IF SOHO NEW YORK — Local services in New York

I recently visited the IF fashion store in Soho New York as I've always wanted to go there given the sort of Avant Garde fashion brands they stock. I am also a subscriber to their online website but whilst I was visiting New York for the 1st time since (2010) for world pride event with my partner from the UK London I visited some of the well known sites and landmarks as well as doing some fashion shopping. I also wanted to visit the IF store as I found the store Just by chance through fashion social networking sites and have been following them for the last three & half year so whilst I was in New York I decided to visit the Soho store and was immediately given the impression that the boutique was not very welcoming at all, it was almost as if they weir doing me some sort of a favour just to enter the premises. I found that The staff to be quite intimidating watching and scrutinizing my every moves, giving the impression perhaps I was not to be trusted. and maybe the sooner I left the better. I soon left not that long after. I had gone into the store with the intention maybe of perhaps purchasing an item and I would've liked to have said what excellent customer service it was and what a nice store. but What a shame. This is not a one off, as 3 years ago my partner had also had the same feelings and experience when visited the new york store and he quickly departed without making a purchase. I have traveled the world and always seek out high end fashion stores in which to shop in and have always made to feel welcome. To the delight of their staff and myself, purchases were made. I also work within retail perfumery in the UK and as far as store I work within their slogan is that no matter what walk of life you may come from as soon as you enter their store the customer is king as at the end of the day it is those customers who pays your wage. IF is such a beautiful store and space and also stocks some of the most beautiful Avant Garde brands like Uma Wang and many many others but they just need to brush up on their mannerism and their customer service skills on how they meet and greet the general public when entering their boutique. I would recommend the store to friends but at the same time I would advise them to just be aware of staff when...

I was recommended this store by friends, but am very disappointed with my experience. No one greeted me as I walked in, I almost thought there was no one inside. Three minutes later as I’m browsing, another person walks in and is welcomed warmly by staff.

I’m the type of person that likes to walk through the entire store to get an idea of what I would like to try on. There was a staff member straightening the clothes I was looking at as soon as I touched them, almost following me, making me nervous. Still no greeting whatsoever, just eyeing me even though I smiled quickly at them.

Despite this, I still wanted to try on. That same salesperson helped me into a dressing room. They were not personable at all! Not trying to talk to me about the piece, despite me attempting to make conversation. Other people were being helped around me, but it seemed like they all were regulars.

As I was deciding if I should buy, the lady who was supposed to be assisting me was already helping another customer who had walked in and got greeted with familiarity. Throughout my entire shopping experience, I felt like I was intruding on a closed group. Felt very clique-y to me, and felt like my money was not wanted.

I was so put off, I walked a few blocks away to the Yohji store where I spent my money and got a better experience despite not being dressed to the nines that day.

My advice as someone who used to work luxury retail, treat everyone who walks through your...

My new favorite clothing store in NYC! A great selection of avant-garde clothing. If you like your junyas, yohjis, isseys, ricks and more, this is the place!

What's even better is the 15/10 customer service. The employees were very friendly, attentive and thoughtful. They would be checking up on me while I was browsing, offering help. Whilst I was trying on the pieces, they were giving me ideas on how to wear certain pieces differently. They would also recommend other pieces that I didn't select to try on. Lastly, I felt very welcomed and was very comfortable trying on as many pieces I would like. The store did not give me any judgmental glares and were happy to let me try on these amazing pieces before deciding which to buy. You can't get them all!

(Visited on 4/12/2022. Got 4 wonderful pieces. May even return before I leave)

Would also recommend Henrik Vibskov Boutique. But please please do not go to Atelier on 8th St, horrible people and...