Complete lack of service in high street shops

[Notcontent]

I went shopping today - unusually I actually had to purchase a dress for an event, rather than just browsing. I went to my local Whistles as I had seen something that I thought would be suitable. No one seemed interested in serving me. There were no shop assistants near the changing rooms to check if anyone needed different sizes. No “would you like a different size” or “how about trying that one”. When I finally managed to get a different size, it was the wrong one. Another lady asked me if I could get an assistant to come over after I had got changed back. More expensive shops are the same - I went to Wyse and Sezane a few months ago and same - absolutely no interest.

It wasn’t always the same. I remember going to Jigsaw 15 years ago or so and being helped to put together an outfit.

I know that often we don’t want help - we just want to browse - but when you are actually trying to find something, a bit of help would be good!

Is it just me?

Selfridges in Manchester I always find really good. I do wonder if they are on commission though, not that it matters to me.

Yes I would agree with you there. Had a lovely girl serve us when we were looking at handbags in Manchester Selfridges and also the shoe dept too have been good. Another shout out to tyhe All Saints concesion in there as well.

Not so good in Selfridges Birmingham where dd was treated like she might be a shoplifter when she was wanting to try some trainers on.

This. I hate those small boutique type stores where there's just 2/3 rails of barely anything and then someone following you to ask if you need any help as if you can't see all 2 rails in one go.

In general, I hate to be bothered if I'm shopping.

Oh absolutely this. Often feels like I'm asking a cheeky favour of somebody to actually serve me now there's such a bloody attitude, look I don't expect you to jump through rings and put down the red carpet I do expect you to actually look even interested in serving me.

Shopping online is awful. it's so hard to tell if you're going to like something in real life, if the quality is good, if it's likely to fit. Returning stuff is a hassle, delivery can be slow and expensive.

But shopping in real life has become a less than pleasant experience due to unhelpful staff in many places, self checkouts that don't work well, and where I live practically no shops left.

Either way, prices are up, quality is down, and service is crap.

I shop online a lot but sometimes I want to see something close up or try for size. Lately I’ve found Jigsaw and Reiss have really helpful friendly staff. John Lewis crap, either where I live or where I work. Department store makeup counters are particularly bad and if you are lucky enough to attract the attention of a sales assistant they never have any stock.

I've always hated staff coming up to me in a shop asking if I need help

However every time I ask for help I get it

I would never just stand around waiting pathetically for someone to notice me and come over

If I need help I ask and then I get the help I need

Why on earth didn't you just ask someone to help you?