AIBU?
Feeling sad after returning empty handed from shopping trip.
Trabbadabbadoo · 16/04/2021 17:32
I had a long-awaited trip into Kingston today. I wasn't looking for anything in particular - just a bit of retail therapy and the hope of brightening up my spring wardrobe. I visited just about every clothes shop but didn't find a single thing I remotely liked. 
It's not the first time that's happened by any means - I often feel like whoever buys the stock chooses for their own weird taste, body shape and lifestyle, rather than mine - but the pandemic has taken its toll too. Many shops were selling unseasonal stock, or selling off a jumble of surplus stock. It was very busy, but I didn't see many people with an armful of bags, so I guess I wasn't the only one disappointed. Has anyone had a more positive experience? The post-pandemic boom may not happen for a while if we all return empty handed.
Am I being unreasonable?
AIBUYou have one vote. All votes are anonymous.
nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 16/04/2021 17:38
It depends on what style of clothes you like and whether that's currently in fashion!
Also not buying armfuls of bags is probably better from an environmental point of view. Ive found many people are less materialistic and not buying for the sake of it, myself included.
I went shopping this week and just bought dd2 some summer shorts, lighter tops and joggers for pe. Before I would have bought more but she nor anyone in my house needs it! There was plenty of options and I found it was mostly spring/summer in the shops.
JovialNickname · 16/04/2021 18:41
I think all the shops opening is an event that sounded much more exciting in theory than it is in practice! I too had visions of myself returning home all happy carrying armfuls of shopping, but in reality I couldn't find anything either. (I am also a Kingstonian!) I think I'd forgotten that usually when I go clothes shopping it does take me ages to find anything. I normally have to do a few trips. And that's when the changing rooms are open, which most of them aren't at the moment! Maybe think of it as a process over a few shopping trips rather then one big event, that's what I'm going to do.
Wearywithteens · 16/04/2021 18:51
This reply has been withdrawn
This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.
Mooloolabababy · 16/04/2021 19:06
I went clothes shopping yesterday and was really disappointed too. I was looking forward to a spendathon in Primark but they had nothing in my size, they only had 6s and 8s left, they didn't even have any shoes in my size and I'm a 6! I came home very deflated.
Tal45 · 16/04/2021 19:06
@Wearywithteens
Uurrgggh I hate those puffy sleeves too. Mind you I do nearly all my clothes shopping at Primark so I'm hardly the height of fashion.
Twofurrycatsagain · 16/04/2021 21:23
Oh I hear you. After lockdown last year I went to Harrogate for a shopping treat day. I was disappointed. Don't display clothes with a jaunty new in sign when I bought them last year.
I ended up with a scented candle from tk maxx - could have done that at my local branch - and an impulse buy of an expensive moisturiser. Brought me out in spots.
ConeHat · 17/04/2021 00:17
I feel exactly the same. I was looking forward to my first shopping trip but struggled to feel inspired. I think it's because I haven't needed to go anywhere for so long I cant imagine why I would need anything new to wear.
Maybe things will improve as life returns to more like normality but I'm a bit Stockholm syndrome and stuck in lockdown mindset. I hope it passes. But yes seeing lots of random season things in the shops isnt inspiring. They still had Christmas things out in some shops.
Trabbadabbadoo · 17/04/2021 08:23
On the bright side, some smaller shops did have their changing rooms open - Anthropologie and White Stuff both did. To me Anthropologie feels more like walking around the costume room of a theatre than a serious attempt at a clothes shop, but if they'd had anything remotely suitable at least I would have been able to try it on.
I normally get on better in White Stuff, but their stock was very depleted - it felt like the very back end of a sale season, but without the attractive "new in" racks.
ThatOtherPoster · 17/04/2021 08:27
I’m back at work and shopping in my lunch hour on my small high street. I’ve bought a great FatFace long-sleeved T shirt and earrings in their sale. And a gorgeous Monsoon jumper in a charity shop. And a garish jumper in the M&Co sale that I really only wanted because I was freezing at the time.
Trabbadabbadoo · 17/04/2021 08:29
The whole back section of the women's clothing floor at Bentalls (department store) felt more like TK Max, with jumbled racks. But they still had the overpriced designer stuff by the door - my eye was caught very briefly by a plain coloured hoody, but the price tag was £250! 
TeaMeBasil · 17/04/2021 08:49
I did my first shop yesterday - was all excited to spot a cobalt blue floaty maxi dress (exactly what I'd been thinking about lately just with what looked like a hanky hem)..... only to get it home and find it's actually a 'relaxed romper'.
Like a weird jumpsuit....it does not look good.
That'll teach me to whizz it to the checkout so fast...such a great colour, why would they do this? Surely a normal maxi would suit a lot more people?
peak2021 · 17/04/2021 10:22
Sadly not surprised to read of the OPs experience. Even in normal times our high street clothing retailing is a national disgrace and shame. Pre pandemic the only ones seemingly growing in business were Sports Direct and Primark. To keep a presence on as many high streets as possible, it seems small lines and limited sizes are part of the offering.
The French may have Emmanuel Macron as President but at least they have style.
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.