Think this store targets tourists.
Just try stuff on and if you like it, buy it online to save yourself the headache and hassle you'll figure out the hard way if you ever decide to go back into this store.
Both Piajeh stores DO NOT HONOR their own store return policies printed clearly on their receipts. They WILL however pull some pretty ludicrous shenanigans to give you the runaround the TWO week store credit policy expires or until you get fed up.
They're really nice and helpful when you're making the purchase and will pull all sorts of shenanigans when you're trying to exchange/get store credit. I'd be wary of any retail store from now on that does not offer a full refund as their store policy. So check Google and fine print on receipts before you sign anything.
Hopefully with this review, it will help other fashion island /crystal cove visitors have better luck getting store credit in the future.
Between this store and my phone apps or other reputable retailers - I'd go with the latter. Lesson learned. Should have had reception. Should have known better.
MY EXPERIENCE
I had just bought a dress the night before near closing time and tried to go back the next day to attempt an exchange/store credit because after finally having reception immediately walking out of the store, I found the same dress for $100 (20%) less at full price at a reputable online store, Revolve Clothing, through my ShopStyle app on my phone. Google was just as easy but the app was already open at the store.
The rest of the stuff they carried was also On Sale at Revolve or MatchesFashion.com.
First Attempt:
4:40 PM next day
I went into their other store at Crystal Cove the next day and explained why I was looking to exchange and I wouldn't be able to use the store credit since I'll be taking off for London and San Sebastián soon and also need to find Tropical Retro for a party for Yacht Week. They were really nice until I couldn't really find anything I wanted. Perhaps I spent too much time trying on items for 20 minutes and they just wanted me out?
Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde Store Clerk w/Lord of the Rings fairy hair:
- "there's an emergency at our other FI store; we have to shut down immediately and all leave
- we won't be able to process any transactions" (I called the other store from my car parked out front - the clerk told me this is the first he'd heard of any emergency and had gotten a call not process the transaction either when he offered to)
Then I looked up saw ppl walking in the shop
- "you'll have to wait for the boss to be present; can't get her one phone; don't know when she'll be in which store or when
Last Attempt the Next Day:
I call to check which store she might be in if she was even in. She was. Told her what had occurred the day before. Her response:
- "Go ahead and dispute it with the credit card company, the transaction went through already
- "Do not bother coming by the store regardless of what the store clerk told you yesterday, we won't service you."
- "Go ahead and file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Agencies, (she had a pretty strong Eastern European accent but I believe she said,
"I'll tell them you're a thief."
(So worked up that I called you out; projecting much?)
Ridiculous Right? How do you reason with unreasonable?
I think after this experience I will stick to shopping online where returns and exchanges are easily done over the phone or through apps like ShopStyle.
And trust me when I say they do not carry the latest fashion from Milan, Paris, London or any of the fashion capitals. I go abroad frequently and shop A LOT.
The brands are all available in the states online store. If you want real European fashion go through vendors like Lyst or FarFetch who will ship from boutiques around the world without VAT (at local prices without local tax).
My Suggestions for Shopping in stores in OC/SoCAL:
Just trying to save you from my mind boggling experience.
A lot of disposable income? Neiman Marcus right across from the store - great customer service and they carry better stuff. Never had a bad experience there EVER. They probably know me by name and I've only been back in town for a few weeks.
If you want to find similar items at fair prices or you're a tourist go to Nordstrom Rack, Last Call or Saksoff5th. The Outlets at The Block or right across from South Coast Plaza at Metro Pointe.
Or if you just have a lot of time on your hands to deal with bullshit, I would not waste your money on this store. And I'm a big believer in supporting my local businesses - just NOT shady ones.
If you want any shopping tips for OC. Message me . Even if I'm abroad, I will have better reception than I did in both of these stores. read more