The Phoenix — Local services in Richmond

About three weeks ago, I put a pair of shoes on layaway. Last week I went to pay on the shoes and discovered that they were now on sale, but that I would not be able to get the sale price. Although, surprised and disappointed, I paid on the shoes and left. On Sunday, Sept 10th I went to get the shoes out of layaway and determined never to shop at Phoenix again. Karma would have it that when I arrived to the store, I turned the door knob (as instructed) and entered the store but no one was there. I shouted HELLO several times, and finally realized that the store was closed BUT that the front door was left unlocked! I heard a very faint sound of what could be an alarm. I left the store and asked a neighboring retail if he knew the owners of Phoenix. He did not. I told him that I thought the clerical staff must have forgotten to lock the front door. I then, called 911 and reported the incident. I also flagged down a city police, and while he was checking out the property, I waited outside until the retail/security police arrived as well. My concern was to wait until the police walked through the store and ruled out foul play and determined that no one was inside in a distressed situation. The police walked through several times, checked front and back doors and were putting together a plan of action when I left the scene. I few people came over to find out want was going on, and applauded my good citizenship. I had not even thought about that aspect, just doing what I thought was right. Although, now that I think about it, as a token of gratitude Phoenix should give me the pair of shoes I have on layaway and an outfit of my...

I was shocked and disappointed by my visit to Phoenix today; and unfortunately I don’t think that I will be returning. Understand that I am a good customer. I have bought numerous items from Phoenix, Ruby when it was around, and the sale store on Patterson. I went to Phoenix because they sent me an email that they were stocking items from Cut Loose. When I got there I was told that there weren’t any items with the Cut Loose label. I was told that all of the items from Cut Loose had a Phoenix label; therefore, it was impossible to know which items were actually from Cut Loose. Furthermore, at a time when women’s clothing lines are placing a premium on inclusion, Phoenix has decided not to carry items that are extra large. I am not talking about XXL or plus sizes. Phoenix has decided to serve women who are size large or below. Women who wear an extra large are now excluded. There were a couple of extra large items there today, but not many. I felt excluded and judged and it did not feel good. I ended up buying an extra large dress that I found that was on sale, but still too expensive, so the trip wasn’t a total loss. There are many items that highly priced, frequently over $500, but to be sure none of them will fit a woman that is not within a certain desirable size range. It’s really too bad. Phoenix has unique items that are often very attractive. Unfortunately, they have chosen to exclude women who are even a bit larger than...

I have shopped at The Phoenix for years and it is absolutely my favorite place to find unique pieces of superior quality that last for years and never go out of style for my wardrobe. I always leave looking and feeling beautiful and powerful from the the clothes and the experience. The store has a welcoming sense of community that has a strong and loyal following where women come from other states to shop at The Phoenix when in town. The Phoenix offers a personalized shopping experience with as much or as little help as you would like with finding just the right piece for any occasion. K, the owner, can tell you the history of the pieces she has in the store, the quality of the workmanship, and the origin of the designer and the clothes. It is obvious her passion for clothing, style, and empowering women to look and feel their best. There is so much to love about The Phoenix, from the beautiful clothes, handmade jewelry, and unique accessories, but also the women who work there who use their expertise to help elevate your style and empower you to look and feel your best. Run, don’t walk, to...