Anthony Ryans

mollymolly

Has anyone else ever had a bad experience in Anthony Ryans clothes shop. i went in last week to get 2 shirts and trousers with my boyfriens. We were looking in the shirts section for about 15mins and had to go get a salesperson as no one had approaches us.

Explained what we needed and went through the differant ones. Were told ' at anthony ryans we dont let people try on shirts' and then when I politely asked could she let us as how can you pay €70 plus for a shirt without trying it on and not be allowed try it on? She then told ud to 'try the basement, it might suit your kind better'.

I was just so shocked to be treated like this I just left. It just seemed that because myself or my boyfriend wernt a wealty middle aged couple we were ignored and then what I understood to be gotten rid of as quicky as possible in case we upset their wealthy clientele by being there. We then went elsewhere to spend over €200 on shirts and trousers.

I think the salespeople in Anthony Ryans need a good crash course in basic manners. Im pretty sure igonring people and being rude to them isnt going to get sales, but it appears to be working for Anthony Ryans.

leeroybrown

If you're referring to packaged dress shirts then it seems perfectly understandable that they wouldn't allow someone try them on. No where does. The salesperson does appear to have been quite tactless in the way they dealt with you.

pseudonym1

Why dont you write a letter to the store? Its a massive store with lots of staff and customers am unsure of the circumstances surrounding all but what you said. Think they sell shirts by measurements as thats the way designer shirts are sold.
Did you try the basement? was the same service recieved there? if so i would agree with you in saying a crash course in customer sales is needed.

I have been a regular customer there for years and have to say service recieved has been second to none.

biko

I have always been treated good there. Mind, I only go in 2-3 times/year.

NickCarraway

It sounds like the basement might suit your kind better alright. I mean if you didn't know you cant take the shirts out of their packaging to try them on then clearly you don't often buy shirts there or in similar establishments.

JohnCleary

I've never had a problem in there, but Anthony himself wouldn't be of the same attitude as this sales person - I'd write a letter to him explaining your concern about the manner of staff

As for the shirt - can't comment on that, but I wouldn't expect that you'd be able to try on the packaged ones?

mollymolly

mollymolly wrote: »

Has anyone else ever had a bad experience in Anthony Ryans clothes shop. i went in last week to get 2 shirts and trousers with my boyfriens. We were looking in the shirts section for about 15mins and had to go get a salesperson as no one had approaches us.

Explained what we needed and went through the differant ones. Were told ' at anthony ryans we dont let people try on shirts' and then when I politely asked could she let us as how can you pay €70 plus for a shirt without trying it on and not be allowed try it on? She then told ud to 'try the basement, it might suit your kind better'.

I was just so shocked to be treated like this I just left. It just seemed that because myself or my boyfriend wernt a wealty middle aged couple we were ignored and then what I understood to be gotten rid of as quicky as possible in case we upset their wealthy clientele by being there. We then went elsewhere to spend over €200 on shirts and trousers.

I think the salespeople in Anthony Ryans need a good crash course in basic manners. Im pretty sure igonring people and being rude to them isnt going to get sales, but it appears to be working for Anthony Ryans.

in all fairness, who waits 15 mins for a sales rep to approach? 3 mins at most the vast majority would wait if they knew what they were after so that part of your post is BS imo.


Also, never ever go shopping with a fella, it complicates things x 1000

hate it and never go.. same as hanleys.

jus cause i walk in and look 21, and thus a student, no one even comes to help me. if i wanted service from either, i'd have to go straight from work. arsebandits.

mikemac

15 minutes is a lifetime and I don't believe you wait that long to be approached.

But if service was as bad as you say, I'd write a letter to Anthony Ryan and see where it gets you.
You could have been dealing with a dodgy salesman but it's a good store imo and complain if you're not happy

fergiesfolly

In there bout a month ago to buy a shirt.The salesman was top class and spent a good 20 mins with me going through different styles and colours. He didn't offer to take one of them out of the packaging and I wouldn't have asked(they're a nightmare to repackage-especially if you end up not buying). Ended up buying a tie as well and got a nice discount with only the slightest mention. We're lucky to still have decent local business' like Ryans in the face of the big retailers and without them we'll end up getting poor quality products from the foreigners.Having said all that, if you had a bad experience, complain. Its the only way you'll get any real satisfaction from the situation.

