The Pink Poodle — Local services in Madison

Definitely the rudest experience I’ve ever had at a consignment store.

I was looking for a gift. I remembered seeing this store as I frequent Escape in Time. I thought it was the cutest looking store outside so I decided to check it out on my way to West Towne.

Right away, an older lady greeted us and I could tell right away they were judging me. The woman was extremely condescending. They were extremely pushy & asked me what I was looking. I just said I was looking.

Instead of letting me go to look around, this woman decided to explain the entire store layout for me.

What I would’ve done is ask me if I have ever been there before. She didn’t ask, she just assumed.

Then she made sure to point out where their “expensive” stuff was.

At that point, they lost my business.

You’re not a Gucci store, you’re a local consignment store. Just because I didn’t walk in with a Prada handbag doesn’t mean I couldn’t afford it. I could definitely afford 90 percent of what was in that store with my paycheck. However, I didn’t buy a thing. I didn’t even bother to really look.

After we walked away from the lady, I definitely felt we were being watched & followed by a couple associates so I pretended to look around and make my way back to the entrance.

Also, the stuff really wasn’t that cute. The only thing that caught my attention was the jewelry which I did contemplate buying but I realized I didn’t want to support a business like this so I left.

Also phones weren’t allowed which I wasn’t planning to use it anyways but I thought it was a really weird rule. The only time I’ve ever seen a rule like that was when I went to an Amish Grocery Store.

It was just weird. I may have recommended it to my grandma or something but after the experience I had, I just kinda hope the place goes bankrupt so they stop judging people on how they look.

Edit after response:

No. You misinterpreted it. The funny part of this is I’ve worked in customer service for 6 years in various roles, a couple of them being in retail positions where I had to greet customers. I completely understand how to do your job. How about you take some accountability for your employees being rude?

You have very similar reviews on here for you to be constantly blaming the customer

I’m also a frequent customer of Lush who also greets you at the door in a similar fashion.

The difference between your store and Lush is that they are actually nice. They don’t walk up with their noses in the air. They don’t whisper & judge their customers.

What I find hilarious about your response is that the phrasing is exactly what I put in my original review on what she could’ve done which is ask if I’ve been there before. She didn’t do that. Instead she assumed I haven’t been there and started listing out the store before putting emphasis on the expensive items as if I couldn’t afford them.

That’s not customer service, that’s just rude. And as an owner, I’m absolutely appalled that you’d rather point the finger than try to figure out why your business is being...

I had an absolutely wonderful experience and the pieces you find here are breathtaking.

My partner planned a romantic night out and I took this opportunity to put together an elegant evening look. I walked into the Pink Poodle with a long emerald green dress and black heels and no idea how to accessorize. Tegan (I’m so, so sorry if I have the name wrong because you/he were/was an absolute dream) greeted me warmly at the door, heard my need, and asked to see the dress and the shoes. He has such an eye for fashion and knows the inventory so well, he carefully and quickly pulled some select pieces that would compliment the style of the dress and draw attention to some of the unique aspects of the dress, like the long slit to the left side of the dress and what I’d describe as a sweetheart neckline with supporting spaghetti straps. Right outside the dressing room we tried on the most gorgeous necklace, arm cuff, and ankle bracket. I’m still stunned by how beautiful the jewelry is, how inexpensive it was, and how much it elevated the whole outfit. I have never felt so catered to in my life. I felt like a 50s starlet dressed in all this gorgeous jewelry. I had so much fun! This was a customer experience that I will not forget. Magical. And when my partner saw the complete outfit for the first time, he was taken aback. He was not expecting what he saw and could not stop complimenting me the entire night! ❤️

I 100% recommend everyone visit the store with an outfit to accessorize. Prices range and there is something for every budget. You must experience this level of attention to detail, they are artists. This place is officially my first stop for all special occasions. So happy to know about the Pink Poodle. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and...

I have never written a poor review before, but I feel others should be aware - this shop is all about sales, not about service. I went there for the first time in May, and the sales people were over-helpful, to the extent of wanting me to come out of the dressing room and model for them , which I didn't want to do. They responded by talking aobut how I was "too shy" and how they loved seeing Clare Sunwoo clothing on people. This is the high-end (i.e. expensive) line of new clothing they carry. They kept insisting that I had to have the same designer leggings to go with any tops i tried on. I did like one sweater that I tried on and thought it would work well for business travel, and they insisted I would love it and that I would stand up to suitcases and travel for years. It was $90, but I decided to invest in it. I wore this sweater twice, and it looked like I'd worn it for years. I took it in today, and they refused to help me with the problem. The owner kept saying, "I've never had a problem." I finally told her that while I was glad she didn't, I clearly did. Her solution? She started shaving it with a razor she pulled out from under the counter, and that's the only solution she would offer me. She suggested that the pilling and worn-down area was caused by carrying a bag., even though I pointed out that it was on the back of the item (?!) and that I didn't even own a bag (pointing at my hand-held wallet). The women who acted like my best girlfriends when I was shopping and high-pressured me into buying were stone-faced and unhelpful when their product didn't perform. I will NEVER...