topic Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores in Fashion

Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

TY — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 03:23:49 GMT

Why do I buy clothes and shoes from bricks and mortar stores instead of online now? Shipping costs (shipping and return fees) and also clothing and shoe fit. I almost never get shoes to fit from the ones I've bought and ended up returning online. There's always something wrong from poor fit in the heel or cheap and scratching shoe linings. At least in a store I can see and feel the clothes and shoes in person.

Today I was in Winners and tried on 2 pair of the same pair of Angels curvy skinny jeans in a size 16 and a pair of high rise Royalty jeans in a size 14. The size 14 I could barely button the waistband and the rise in the back was too short even though it was supposed to be a high rise pair of jeans. The first pair of Angels jeans had a wonky zipper and the waistband was too big. The second pair that were the same size and style and fit me perfectly. So I bought them.

I tried on at least 8 pair of shoes in stores this past week and there was something wrong with all of them from heels that slipped to scratchy linings to shoes that cut corners on materials. I ended up not buying any of them. If I have trouble with shoes in store, why would looking online be any better? I would end up paying shipping and returns because I'm in Canada.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

lovesrecess — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 03:49:10 GMT

I have found Naturalizer sizing and quality to be very consistent. I know my size in their shoes and have never had to return a pair. Since retiring I need more casual flats and I can get good quality leather shoes there. I find dressy shoes at Steinmart. I have to try those on in the store...I never know how a shoe will fit me nowadays, other than Naturalizer. It’s not the fanciest of designer brands, but it works for me!

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

ECBG — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:24:33 GMT

All of my shoe brands fit the same for that style type. Sandals, slip ons, and boots. Several brands I can wear the sandals but not the boot!

I won't order if I have no experience in a store with a shoe brand.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Icegoddess — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:31:47 GMT

I don't have much trouble with buying shoes online, but I really need to try on clothing especially with this new trend of skinny sleeves. Plus, I have a shapely booty and large legs, so pants are a difficult fit for me. Boots are impossible because of the large calves which is really a shame because I love boots.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

DiAnne — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:32:42 GMT

I have an usual shoe size - 12 narrow - I know what brands make 12 narrow and which brands I can wear so it is unusual I ever have to return a pair of shoes. I also hate, hate, hate to shop.

I shop online for other items also but most of clothes I buy have brick and mortar stores at my local mall but there are more choices online. If I need to return something I just swing buy while doing my errands.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

chrystaltree — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:37:53 GMT

I buy all my shoes and boots online and I have no problems at all. I wear a size 10W so I have better options online. I can find anything I want online. Stores don't carry fashionable shoes in W widths. Of course, I know what styles, heel heights etc. work for me. I don't buy shoes I wish I could wear, I buy what I know I can wear.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

ECBG — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:42:46 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
I don't have much trouble with buying shoes online, but I really need to try on clothing especially with this new trend of skinny sleeves. Plus, I have a shapely booty and large legs, so pants are a difficult fit for me. Boots are impossible because of the large calves which is really a shame because I love boots.

@Icegoddess Ann Taylor has some very pretty wider leg dress pants if you're interested.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Susan Louise — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 05:03:07 GMT

The last time I bought any clothes from a brick & mortar store was in 2004 and it was at Coldwater Creek. That was the year I discovered QVC and haven't looked back since...LOL

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

GCR18 — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 05:09:16 GMT

I shop mostly online for clothing. Shoes can be hit or miss. If I stick to brands I know work, all is good. I know when I go off track there will be trouble and there usually is.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Icegoddess — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 05:15:30 GMT

@ECBG wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:
I don't have much trouble with buying shoes online, but I really need to try on clothing especially with this new trend of skinny sleeves. Plus, I have a shapely booty and large legs, so pants are a difficult fit for me. Boots are impossible because of the large calves which is really a shame because I love boots.
@Icegoddess Ann Taylor has some very pretty wider leg dress pants if you're interested.

@ECBG , thanks. I really don't want wide leg pants because I'm also short and wide legs make me look dumpier. However, anything skinny leg is out of the question. I can wear straight leg as a skinny jean except the pants ankles are too wide to be skinny pants. I can generally wear a slight boot cut or straight leg dress pant except I normally have to have the waist taken in becasue of the booty, which adds to the price of the pants.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

ID2 — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:14:10 GMT

Oh yes! When it comes to buying shoes or pants I must shop at a local brick and mortar store!

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

LexaMom — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:19:22 GMT

I used to do that - back in the 80's and 90's - went to the mall almost every weekend. But now - its so much more convenient to shop online and on the TV.. gives me back an afternoon for my other interests, hobbies.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Sylanne — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:21:22 GMT

I don't like internet shopping. Just about everything I buy is from a b/m store. I want to see first hand what my money is paying for.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Pook — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:53:59 GMT

B & M stores don't work for me. I don't want to wear the same limited styles available at all the B & M stores that everyone else are wearing. I used to order a lot of clothing from catalogs before the internet. I wear a wide width shoe and very few B & M stores carry anything but conservative styles in wide. If B & M shopping works for anyone that's great but I don't like wasting my time hoping to find something I might like. I return or exchange next to nothing since I read reviews to get an idea if brands run small or large and once I know I can order and know what will and won't fit.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 12:48:33 GMT

This is why I would rather buy my things in real stores. Sizing is really not consistent. You can try on 4 pairs of pants of the same size and they will all fit differently.

And, of course, when you buy on-line, there is the description, color, fabric, etc. -- but its not the same as seeing it with your own eyes and feeling it.

As for shoe buying on-line --- forget it. This is a disaster for me. I just gave up on that.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

kaydee50 — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:22:48 GMT

I'll buy online not only from the shopping networks but from websites where I'm familiar with the brands, e.g. Macys, L&T. But I need to try on shoes, pants and coats/jackets so b&m stores work for me. And I actually like looking in the stores, feeling the fabrics and seeing the styles. It's fun for me!

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

willdob3 — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:22:49 GMT

I think we should all shop whatever way works for us.

I work full time and don’t have the time to wander from store to store searching for something I like that is probably not there anyway. Past experience ended most of my B&M shopping for clothes and shoes.

I’m careful about what I buy and do pretty well. Garment measurements are great and, if something is off, well, free exchange and returns work for me. I rarely pay return shipping. If it goes back there is usually an issue that means free returns.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Chicagosuburbangirl — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:24:46 GMT

Most of my clothes are from the Goodwill, Salvation Army or local hospital charity shop.

What is great is that I oftentimes get compliments on my style of dress.

The clothing I buy, after carefully inspecting, is hardly worn.

The pieces are somewhat older, well made, better brands (which wear very well).

My favorite part is that no one looks like me!

Shoes, I must try on due to a weirdly narrow heel and one foot quite a bit longer than the other.

Most always my shoes are purchased new at TJ Maxx.

I still enjoy walking the local malls and looking at the new fashions.

Usually I just end up purchasing a cup of coffee, although the mall is my go to for gift giving items.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

Mary Bailey — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:38:54 GMT

I like B&M clothes because I can try on, no shipping. I'd rather buy clearance if I can. That way when I get tired of it I don't feel like I should keep it just because I spent a lot of money on it.

Re: Why I buy clothes from bricks and mortar stores

tototwo — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:49:30 GMT

I'm right there with ya, @TY! I shop in stores so I can check the quality and feel of the fabric, and try on clothing, before I buy it. And, I can take it home with me that day and not have to wait for the mail delivery. No shipping charges; no returns.

But, I have a small, very narrow foot. I've never been able to just walk into a store and buy shoes, except for sneakers that I can tie tight. I've been ordering my shoes for decades, long before there was an internet.