Mrs OBumble

fergiesfolly wrote: »

without them we'll end up getting poor quality products from the foreigners.

Maybe AR men's is different, but in the women's section, the merchansie looks remarkably similar (right down to the labels) to that sold in the UK chains "own brand" stores. I haven't examined labels for country of manufacture, but somehow doubt that it's Ireland!

fergiesfolly

fergiesfolly wrote: »

We're lucky to still have decent local business' like Ryans in the face of the big retailers and without them we'll end up getting poor quality products from the foreigners.

i don't get this point whatsoever.

edit: do you mean pennys etc. by big retailers? then i agree





on a side note, john deelys for casual wear is best shop in galway imo. he brought up a pair of jeans for me perfectly within an hour one day, for free. love that shop

Robbo

Any time I've been in Ryan's, the sales staff have been attentive and most helpful.

masonman

mollymolly wrote: »

Has anyone else ever had a bad experience in Anthony Ryans clothes shop.

I went in recently to look for a suit, It was my first time in there, I had to find a member of staff which I prefer hands down to staff being all over you. However, I have to say that I experienced the same thing, I was served by an elderly gent who was rude, and dis-interested. In the mid-sentence he turned around and started serving a middle aged couple and left me standing there like I didn't exist. He was all over them. I approached a younger chap who was a little bit more helpful but I still left empty handed as rep who looks after the area ...suits (???) was off. I have no doubt that the guys in there offer a great service (from seeing how he dealt with the other couple) But I think that level of service needs to be shown to all. Its common courtesy. The service wouldn't make me go back.

padi89

I don't know of any store that lets you try on packaged shirts as its all done by measurement, but you can still return/exchange them if there is something wrong. Why did you wait 15 mins to be approached ? If i wanted help i would have asked straight away, generally though i don't want staff jumping on me as soon as i walk in the door until i have a browse and ask for help.
I wouldn't be mad on Anthony Ryans Menswear myself il buy the odd shirt but that's it. I got dire service in there before whilst trying to buy a couple of suits so it put me off for good.If im honest some of the staff only have a basic idea about fit, matching and color and nothing more, its all very bland suggestions they put together and nothing special.

meheremc

why would you be expect to be approached, if u wanted help u shoulda asked, i work in retail and its very annoying if the customer just stands there waiting for you to come over,

galvianlord

I have no gripe against Ryans, God knows I spent often enough in there as a kid getting school uniforms etc, but it does seem very much like a shop where time has stood still.

I would say the majority of the staff are auld shtock and have been there for decades, some since they left school, others cause they are the siblings of staff who have worked there or others who get part-time jobs cause they know the Ryans. Their attitude could be explained by such long years of service resulting in boredom.

It's alway reminded me of 'Are You Being Served', the owner is always Mr/Mrs Ryan -this Mr/Mrs Ryan-that...anyway their homestore is great, one girl in particular from Eastern Europe is brill!

To the OP, I wouldnt take it to personally they dont know any better!

lightening

NickCarraway wrote: »

It sounds like the basement might suit your kind better alright. I mean if you didn't know you cant take the shirts out of their packaging to try them on then clearly you don't often buy shirts there or in similar establishments.

Amazing. "Your kind" would spend that type of money on a fitted shirt without trying it on?

I have to wear shirts for work and I have found that buying good fitted ones is actually more economical, they don't fall apart after a few washes and irons, they stay in shape for longer and they look a lot better than the cheaper ones. I am in Dublin and like to support the smaller guys. They bend over backwards to help and if the shirt is prepacked there is never a problem opening them up.

I wouldn't stand for that OP, you were dead right to spend your money elsewhere.

GunScope

I had to go in there recently to buy a dress shirt, bow-tie and cummerbund.

