CHALISKAN — Local services in Tysons

3/20/23

CHALISKAN has been in Tyson's Corner Mall for seven years now, but only today did I notice it. I was heading to T-Mobile to try to get my Samsung S8 fixed, but saw the store is either being remodeled or something else will take its place. CHALISKAN's owner/employee was doing something at her desk and did not hear me walk in. I got within arms length before saying hello in a friendly tone. Miranda Frost smiled back and showed me around. Since I don't know the manager's name, and her looks reminded me of Miranda Frost from the James Bond 007 movie Die Another Day, this is what I will call her.

I learned this is a Turkish clothing store for women. Some clothing goes to the size of 18. Others not so much. This is a high end store, so I see why not to many people walk out with a bunch of goods. I saw a necklace which cost $29 for a nicly crafted piece glass in the shape of a Bunny with The Nazar Boncuk or the all seeing eye. ("The Nazar Boncuk symbolizes the jealous and envious look of others, which, according to the popular belief, would have the power to cause various misfortunes to a person or his property. Turkish people believe that this amulet protects its holder from the bad energies by absorbing them.") I thought this would be a nice little gift to my wife, but knew the one necklace she truly treasures now is the cross I bought her for her birthday. So I decided not to get the Blue Bunny.

I looked at the dresses, but knew these would not be something my wife would wear. I did not look at the prices, but I am sure they are $300 and up. Still, I could picture Jennifer Tilly, Jennifer Wigmore or

Gwendoline Christie modeling in several of these outfits. Yes, that would be something. In reality, I should be so lucky. The lamps probably had the most memorable experience, because I got the idea of where I could put a number of these lamps in my house.

Miranda Frost was with me for a while, but when two other ladies who had French accents, Miranda Frost was more interested in making sales from them. Miranda Frost smiled and said "Goodday" as I left the store, but it did feel a little cold on my way out.

It is what it is. Maybe one day I will return for...

Had a wonderful encounter with a young sales lady and planned to purchase an outfit but wanted my daughters to see first. Was browsing and in walked the manager. When I went up to the counter the prices for the outfit kept changing. I was asked what I thought was a “best deal” odd. Was told by original person that belts were buy one get one free, was offered a skirt at 1/2 price for THAT SECOND and that if I did not purchase at that very moment the price would be changed. The whole experience was sketchy. I’ve been to Turkey so am quite familiar “best prices” “what can you offer” and bargaining but… this is NOT Turkey! And the prices should not change based on clientele and what they have on. The manager told me straight to my face that an outfit I wanted to purchase went from $600 for 3 pieces, to 2 pieces which were a leather belt and jacket for $350 -My daughter liked the jacket and belt so I went to the ATM and came back with $350 cash. Upon entering I was met with the young lady who was very helpful and she confirmed that the jacket/top with belt was the price of $350 Needless to say we go up to the front counter where the manager was and imagine my surprise when she denied saying that price and then had the audacity to say it was now $420 - I do not know how this place stays in business with a manager who changes prices like the wind. This manager is arrogant and has a snooty attitude, and people who practice condescension look to treat others like inferior idiots. Not professional and clearly openly practicing discrimination by switching a price tag is intentional alteration. We are not shopping at a market in Turkey where bargains are made based on what walks in the shop, this is a shopping mall in AMERICA! And Tyson’s Mall...

I really wanted to like this place and support a small, family business. Beware of the 15 day exchange policy. I went in to purchase a dress for a morning after breakfast for my wedding. The woman working there was very helpful. I tried on a couple dresses and i liked one but the top was a little tight. I asked what the return policy was, so that I can be able to try it on again at home to see if it would fit with the right underpieces. I was told there is no returns, but exchanges are allowed. There was no mention of a time limit for exchanges. I purchased the dress and the receipt was placed in the bag. I tried the dress on at home, it didnt fit, so I went to exchange the dress on Dec 24, after I got back from the honeymoon and all the chaos of my wedding slowed down. Only then was I told of the 15 day exchange policy and was told there was no flexibility and i cannot exchange the dress. The employee told me they have that policy because some people will buy the dress then wear it and exchanged it. I noted that my dress was clearly unworn and she agreed, but there was still not flexibility. I was told that it was written on the receipt, which it was, but I trusted the word of the employee who didnt mention a time limit for exchanges. SO now I have a $300 dress that does not fit me on my hands. It is unclear and sneaky business to not say all the necessary information when asked. I won't be shopping here again and would prefer to shop at an...