Catherines Plus Sizes

I’ve been to this location a handful of times. After the last experience, I’m certain I won’t return.
I came to this location a couple of months ago with my mom to shop for outfits for vacation. There were 3 associates in the store and 4 other customers inside with 1 at the register. No one greeted us. As we shopped, I noticed that none of the associates came over to talk to anyone. One of the associates was at the register ringing up a customer, so I understand why she couldn’t be out on the floor. The other two associates were on their phones. One associate was sitting on a fitting room bench up against the side of the cash register area texting on her cell phone. The other was standing next to her chatting on her cell phone taking a personal call. My mom and I shopped, tried on some things, and took what we wanted to purchase to the register. As we were walking up, the third associate went to the back room for several minutes after her customer left. My mom and I stood there for a couple of seconds before we said we were ready to check out. Both associates looked at each other. This eye contact between them lasted several seconds. It was as if they were mentally debating on who wanted to move. The employee chatting on her cell phone sighed and walked over to check us out — still on her cell phone, mind you. The other employee laughed a little to herself. The associate at the register continued to take her personal call on her cell phone as she started to ring us up. My mom had questions about coupons. The associate told whoever she was talking to to hold on and she answered my mother with a short response. My mom had another question about the Catherines cash, and that’s when the associate told whoever she was talking to that she had to go. She looked quite annoyed that she had to hang up the phone. She answered my mom’s question about the Catherines cash but that’s about it. We thanked her and told her to have a nice day, and all we got was «mmhmm» as a response.
This store used to offer great customer service but in the past year, that has changed drastically. I’m no longer greeted at this store, nor am I ever made to feel my business is appreciated. No one offers to start a fitting room. No one asks if I’m looking for anything, or offers their suggestions on outfits or tells me about new items that have come in. No one mentions their sales or promotions. I used to work for Lane Bryant for several years — I understand what is expected of an associate. 4 of the Catherine’s stores that I’ve gone to in the past couple of years have closed permanently. This location is is the closest Catherines to my house. What happened to customer service at this store? Why are my questions met with attitude? For the prices Catherines charges for their clothing, I should at least have a great shopping experience.
This store needs less texting and personal calls, and more customer service.

Yes. I admit to it, right here, right now — I’m in the market for clothes that are sold here, mainly because of the fact that I’m, uh, top-​heavy. (Yes, I’m blunt, but damn it, I’m still classy.)
With that said, if you’re plus-​sized and you need really nice stuff for work, this is the place you want to be. Catherine’s is owned by the same company as Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug, so the price range is going to be about the same (e.g., expensive as hell) — however, while Fashion Bug concentrates on the junior plus market (think ages 18 to about 30), Catherine’s and Lane Bryant tends to sell clothes marketed to the professional; a lot of career wear, work stuff, things like that.
This particular location is nicely maintained, with a great staff that understands the «larger» frame of mind. (I don’t think I’ve ever seen a staff member working here that didn’t wear the clothes themselves. This gives you a good idea of what works on a larger person and what doesn’t — the cashier was very sweet, but honey, you’ve just convinced me NOT to buy that green shimmery thing, so thanks for that.)
My only beef was that they didn’t carry a lot of what I liked in smaller sizes. There was a LOT of 3X and up, but I’m not THAT top-​heavy. I can’t wear their bottoms in anything but the smallest size they have, and a lot of times not even that. I didn’t get nearly as many items as I wanted, because they just don’t stock the smaller sizes that much.
They had a REALLY nice clearance section. Catherine’s tends to be expensive, as mentioned, so finding anything at a discount there is a real treat.
This is definitely a nice store if you’re in the market for these items. Just be aware that the G.B. store doesn’t have a lot in the smaller range, so you may want to either order online or try another location.