Express

This is a GREAT location! It’s easily accessible, and the store is beautiful and bright. They’ve got a huge venue, and it’s packed with lots of clothes!
I have to agree with Jennifer, though, and say that I think Express is really geared towards those in their twenties. And at this point, I find their clothes REALLY overpriced. They are not super-​quality clothes, so there’s no reason for them to be charging what they are. However, if you catch their sales at Christmas they can be great! Like, I got 50% off everything, so at that point the clothes were priced more equivalent to what they SHOULD be.
I also had an issue with an online order — and Customer Service was very helpful, so for that I give them Kudos.
Overall, if you’re in your younger twenties, and can afford to shop here — then you’ll love it! :)
Personally, I only come in here around Christmas time when the sales are on, to find some Christmas gifts.

I was extremely disappointed with the customer service at this location. A woman who I assume was the manager not only failed to greet me (after walking right past me at least five times), she also berated another employee right in front of me. She was so condescending that I actually cringed and wanted to step in on behalf of the other girl. No one deserves to be treated that way.
Express, please hire better leaders who want to teach rather than bully. Taking my business elsewhere.

Service is everything. «Uno, Uno, Uno Dos Tres, Quatro! S-​Express!» Someone like me goes anywhere in Skokie and I tell them that I rarely shop at department stores, and it’s like a shutdown of service. People automatically take on the attitude of, «Ok, then have fun browsing on your own.» Not here in Vernon Hills. The service is ok at Express in Skokie; but I feel like the lady who greeted me in Vernon Hills knew how to speak my language.
First of all, I grew up shopping at Vernon Hills. I even remember my mother smoking cigarettes at Friendly’s, on the lower level, outside of Sears! For some of you, that will take you back and make you smile. BAM! Glad I made your day.
This Christmas I was my mother’s errand girl for last-​minute Christmas presents. My mission was to grab an 18-​year-​old bottle of scotch and a printer from CDW, also located in Vernon Hills. I’m growing up and getting better at checking my email so I noticed that Express was having a 50% off all items sale.
Jen Mamma needed work pants. I am not saying that Express is the best place, but it is a small store and their pants fit me better than what I can find at Macy’s. So I lay my less-​than-​flattering story on this lady, expecting it to scare her away. I also explained my body type. This usually scares all associates away. Why can’t America make pants for women without waistlines? This retail clerk doesn’t even flinch. She directs me to the columnist pants and walks me through how everything is laid out. Amazing. I wish I knew her name. All I know is that she was blond and looked over 25. I don’t think she was a manager but she was definitely aware of everything happening on the floor.
I don’t know that I will be coming back to this location; but I have to say I really appreciated the store and the overall appearance. The dressing rooms didn’t have dust bunnies building up on the floor in the corners. The clothes weren’t ravaged. Thank you so much for the fast and efficient service!

I used to love shopping at Express. I even managed to snag a job there one summer. I gladly spent 99.9% of my measly paycheck on the newest duds that I’d wear to work. I even had the credit card so I racked up bill after bill with my purchases.
Fast forward 9 years later and now, I rarely shop at Express. I still have the credit card and I still receive coupons. However, nothing brings me in anymore. My tastes have changed as I’ve grown up a bit.
To me, their clothes are too trendy, too showy, too tight and a bit too expensive for my tastes. They definitely cater to a younger crowd, which would be women in their late teens and early 20s. Also, if you are curvy, you may want to rethink shopping here.
The overall vibe of the store is young and hip. Loud dance music and top 40 hits blare in the background. The employees are also mostly young and hip.
Anyway, the only things I will even consider buying at Express are their Editor dress pants. I have several pairs and think that they are the best fitting dress pants ever. However, it’s been a while since I’ve bought a new pair so perhaps the fit has changed.
I cannot comment much on the service since I haven’t shopped there recently. However, the sales associate who helped me when I was browsing for a gift for my brother was nice. He was educated on the products and was able to make suggestions for possible options. I didn’t end up buying anything though, but appreciated the fact that he was knowledgeable and not too pushy.
Bottom line, my tastes have changed so I don’t shop here anymore, but it’s alright I guess. 2.5, but rounding up to 3 for the Editor pants.