Every job/occupation has its busy time. If you’ve ever worked in retail, or even shopped at a retail store, you can probably guess that the 30 days before and after Christmas are the busiest. Before Christmas, it’s purchases. And after Christmas, it’s returns and exchanges. It happens — people buy things that other people don’t want. Hence why most stores allow returns and exchanges. So, if you work in retail, you should expect this. I went to Francesca’s in Mockingbird Station to return a gift I had received. I walked in, walked up to the register with my item(tag still attached, unworn). Three employees were gathered around the register. It took some time for them to stop whatever they were doing and actually assist me. I told the one that finally looked at me that I would like to return the shirt. She asked, «are you sure you don’t want to, like, look around first?» I responded, «Oh, is it only store credit?» «Well, yes, but, I’m gonna need to see some sort of receipt first.» WELLDUH I was getting to that, I just needed to know what kind of return I was getting. She looked at me as if she thought I was somehow trying to scam them. I had a copy of the gift receipt on my phone that my sister had sent me, so I explained that and handed her my phone. She gave me the nastiest look and informed me that would not work. My sister has specifically called the store to confirm that a picture would work. When I told her that, she sassed back, proclaiming there was no way that would possibly work b/c the gift receipt didn’t have a price on it. She then finally decided to use her brain and see if the scanner would work on the bar code which *shocker* it did. Not wanting to admit she was wrong, she had the audacity to ask again if I wanted to look around first. No, miss, I do not. I do not want to give you any sort of commission benefit at this time and would much prefer to take my Francesca’s giftcard to a different location. Even if it means driving an extra 15 minutes — that’s how mad this exchange made me. Then, she threw my phone back on the table, with attitude(excuse me, that phone is expensive), and handed me the giftcard. I waited for the receipt confirming the exchange(which seems like a standard procedure) and she looked at me and proclaimed, «that’s all.» I’m not sure when this young lady lost her customer service flare, but she has some serious work to do. I couldn’t tell if the people behind her were above her or being trained by her. If they’re above her, I hope they reprimanded her for this attitude. If she was training them, then I hope they saw how awkward/uncomfortable this exchange was and vowed to never repeat her behavior. Also, she probably shouldn’t be training people if she doesn’t know how the return process works. YIKES. Pretty sure I rolled my eyes when I walked away, and I don’t feel bad about it. At all. Until the customer service is better here, I will not be giving any business to this location. Francesca’s — please update your onboarding procedures for new hires to include the process for exchanges/returns.
Neha M.
Place rating: 4 Garfield, NJ
i personally don’t think this location has a lot of nice clothing, sorry! The knick knacks they have though are adorable. Especially if you are looking for a few items for bachelorette parties! I saw cute shot glasses and some question and answer games! Their jewelry collection is also very nice! Prices are like normal boutique places… and their accessories are pretty adorable too.
Kaia V.
Place rating: 4 Berkeley, CA
I really like Francesca’s Collections because there’s usually a pretty good chance I’ll find a dress I like for under $ 50. Since Urban Outfitters has jacked up their prices, and shortened their hemlines, I’m jut not rich or young enough to shop there anymore. Francesca’s is conveniently located in Mockingbird station, so you can hop in before a movie or just to shop honestly. The store is pretty small, but the organization is great so it’s not difficult to peruse the racks and not lose your mind. They have tons of jewelry and some gift type items also, and typically have some sale stuff sectioned off so you can easily find it. They redid their dressing rooms to be bigger, and though that’s great — the lighting in there can make it difficult to tell if whatever colored item you’re trying on goes with your skintone or not. Overall it’s not the cheapest place to buy a frock, but it usually has some stuff that I at least want to try on.
Monica A.
Place rating: 4 San Mateo, CA
Very cute clothes here! And they constantly have sales like buy one get one 50% off. The staff is super nice too.
Kate S.
Place rating: 5 Dallas, TX
This is my go to place for jewelry that I want to gift. I love that you can find items that you can be pretty sure your giftee will not find elsewhere. The jewelry is well constructed and all of them are very unique pieces. Most of the items are priced between $ 15-$ 25, which may seem a bit pricey, but for the uniqueness of the pieces, I think its well worth it. They also have a bunch of wall decorative items and some very cute stationary/desk items(staplers, pens/pencils, clips, etc). I agree with the other reviews that I wouldn’t buy any of their clothes. The quality of the fabric is very low end(most items are very thin cotton and a lot of them have the softness of a burlap sack). I still give this place 5 stars because it is THE store to get cute gifts.
Michelle H.
Place rating: 3 Hermosa Beach, CA
A place with fun finds. Cute, trendy tops and dresses. Great jewelry, handbags, and gifts.
Valerie M.
Place rating: 2 Dallas, TX
This place is fun to walk through but I rarely buy anything of real worth here. The jewelry selection is to die for. But I refuse to pay twenty-something dollars for a piece of jewelry that is not even sterling silver. I’d buy jewelry here if I was absolutely desperate and in love with it. This place does have a huge selection of trinkets. I like deals and this place doesn’t necessarily give you a deal.
Tori W.
Place rating: 4 Dallas, TX
If you need a gift look no further(unless it’s a guy you’re buying for… unless, of course, it’s a very girly guy.) But more than gifts, the jewelry collection is large and in charge. If I have the perfect outfit but no jewelry to match I can rely on Francesca’s to have something that will work. Skip the clothes, though…
Shanna L.
Place rating: 3 Dallas, TX
While I’m on the Mockingbird Station kick, may as well go the distance. Francesca’s is a great shop to get a gift for someone, or yourself! Especially if it’s someone you don’t know well, you can find great trinkets that all girls love. They also have cute cards, candles, business card holders and that sort of thing. They also have cool crosses, fleur di lis and other décor, and some clothes. I never come here to shop for clothes specifically, as the selection is very limited and hit or miss — but every once in a while you run across a really cool dress or top. The jewelry selection is pretty cool, most of it looks handmade — beaded and such, but is also a little more expensive because of that. I have never been in and not found something to take home, so stop by and check it out next time you’re in the area.
Amy B.
Place rating: 4 Plano, TX
One of my favorite places to get gifts, knick-knacks, jewelry, candles, stationary, purses & cards, etc. They update their selection regularly and the prices are reasonable. They also have some cute clothes, although I haven’t actually bought clothes there. My favorite find are the jewelry sales which are on a back table & are usually like 2 for $ 20 or 2 for $ 30 earrings, rings or necklaces. They have cute trendy stuff. Also have wedding jewelry & gifts if you are looking for that kind of stuff(or bridesmaids gifts). I usually shop here at Christmas time too.