DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse — Local services in Peoria

I recently visited this store for the first time. I intended to buy a pair of shoes for myself and a pair for my small grandchild. The store was practically empty of customers, and yet not one single employee offered to help me. When I asked for help, I got a finger pointed in a vague direction. When I asked for a specific brand, the employee did not know whether they carried it or not. I finally left the store without buying any shoes. When I tried to leave, the door I had come in was locked. I asked the employee to open it and let me out, and she told me that at a certain time of the day, that door is locked to protect the employees. (She also said that the person who locks the door is supposed to make an announcement before they do it, and she did not know why the announcement was not made.) I explained that my car was parked on that side of the building, I am 67 years old and had a toddler with me. I was told that she was sorry, but they have to protect the employees and we would have to go out through the other side of the store and walk around the block in the dark to find my car. I will never ever go to that...

On July 23 my husband and I visited the DSW store in Peoria. The sales gal Sydni was wonderful. I explained to her my needs and she assisted me with shoe choices. She brought me many brands that would fill my required need. She listened carefully to what I had to say and made adjustments to the selection. She also carried the shoes to me to try on and I didn’t have to leave my spot and follow her. After I made my shoe choices, I asked her questions regarding sock footsie. Again, she knew the inventory and was very helpful with me making my selections.

I later looked for my husband and he was with another female salesperson, Chris, and while I was telling my husband about Sydni, he was telling me how helpful Chris was to him. Chris was a supervisor.

I informed both Sydni and Chris how much we appreciated their service and promised I would write their manager to let him/her know what a great experience we both...

DSW won't support defective merchandise: I had shoes purchased in the last few weeks and worn, and in the last couple of weeks had a defect. I wasn't sure what to do as other reviews are mixed if DSW will help with warranties. The policy at this store is clear: they have no policy to support defective merchandise. They are unable to help in any way. Even to indicate what the manufacturer's warranty is. No support of any kind other than to provide locations locally where shoes can be repaired. I was taken back. So I'll use stores that will provide better customer service. Plus I felt the last few pairs were getting expensive versus other options. It's unfortunate as the staff previously have been really friendly...