I haven't been to Forman Mills since college (I'm not telling you how long ago that was. Mind your business... :). )
Back then, it was a great place to get cute, disposable clothes for cheap. It was basically lying Shein, before Shein was Shein.
I didn't even know they were still around, but when I passed this one, I figured I'd stop and check it out.
It certainly has the same minimalist look that I remember so well.
Ahhhh...nostalgia.
I was looking for a few lightweight tank tops and t-shirts for an upcoming vacation. Nothing fancy. Something colorful, breathable, lightweight, and disposable.
I found a number of things that fit the bill, and even found items from a few brands I recognized, including New York and Company.
I eventually headed towards the fitting room, only to find it blocked off with a sign saying it was temporarily closed.
I had to chat with one of the cashiers and she told me that the fitting rooms are actually closed permanently. Since Forman Mills was bought by Shoppers World, they notified the employees that effective immediately, they were to permanently close both the fitting rooms and the restrooms.
I don't know if this is because of rampant theft or what, there are massive signs hanging from the ceiling directing customers to both the fitting room and the restroom, and that neither of them are available to the public. And it's especially callous that only employees are allowed to use the restroom. There are more concerned about their inventory than they are about offering a common courtesy to customers.
Fortunately, their return policy allows for returns within 30 days with the tags on in a receipt. So I was able to buy the items I was interested in, keep what worked, and return what didn't.
Definitely not an ideal process and I could see how a lot of customers just wouldn't be bothered. Fortunately for them I had time that day.
The cashiers themselves have no sense of urgency whatsoever. They also don't know how to prioritize time. After waiting in a short line for an exceedingly long period of time, I placed my items on the counter for checkout, only to find that the cashier has decided to move hangers to the rack and do some other things to tidy up her area after having us waiting for so long. The counter space was large enough that she did not need to do those things right away and she could have easily done them when the line died down.
When I returned to the store to return the items I had purchased, the same cashier and another of colleagues were leaning against a piece of furniture behind the counter having a casual conversation while there were people waiting in line. There are people waiting to check out and these folks are looking right at them and continuing their conversation.
Unacceptable.
I walk over to the customer service line and get the nastiest look from someone who are later found out was one of the managers. She never acknowledge me never spoke, never said "Hey I'm helping another customer I'll be with you in a second". Just looked at me like I was ruining her day.
After an impossibly long time, she finally acknowledged me with "What do you need?"
I told her I'm here to make a return. She directed me to the next cash register over and was nasty and rude the entire time.
I immediately reported that experience to management because someone who behaves that way should not be customer facing, and should definitely not be a manager.
Aside from rude and unhelpful cashiers, I also hate how they damage the clothes Well inserting the tags. The original manufacturers put the tags under the arms or somewhere thicker that won't leave holes. However the staff here put them in the thinnest part of the garment, which leaves conspicuous holes. I don't know if they do this on purpose but it ruins a perfectly good garment. And regardless of how much we're paying for the garments, we deserve to receive them undamaged. read more