff were not welcoming nor helpful, which made her sad. On March 25, 2025 (her 85th birthday!) she entered the store, with a gift card in hand, to shop for the special occasion. She was only not greeted but completely ignored as she browsed the merchandise for a good 15 minutes. She needed assistance but didn’t want to interrupt as the two women sales associates stood behind the counter engrossed in a conversation with each other, sharing items on their phones and talking loudly about personal matters. She took numerous items to the dressing room, tried them on, and when looking for a different size or style, did it all herself. Not once did either of the women check on her or offer to assist. She finally became frustrated and “gave up,” putting her clothes back on. Upon exiting the dressing room, she looked for the manager. She found a “disheveled man” who “brushed me off.” He expressed no interest in assisting her nor concern about the behavior of his staff. She exited the store the same way she entered; ignored and empty-handed. And so astounded by the conduct of the entire staff that she actually called me to share her experience. My mother is one of the most patient and considerate women you could ever encounter. She is kind, polite and never demanding. So when she is pushed to the point where she is calling me to tell me of her experience, I know it’s bad. It was so infuriating and insulting that she has vowed to never shop at the Laurel Park store again. Sadly, I’ve heard similar stories from friends and family members over the past few months. The treatment of my mother is apparently not just a “one-off bad day” but now the norm. Talbot’s apparently has joined the work philosophy of the Big Box stores…don’t bother the staff unless you have an armload of merchandise to checkout at...

My wife stated the following: “I went to this location because the Asheville store is still closed. While the ladies took my initial set of try-ons (2 items) and placed them in a room, I then proceeded to amass more try-ons in my arms than I could handle (15 items) and no one assisted. I took them to the dressing room myself. The ladies seemed to be too “busy” with other tasks. They seemed annoyed by the amount of clothes I took to the dressing room. I’m between sizes and needed to try on a lot. I was polite and even apologized for all the clothes I tried on. I spent a reasonable amount of money and I left feeling underwhelmed by the customer service. I sure hope Asheville opens soon. I have always been treated so...

I LOVE my Talbots! I think the size of the shop is perfect,. It is not overwhelming, feels like a boutique. All of the staff are just wonderful! The are very friendly and helpful. I never feel pressured to purchase something. They will tell me if they don't think something suits me. I also love that they encourage me try on things that I might not have. Sometimes those items are my favorites. I need a professional wardrobe for my work and I can get items here that are professional and fashionable at...