Ok, I really didn't want to do this...however, as I was leaving the store I had the sinking feeling…read moreit was inevitable.
I was in Sag Harbor.
Adjacent to the restaurant, 'Tutto Il Giorno' (which is another story,) there was a cool, hip looking clothing store....'Urban Zen'. This place was ANYTHING but Zen.
Donna Karan is the designer/owner. As expected, Urban Zen had very interesting, unusual and overpriced clothing.
But ok, I'm a North Shore of Long Island kinda gal...I get it. I'm prepared for the 'tude'.
I tried on a dress which I loved. My husband said, 'I think you need an XS.' This was a small. So I asked Joana, the statuesque, fashionable grey/silver haired, middle aged sales person (I'm 68 years old, btw) for an XS. She didn't acknowledge me until it looked like I was not going to buy this $895.00 dress and $295.00 shawl. She then said 'the other store 'in So-Ho' might have it. I'll check.' She went into the back and pretended to call the NYC store. She came out and said 'they have it.' I said, 'Ok, I'll buy it now and pick it up next wk. Please ask them to hold it.'
By this time she had 2 other customers looking at some exorbitantly
expensive jewelry. Joana's interest in me and my purchase was waning. Nevertheless, I liked the dress and gave her my credit card. She couldn't produce a paper receipt, but ok, after all, it is 2024, so I said an email is fine.
When the receipt did not show up on my phone, she said, 'don't worry, it will', and proceeded to assist the other customers. Now, I think I have earned the right to 'worry'. I just paid $1295.00 and have no proof..
I asked her to text it. She said she would. She looked at me as if I were a psychiatric patient because I was waiting for the receipt. I said, 'I'll wait. Please do it now.' She recited my phone # (incorrectly). I repeated it. She reluctantly texted it.
Looking at the hip, cool website I discovered the NYC store (in the West Village...NOT So-Ho) had limited hours and no phone number.
So, I went to get the dress today. Surprise, Surprise. No XS!!!!
Emily, the NYC salesperson, said she just looked and saw there was an email from 3 days ago. Nothing about holding the XS. Joana really did NOT call to inquire about the XS?
I wasn't surprised..
Emily diligently tried to find something else for me.
By this time, 'the thrill was gone'. I just wanted a refund. This was not a problem for Emily. Somehow, she understood that when things are purchased and/or returned a receipt is customary.
No more Urban Zen for me!!