Talbots — Local services in Oak Brook

It's Christmas Eve and my mom found my present for her. I love the element of surprise and excitement in gift giving and with that deflated by her discovery of it, my sister and I set out to find something else to gift our mom before Christmas day. We started at Talbots because it's a brand our mom prefers, but we walked out of the store purchasing absolutely nothing for one reason: racial profiling. Instead of the usual warm holiday greeting, we were met by a middle aged Caucasian woman who sternly asked us what we're doing there and when we politely answered back that we weren't searching for anything in particular and began looking at the collections, it wasn't long before her "attentiveness" was clearly seen for what it was: surveillance. We couldn't take a few steps without hearing her calling after us, "can I help you find anything?" We went to the back of the store to see the collections there, she trailed after us. We came back up to the front of the store, she followed us again. We were at the door for a couple minutes toward the end and I had a sweater in my hand that we were deciding if we should even buy at that point and we were being stared at from the cash register by the cashier. The entire experience was so uncomfortable for both my sister and I that we will actively never buy anything from Talbots ever again. It's 2022 and the fact that racial profiling is still a pervasive and disturbing part of the "service" culture at this store means that these associates need more racial sensitivity training and awareness to say in the least. My sister and I weren't dressed to the nines, but that's because we weren't expecting to, but still certainly looked better than the crypt keepers employed there. Regardless, if one has to present themselves a certain way on what is essentially an errand to prove their financial capabilities, then there's something wrong with that requirement in and of itself. If I wanted to steal something on Christmas Eve, I wouldn't target a clothing store for middle aged women that has absolutely nothing of value. It has to make sense. We took our money to Coach, Nordstrom, Macys - anywhere but there. and let this be a warning to all POC that wish to...

I like the clothes at Talbots. They are usually stylish & trendy, although occasionally inconsistent in quality. Talbots can also be pricey but they offer rewards and have great sales and special event days. My issue is with the sales associates. I find the Asian associates the most professional, friendly & helpful. The others don’t seem to have the best interpersonal skills and are NOT as attentive, helpful, courteous or friendly. I spend a lot of money there every season and get treated some type of way by some of the associates on occasion. I won’t let this deter me though. This is THEIR issue NOT mine. I’ll just continue to respond positive to ALL the associates whether welcoming or not when shopping at the...

The sweetest staff! I recently went in to buy my mother in law a new jacket. They didn’t have what I was looking for in stock and they were able to help by having the jacket I found which was out of stock in store, but shipped in her size to my home in Chicago. While waiting for the jacket, I received a hand written notecard from the staff thanking me for the purchase and hoping my mother in law loves her new jacket! It was the absolute sweetest thing and I have to thank the staff for what may seem like a small gesture, it reminded me of how customer service was and should be. Thank you and I...