J Crew

Went to exchange a phone case I had gotten for Christmas but had no receipt since it was a gift. I was afraid they might not let me or there may be an issue but the staff there was great! The woman who helped me was super friendly and immediately let me exchange it with no issue. I told her the phone case was fine, no issue — it was just that I am vegan and it was made of cow fur so I didn’t want it. She totally understood, showed me where the other cases were and I was able to switch it out in less than 2 minutes.

I debated typing this out, but this story DOES need to be heard.
Here’s a few things you should know about me + this store before proceeding on:
1. I have stopped in to this J Crew on several occasions.
2. I have always been (until this weekend) treated with respect and
friendliness.
3. I do often check out the clearance rack, because — let’s face it — J Crew is stylish, cute… and somewhat overpriced. And I love a good deal!
This is mind, I strolled into the J Crew on Saturday. The store wasn’t very busy, but I wasn’t greeting when I walked in. Whatever, no big.
I walked around, checking out the new styles, etc. I didn’t make the deliberate beeline toward the clearance rack — because even though I like deals, I do think that J Crew is better manufactured than ‘cheap’ brands.
Anyway.
After my walk around, I strolled to the clearance area and saw several good prices on plain tees and basic skirts. I was happy to see that there were a good variety of items in my size as well. I picked up a few items, and asked a clerk for a dressing room. Said clerk wasn’t chatty (at all) but was pleasant enough.
I tried on my items, and really fell in love with a striped tee with a laceup side. Kinda nautical looking — I glanced at the price — 10.99! I could barely believe it!
Since their Japan Tsunami Recovery shirt was sold out (something I was hoping to purchase) I was ready to check out with just that item. So, I walked up and this was the exchange:
Clerk: Are you ready to check out?
Me: Yes, thanks.
Clerk: Did anyone help you today?
Me: Not really.
Clerk: (fake voice) Oh, I am really sorry to hear that.
Me: No, I mean, I didn’t ask for help, I was just —
Clerk: (exasperated) I know what you mean.
Me: Okay.
Clerk: (scans the item) Your total is $ 20.xx
Me: Um, I think it was marked down from…
Clerk: (looks at price) Yeah, well this was mismarked.
Me: Excuse me?
Clerk: Yeah, it’s not supposed to be that price. (dryly) Sorry.
Me: (flustered) Oh. Well. I don’t really need it then.
I walked out.
I had this really weird feeling come over me. I mean, $ 20 for a J Crew shirt was still a good deal. But that wasn’t the point. It was marked down. I was the customer. I should have fought it. I hate those kinds of confrontations. I already felt like she was judging me — thinking I was cheap. Not good enough for J Crew clothing.
I had to banish those negative thoughts pronto!
I glanced back in the store and saw the previously smug clerk speaking with who I assumed to be her manager. She seemed irritated.
But gosh darn it — I wanted that silly shirt.
I walked back in. The woman who I assumed was the manager told me she could honor that price. I thanked her and paid my $ 11.xx thank you very much. I made some kind of nervous small talk, to the effect of my excitement of finding such a good deal. The girl just rolled her eyes.
I clutched the bag on the way out. Proud that I went back in but still weirdly emotional about the situation.
When I returned home, I retold the story to hubs, when I realized, taking a glance at the tag — she had pulled off the 10.99 price!
Just…weird.
I’ll think of it each time I wear that shirt…