Benetton

One of Steinway Streets hidden gems is the italian retailer Benetton’s outlet store. Benetton made a big splash when it entered the US market in the 80s. But American preppy folks were already hooked on what was then Izod Lacoste (now just Lacoste) and Polo. Benetton seemed out of place. Their fashions where neither masculine, feminine, Eurotrash or bold. Benetton offered high quality, mildly expensive blah; like Lacoste offers today.
Today the company has contracted in the US but they’ve left sporadic stores to unload the company’s exces. Styles and colors have been modernized and the quality is still there. I stop in from time to time and I almost always leave with a purchas ein-​hand.

I like also this store. The girls that work here are so friendly and make my shopping more easy and fast. They always show me nice things and even five me tips. Coming here is like having a personal shopper. Also the quality and the sales they have are fantastic.

Wow, I was stunned that Benetton didn’t take returns!
Benetton is pricier, but also higher quality, and a lot of their designs are great, particularly the fabrics. This location also has a baby clothes section, and that’s mostly why I’ve been there lately.
The other day, I went back to return a pair of baby pants, pristine, with tags, in bag, bought just a couple days earlier, and was told returns were not allowed. I was stunned that an international brand like Benetton did not take returns. When it comes to kids’ clothes at least, this location is going to have a hard time competing with Gap Kids, Children’s Place, and others, right on the same block, with policies like that. And I certainly won’t buy pricier adult clothes for myself there, if I can’t decide, after trying things on at leisure at home and with other clothes, that I can’t return an item.
I didn’t have my receipt, but was told that didn’t matter: no returns even with receipt. They were willing to make an exchange. But this is a small boutique I’d completely scoured just a couple days earlier for everything of interest. So an exchange was no help. The baby pants probably will go right to my donate bin.
Regarding the sales style others have remarked upon, I think it’s actually pretty good. For WASPy types who want to shop in solitude and be helped only when they ask (and sometimes that’s me, too), yes, it could be off-​putting. Really, all you have to say is, «Thanks, I’m just browsing,» and repeat yourself as necessary. But if you’re open to the warm, interactive, «girlfriend» style of Greeks and others in the neighborhood, I think you’ll enjoy it. Particularly when you know what you want and are looking for something specific.

I am surprised at some of the reviews. I have always had a good experience at this location. Yes they ask you if you need help; which I appreciate because the store is not set up where you can easily find things. When I am approached with something I don’t like I just say no thank you.
I was just there this past Saturday and bought a suit, dress, sweaters etc. When we were done with everything she brought me I made two piles (one was what I wanted and the other was what I didn’t want). When I expressed an interest in something they didn’t have in my size they called another location to check for me. I was also happy when they gave me a lovely free scarf which I am wearing today.
I guess what I consider helpful to others it appears aggressive.

You know, I was never too much a fan of this chain and chains in general, but this place has been here for a while so they must be doing something right. I don’t know if I ever bought anything from here before, I feel like I’ve seen the label in my closet at one point in my life but wasn’t satisfied or too impressed by what it was so it was always a 2 star in my mind… But I was looking for a suit and all the hooch stores that popped up on Steinway wasn’t cutting it so I gave it a shot!
To the person’s comments below, the staff was very «atentative». If you’re browsing I can see how it can be annoying but if you were me and just wanted to get a frigging suit and get down to it… they were great with helping me to swapping sizes, getting me different shirts, etc. and just making the process a lot more efficient. AND there was a deal where, if you got 3 items, you got 50% off. You just can’t beat that. So I’m bumping up their rating in my mind and posting it on Unilocal as now Benetton has hit a relevant point in my life. Thanks for your help!

I’m not a fan of stores where the sales people give aggressive greetings when you enter, but this Benetton takes this way too far. The few times I’ve gone in to browse I’ve been the only shopper, and the saleslady has been in my face, making comments, asking if I need help, pointing out crap, asking if I’ve found anything to try on. It is TOO MUCH. It’s not just one lady either. It’s been different women each time, so it must be how they’re trained to work in this store. It is super annoying and I immediately want to leave as soon as I walk in.
I guess it’s a good thing that I usually don’t find anything I’d want to try on anyway, because I’m not missing out by avoiding Benetton.