Orchard Corset New York Store — Local services in New York

Alright, I'm writing this review after some time with the corset I purchased in store, and to sum up what to expect out of this shop. TL;DR- curt but highly knowledgeable staff. Go in with a purchase in mind, absorb information/sizing, and do any continued purchases online. Not racist, just money-minded. I do suggest coming in with the hope/expectation to purchase at least one item, and here's why: There's a lot of comments towards potential racism from the couple that runs this shop, and having been there in person, and in the shop long enough to watch their interactions with several customers of varying sizes, shapes, and race, I have to disagree with the accusation. What I did notice was a prejudice against non-paying customers. They're a bit more old-school minded folk, and being a small mom-and-pop location, that obvious has a lot to deal with, considering the online orders and shows they partake in, they don't have much patience for window shoppers. It's also an incredibly tight space in their shop, so people just hanging around without intention to buy was a bit annoying even to me as a customer. Both the husband and wife have an old-school, blunt way of speaking, so they will direct you to the website if you are intent to just look, because they've done all they can to explain everything you might wish to know, all in one central location, in attempts to save themselves time and repetition. While I was in there, purchasing a corset, several people happened through the shop. There was a pair of very voluptuous African American women who gabbed with the man at the desk like they were old friends, alongside buying some bras. There was another single (seemingly) Hispanic female who came in looking for a cincher, who was also helped in at least a professional manner, if a little rushed considering the half-dozen people in the shop at the time. The one woman who was given the coldest shoulder was actually the 'prettiest' and 'skinniest' Caucasian woman in the shop, because it was obvious she had just come in to look around and take hot pictures of herself in corsets. The woman in the back cinched her into one corset, quickly realized what the girl was in there for, and turned her attentions away from her in an instant, to assist those of us definitely looking to buy that day. Overall, they're good enough people, just a bit curt. My suggestion is to go in and take advantage of the husband's amazing ability to eyeball sizes, pick up one item in-house, and take the information of your size with you to continue your purchases online. Half the time the prices are cheaper through their...

I had received suggestions and helpful customer service from online representative via email. I decided to visit the store to make sure I was selecting the correct corset. I was so excited to visit the store. I walked in and they greeted me at once. I told them that I was interested in a corset and I had received suggestions from online reps. He asked do you want to buy today (kind of off putting when I didn't even see the product yet or receive information). He asked me to put my hand on my hips land he looked and me and said "this is the one you need "and handed it to me. The corset was so beautiful in person. I asked asked him about different models of the corset and he said " we don't need to talk, this is the one you need." I was completely turned off! I would have just walked out but I really wanted to see it on. The nice older Spanish woman helped my try it on and laced it up. I wanted to try on the 345 or 426 but the front desk rep barely wanted to speak to me and was speaking in a condescending tone already. As I was trying to ask questions about other style of corsets he cut me off and said "look this is the only one that will work for your body type do you want it today" in a condescending tone. I will be purchasing a corset online because I need one asap but I will also be writing a letter to the company. I am an African American female and I do feel like the two in store works had a serious issue with my race and in addition are pushy sales people. Other customer walked in during my visit and he did not speak to them in the same tone and provided a different level of service. If the company does not reply in the proper manner I will not buy from this brand again and will spread the word. Its a shame lovely products but rude, racist workers. Thats something that I...

For years after moving to the West Coast from NYC I looked for a place to buy bras that offered the same expert fitting that I used to get in stores on the LES. Nothing came close. Even the large department store that is renowned for its certified fitters didn't do as good a job.

A few years ago while back in NYC I made a trip to the Orchard Corset Center to buy bras. The owner and his wife (she is the one who goes into the dressing room with you to ensure a perfect fit) are very skilled at what they do. The first time I shopped there she wasn't working, but he looked at me (fully clothed) and handed me a bra to try on. It fit perfectly. I bought several, and left wearing the one I'd tried on. As he was ringing me up he told me he was glad I'd decided to wear it, that he thought the bra I'd been wearing fit very poorly.

Since then, I go to Orchard Corset every time I'm in town. The other times I've been in both owners have been there, and she is the most skilled fitter I've ever encountered. I bring my teenage daughter there for bras, too. She had no idea the right bra could make such a difference!

By the way, I'm African American and have never been treated poorly by these merchants. I've also been in the store when another African American shopper came in with her family. She was looking for a waist training corset, and was also treated with courtesy and respect. To be sure the owners are brisk and businesslike, which can come off as unwelcoming, and I don't doubt that some shoppers have had negative experiences - I've encountered my share of racist shopkeepers - but I have not had that experience in this business. I am not trying to invalidate other shoppers' experience, simply to offer another,...