Review of Lane Bryant in Lynchburg, Virginia

I used to shop for my sister in Lane Bryant when the clothing store was located in the local mall. A couple of weeks ago, I went to their new location for the first time to pickup an outfit for a friend. Even though it is the same store that simply moved, the differences were immediately apparent.

The new location is smaller with a more formal atmosphere. After being approached by both employees separately, it seemed that browsing unassisted was impossible. Even though they eventually backed off, they watched from a close distance whispering to each other.

Isn't it okay to look around without the high pressured sales pitch?

I quickly grabbed and purchased the one outfit that I had come for. It was easy to find since my friend had pointed it out on their website.

Arriving at my friend's house, she discovered that there was also a magazine in the bag. After a quick glance, it was tossed in the trash. We never thought any more about it. Trying on the outfit, she realized that the material was stiff and wanted it returned. Instead of being paid back, I offered to return the outfit myself to get my money back.

When I returned the outfit a few days later, one of the employees had some rowdy friends visiting. The way they were caring on about the lingerie was distasteful to say the least.

When I was given my refund for the outfit, I knew that it was short four dollars from what I had originally paid. She asked if I wanted the receipt back, saying that it was the only item on the receipt. I took it from her and was very much surprised to see her lies right there on paper. The outfit was not the only item on that receipt.

This was actually the first time that I'd looked at the receipt. I had no idea that I'd been charged for that magazine then the price discounted off the outfit. When I purchased the outfit, I was not asked if I wanted this. I was never informed of anything regarding this. She completely did it behind my back and without my permission. If I'd been aware, I would have kept the magazine and returned it as well.

Considering the sales associate handling the return was the same lady who sold me the outfit, I expressed my anger at her underhandedness. The other associate's friends enjoyed the verbal exchange and were whooping at my comments.

The next day, I contacted a Lane Bryant in a nearby city to inquire if what happened was company policy or an associate gone astray. The associate insisted that in her store the magazines are free and that ringing them up is how the inventory is tracked. She said that I should have been refunded the other four dollars.

I e-mailed the district manager about what had happened. While her reply was friendly and she did apologize, there was no offer of anything to make up for my four dollars. She only assured that these issues had been addressed with the store manager. Well, that's great for the next customer who comes in, but what about me? I didn't contact her in the hopes of receiving the four dollars, but I was shocked that it wasn't offered in some form. After all, the associate at the other store had said that this wasn't normal.

About two weeks later, I received a friends and family discount invite from the district manager's Adventures of Christ personal e-mail address. This seemed highly inappropriate. To add insult to injury, I received a phone call today from Lane Bryant to ask about my experience. I was informed that all cash returns are contacted. Hopefully, Lane Bryant will finally leave me alone.

Lane Bryant has beautiful plus size clothes, but their customer service leaves much to be appreciated. I highly recommend shopping on their website. Considering returns can be made to the local store, the website seems to be the best choice.