Talbots Misses No 35

now I remembered why I don’t shop here, was ignored and the sales people walked in the opposite direction. I saw a sweater in the window and went in to purchase it, but no one would ring me up. the sales desks were empty as I walked toward them, so I put the sweater back and left. I love shopping for clothes and was hoping to get the sweater and maybe a scarf or two but nope! going to stick with nordstroms where I get everything!

Really appalled by customer service here today. Stopped in with my sister who was looking for a new winter coat. The staff couldn’t have been less helpful. I don’t know if it was because we were younger than the usual clientele, or because we were in workout gear (as another reviewer noted), but it as if they were avoiding answering our questions and trying to pass us off to one another. Then we saw the staff member we originally asked for help, who never returned to us, walking right past us leaving the store, and avoiding eye contact. I shopped for a belt here for my mother-​in-​law a couple of years ago, and left with a similarly bad taste in my mouth. Now I remember why I haven’t been back. We’ll shop and spend our money where we’re not made to feel small. «Big mistake!»

Alexandria confuses me and I don’t know the city at all, but I had been in this store once 5 years ago, and decided to stop in again for the Red Hanger sale.
Arrived right as they were opening today and was greeted at the door by Rachel who is as nice as can be. She asked if I was looking for anything in particular, and I told her maybe some skirts for work, cardigans, shoes… you know, anything that I like, pretty much.
She put a few things I found right away into a dressing room and even laid out the shoes for me in there. Seriously, out of the box and just waiting to be tried on. Awesome! I wound up with a skirt and three sweaters, and she definitely made the whole trip what Talbots is all about: quality.
Thanks Rachel!!!

I know, I know. Shopping at Talbot’s sort of makes you feel like your own WASPy grandmother. But the reality is, with places like Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic getting downright casual in their ‘work clothes’ offerings, Talbot’s remains a consistent — if not cheap — place to find polished, professional looking clothing, as well as some more dressed up off-​hours options.
I’d give Talbots as a brand four stars. However, this store sort of drives me crazy. My first issue has become less pronounced over the 5yrs I’ve shopped at this location, but when I was in my mid-​20s, I’d get completely blown off by the sales staff here. Apparently hitting 30 this year made me visible to the naked eye of the Talbots employee. Yay? The typical approach seems to be to ignore the young, smother the well-​preserved. If you fall in the middle, you might get a drive by, half-​hearted attempt at customer service.
My main issue is that I am a speed shopper and Talbots simply will not move any faster than Kristen Bell’s rented sloth. I come in knowing what I want, and what size I am. I pick it out and if I’m feeling patient, I might even try it on. Then I decide and I go to the cash wrap. The only issue is — despite having a petites, plus and regular store within this location with plenty of sales staff on the floor, there is inevitably only one woman actually ringing customers up and it takes FOREVER.
Part of me appreciates the customer service attention, but most of me just wants to get on with my darn day. Inevitably, when I finally get to the front of the line, I have to be looked up in the system and asked three times — it gets pushy — whether I’d like to put this on my Talbots charge card. (No thanks!) It’s exhausting and it feels like having low tea with your mother in law instead of just paying for a scarf.
Don’t go in here when you’re in a hurry. On the other hand, if you aren’t under 30, have some time to waste and a few hundred dollars to spend, you might have an enjoyable experience.

I shop here or shopped here quite a bit. I stopped in the other day while running around in my workout gear and couldn’t get anyone to even offer to help me except the fine lady who works in the Womens’ section. I was going to purchase a couple of new outfits but changed my mind. I took several items into the dressing room and the staff actually veered to get out of my way like I had the plague. I spoke with the manager to let her know and she said she was sorry (I think she really was.)
It will require some consideration before I go back.
It is a beautiful store but if such discrimination is made based on what I walk in wearing — clean black t-​shirt and running shorts– how many sales are they missing out on because of poor customer service? Doesn’t everyone deserve good customer service?

A couple of weeks ago, I walked into my first Talbot’s and was pleasantly surprised on all levels. I’ve been an AT lady for years but of late, their selections just aren’t the most appropriate for a more traditional, classically styled career woman. Talbot’s was exactly what I was looking for! The dresses and shoes in particular were perfect with the right blend of elegance and practicality. I returned to the store today and found Jennifer, the store manager, to be FANTASTIC! She helped me find everything I was looking for and she’s very personable as well. The Old Town Alexandria store is my local spot so I highly recommend it to anyone in the D/​M/​V!

The sales staff in this store are amazing. They mingle with the customers, ask your name, help you with clothing, set up a dressing room for you and remember your name. They make you feel like you want to buy more stuff. A great location! Oh and the garage for this store is free… the garage entrance is on Pendleton Street and there is an entrance to the store inside the garage.

Beautifully designed and welcoming store with a generous selection of Women’s Petite business and casual clothes (as well as heaps of other sizes)! I was greeted immediately (and complimented!) by a non-​aggressive, warm saleswoman. She let me browse for a few minutes and then came over to ask if I was looking for anything in particular. I told her I was looking for a business wardrobe and would probably need a few hours in the store ;) She was obviously ending her shift, so she brought over Jennifer (the Manager) and introduced me, explaining what I had told her. Jennifer was incredibly knowledgeable and easy going. After explaining that I had just moved to the area, she said, «Well, I am happy to be your DC stylist!!» WOW! She spent time asking me what I thought I needed and didn’t hesitate to make recommendations. I learned so much about different weights of suits, different cuts, and their whole line. The dressing room was comfortable and private. After 2 hours I left with about 12 pieces and was SO relieved as I prepared to start my new job. Jennifer also gave me a hairdresser recommendation (after I asked); 25% off my entire purchase as current customers would have received in the catalog mailing as part of her effort to build new customers, and membership in their frequent customers club.
I did decide to return 3 pieces later, but they were fast and efficient with my returns. Only downside was I had pulled a necklace to purchase and that never made it home with me. Definitely will be a regular!
Other MAJOR plus is that there is free and available, garaged parking at this location; AND it’s on the same block as Trader Joe’s!

Pretty good-​sized store with a great selection of misses, petite and woman-​sized clothing.