Unfortunately, my experience at this boutique was very disappointing. I had found the store while…read moresearching online for a local boutique to purchase a blouse for an upcoming family photo. When I arrived, I asked one of the employees if this was KC Boutique, since that name is still displayed on the roadside sign and appears on Google Maps. I was told that KC Boutique had closed some time ago.
What surprised me was that after explaining why I was there, no one asked what I was looking for, offered to help me find something, or really made any effort to welcome me into the store. There were three ladies working, and although one did offer to start a fitting room after I found several things on my own, overall I felt largely ignored.
What made the experience particularly uncomfortable was watching another customer walk in and immediately be asked if she needed assistance, while I had received very little acknowledgment. I can't speak to anyone's intentions, but I can speak to how the experience made me feel--and I felt unwelcome, judged, and honestly a little belittled.
I considered putting down the two items I had decided to purchase and leaving, but I went ahead and waited to check out. Even at the end of the transaction, I was the one who said "thank you" as I left rather than receiving a thank-you from the sales associate.
It's unfortunate because the store does have a nice assortment of merchandise, including some cute clothing and baby items, although I found the prices to be on the higher side. I was prepared to shop and potentially purchase more, but good customer service and a welcoming atmosphere are just as important to me as the merchandise.
I recently moved back to the Knoxville area after being away for many years, and I enjoy supporting local businesses. I really wanted this to be a boutique I could return to. Unfortunately, based on the way I was treated during this visit, I won't be returning or recommending it to others.
A small boutique should make every customer who walks through the door feel welcome, regardless of what the staff assumes about them. A simple greeting, an offer to help, and a "thank you" when someone makes a purchase can make all the difference. I love to support local businesses and to give an honest review so people know if it's a good store to visit and shop at, but I have to say this was a big disappointment! Hopefully, the store manager/owner can make changes in how their staff operates the store.
