LOFT

I’d been itching to buy some clothes for the fall season (my favorite!) since the weather has been getting cooler. I’m no stranger to LOFT either and get e-​mails from them a few times a day. However, the sales hadn’t been that good, so I was holding out for a better deal. Last Friday, I received an e-​mail for 40% off everything. I immediately planned on visiting LOFT that weekend to stock up and take advantage of their sale.
Keep in mind that this location isn’t located in the Deer Park Town Center. They’ve got an Ann Taylor there. The LOFT is located across the street in the strip mall with the Bed Bath & Beyond and Old Navy. Size wise, I’d say that it’s on par with the location at Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills and their location in Deerfield. They also have a small section for petites.
The service at this LOFT was hands down the best I’ve received at any LOFT that I’ve visited. Terri (Terry?) was very helpful in finding ankle pants that fit me well. Prior to that trip, I had never shopped at LOFT for pants, since I preferred to buy mine elsewhere. However, I’d exhausted all the offerings, so I figured I’d branch out and try another retailer.
Recently, I’ve gotten into wearing skinny ankle pants. I find them to be super comfortable, good to wear in cooler weather and to wear with flats. I’ve been wanting a burgundy pair and found one that I liked at LOFT.
For their pants, they have two different fits — Marisa and Julie. You’d pick the Marisa fit if your hips are proportionate to your waist. You’d go with the Julie if your waist is smaller, but your hips are curvier. I tried on both styles and the Marisa fit me much better. I loved the fit so much that I bought two pairs of skinny ankle pants — a pindot (grey with burgundy and white dots) and a plum color. I also bought a pair of black textured pencil pants.
The plum colored ankle pants weren’t in stock in my size so Terri first checked to see if another store close to me had them in stock. She couldn’t find them, so she offered to order it online for me. She gave me the sale price when she ordered it online. Also, you get free shipping if you’ve got to order something from the store.
Now, bear in mind that I’ve worked in retail before and am aware of the store credit card that the sales associates like to sell to you. I’ve sold them to people before, convincing them that they’ve save a lot of money by doing it. Now, I’ve managed to avoid getting a LOFT one. I don’t need another credit card and don’t want to be tempted to shop there more than I should because of all the coupons and incentives they’ll send me. So I’ve been a good girl and said no every single time.
Unfortunately, Terri convinced me to open up a LOFT card, much to my initial chagrin. I’d been so good at avoiding it. However, I figured that I might as well take advantage of the discounts since I was purchasing a lot of items. Opening up the card was a pretty easy process, despite her having to enter my information twice due to a technical error. I provided her with my SSN, my house number, zip code and major credit card.
Maybe it’s just me, but I always get a little nervous when I open up new credit cards in stores. I know I have good credit, but there’s always part of me that worries that I’ll get denied and make a fool out of myself in store. When I worked in retail, it was always difficult to tell someone, «Sorry, you’ve been denied.» At one retailer I worked at, we’d give them the discount anyway just for trying.
In addition to the 40% off the original prices, I saved an additional 20% for opening the card and another 15% for another promotion that they had in store that day. Cost per item for my 12 (yes, 12!) items broke down to less than $ 24 per item, which is an awesome deal. I walked away with two pairs of pants, two sweaters, two dresses, two cardigans, two tops and one tank top. I’m just waiting for my plum colored ankle pants to be mailed to my house.
While I’m not particularly pleased with myself for spending triple digits at LOFT, I am happy that I got a fantastic deal for what I bought. I love everything, but will try them on again at home to make sure I still love them.
Service, once again, couldn’t have been any better. Terri listened to my needs and provided me some great options. She also answered my questions well, despite being busy attending to other customers.
I’d definitely shop at this location again if I’m in the area. But, since I did a big binge, I will try to hold off as long as I can and only go in if there’s a big sale.

Super friendly LOFT store tucked in the plaza across from Deer Park Town Center. I stopped by here after work one day to return a HUGE online order, and the sales associate, Randy couldn’t have been more patient or friendly in processing it less than 30 min before closing. Same goes for the other ladies staffing the store that night — they were very courteous and checked the dressing rooms often to see if we needed anything.
Selection-​wise — decent inventory of regular sizes (though a smaller petite section that I’d like), all very neatly organized. I generally find the sizes I need. Overall the awesome staff makes this store a great place to visit, and it’s definitely worth going to if you’re in the area.