Unsuccessfull Shopping Trip

**Darkislander** · 9th March 08, 04:41 PM

I took a trip into Glasgow City today with a notion to look for a second kilt. Starting to feel left out now as most xmarkers seem to have more than one.

On Sauchiehall Street, I happened upon Geoffrey Tailor who had a big sign "basement sale". As I am looking to buy used, ideal I thought.

There were 3 female staff sitting around a desk as I looked through the kilt collection, with most being around 130-150 GBP. Still a lot of money to me anyway. Well I guess basement sale meant basement service as neither of the staff approached me nor offered assistance. I left with nothing. It reminds me of the time I went into their shop in Oban to buy a pair of hose. When trying them on they felt hideous. Mostly poly. I returned them, but they were unwilling to take them back. I managed to talk them around to exchanging them for a belt buckle, having to add the monetary difference of course.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 9th March 08, 05:04 PM

In my experience, the staff at Geoffrey Tailor are only there to discourage shop-lifting and take your money. I have found them to be neither friendly, helpful, nor knowledgeable.

**RobertParker** · 9th March 08, 05:08 PM

That stinks. I seem to remember something of the kind the times I've visited the Edinburgh store. Nonetheless, they seemed to have good quality stuff when you are able to find what you want.

**Panache** · 10th March 08, 07:03 AM

I have only dealt with the staff of Geoffrey Tailor at their booth at Highland Games and found them very polite and knowledgeable.

Sorry you had a bad experience.

Cheers

Jamie

**Phil** · 10th March 08, 07:11 AM

If you ask them they are usually helpful although I have not yet spoken to a particularly knowledgeable one. I never find them rushing forward but then I don't like pushy sales assistants anyway. I usually just say "Just having a look" and leave. Is that good kilt shop still there in Renfrew Street? I am going back 20 odd years now but it used to be a good one.

**Finn** · 10th March 08, 07:11 AM

As a retail and customer service professional, I am very sorry to hear that. I worked the UK booth at GMHG '05 and we were all over everyone who came in that tent. Any retailer needs to show that they're glad you're there. In Ohio our unofficial goal was to be the Disney of highway rest stops. The cusomer is the only reason a business exists.
Erg.

**Panache** · 10th March 08, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

...I never find them rushing forward but then I don't like pushy sales assistants anyway.

I too when shopping, much prefer to be greated politely and be given a chance to peruse a merchants wares without having someone breathing down my neck.

Cheers

Jamie

**McClef** · 10th March 08, 09:25 AM

This is something I have raised before and Hamish undertook to pass it on to Howie which he did.

Upon several previous visits I had had similar experiences but upon my last one last October I felt that things were much improved and for once bought something there.

It's not pushy to greet a visiting potential customer and asking if they require assistance. It doesn't hurt to be polite and helpful.

**James MacMillan** · 10th March 08, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

This is something I have raised before and Hamish undertook to pass it on to Howie which he did.

Upon several previous visits I had had similar experiences but upon my last one last October I felt that things were much improved and for once bought something there.

It's not pushy to greet a visiting potential customer and asking if they require assistance. It doesn't hurt to be polite and helpful.

Emphasis added by me to stress my support for this idea!

It is sadly becoming rare in the entire world to see sales staff that understand this.

**Hamish** · 10th March 08, 09:40 AM

I will make no comment on this matter as I have no vested interest in the establishment in question, but I am a close friend of Geoffrey Nicholsby and his family. Trefor is correct, in the past I did pass his comments over to Howie (Geoffrey's son) and, since I am meeting with Howie again this coming Saturday, I will print off this thread and give it to him.

Both the Glasgow and Oban branches are unknown to me but I do know many of the staff in the Edinburgh shops and I have witnessed them at work. In my experience they are extremely knowledgeable, attentive and pleasant - but I am not there all the time!

Let us see what Howie can do about this for us.

Take care,
Ham.