To be honest I never asked to try the shirt on, however I am male and did go shopping without the sage advice of a woman by my side (what a fool i am :P) ... was in and out in 15 minutes, after a wee chat with the salesperson about my sizes etc ... bish bash bosh all done.

Quiet painless in my experience ....

Robbo

GunScope wrote: »

I had to go in there recently to buy a dress shirt, bow-tie and cummerbund.

To be honest I never asked to try the shirt on, however I am male and did go shopping without the sage advice of a woman by my side (what a fool i am :P) ... was in and out in 15 minutes, after a wee chat with the salesperson about my sizes etc ... bish bash bosh all done.

Quiet painless in my experience ....

That is the proper male way to shop. It's a mission with a defined goal. You go in and out with surgical precision.

Irregardless of whether or not somebody should be allowed to try on a packaged shirt, it was not right for the salesperson to refer to them as "your kind". Had it been me, I would have complained straight to a manager.

kayos

Robbo wrote: »

That is the proper male way to shop. It's a mission with a defined goal. You go in and out with surgical precision.

+1

it also gives you more pub time.

biko

Damn hippies, gerruouta mah shop

Das Kitty

Deleted User wrote: »

Irregardless of whether or not somebody should be allowed to try on a packaged shirt, it was not right for the salesperson to refer to them as "your kind". Had it been me, I would have complained straight to a manager.

I find it very hard to believe that this is what was said exactly.

Dunno, I just have a feeling about the original post.

leeroybrown

I'd agree with Das Kitty. The OP is leaving an impression that they might have just made a veiled attempt at politeness and then made a point of taking the response up the wrong way. As I alluded to in my original reply, the shop assistant probably should have been more tactful in how they dealt with it.

I've only ever had good service there. No hard sell, no pestering, just good service when I wanted it.

NickCarraway

lightening wrote: »

Amazing. "Your kind" would spend that type of money on a fitted shirt without trying it on?

Actually, I only buy tailored shirts.

Das Kitty wrote: »

I find it very hard to believe that this is what was said exactly.

Dunno, I just have a feeling about the original post.

Yeah, I doubt she said it like that. Maybe the OP imagined it was said like that, people with low self-esteem can do that sometimes. Or perhaps the OP works for a rival retailers and is trying to discredit Ryan's. Damn Enable Ireland!

masonman

NickCarraway wrote: »

Or perhaps the OP works for a rival retailers and is trying to discredit Ryan's. Damn Enable Ireland!

Next week's News: Burger King Scouts trying to discredit Supermacs -The cheeky rascals. Their Crowns gave them away. You heard it here first

lightening

NickCarraway wrote: »

Actually, I only buy tailored shirts.

Out of a packet? Someone is having you on my friend.

NickCarraway

lightening wrote: »

Out of a packet? Someone is having you on my friend.

Uhmm, no, prole. From a tailors.

inisboffin

:rolleyes:
A lot of snobfoolery goin' on in this thread:P

In this day and age, I believe a customer has the right to try on a garment, unless it is ultra-service (and tailored) measurement in the establishment, in which case I would expect a Veuve Cliquot or Latte while waiting :P

I can actually see people waiting 15 mins. It is very old school to browse and wait until the assistant comes over (I wouldn't wait that long mind). The American model of asking you if you are ok every 10 seconds drives me mad, but surely there is the 'if you need any help let me know' solution.

OP if you were treated like you describe, then that is unacceptable, and you should write to the shop, as it will hurt their business if more people are treated this way. Anthony Ryans has a solid reputation, and customer service is a part of that. If you exaggerated the situation a bit, it sounds like you are still upset. Let the shop know that you think their 'no trying on' policy is discouraging, and could they offer a solution.
Always best to speak up rather than seethe.

Xiney

Packed shirts don't get tried on - you can ask the salesperson to take the relevant measurements, however.

Frankly, I wish women's clothes were sold measured like this rather than in sizes, which seem to vary from store to store.

inisboffin

Not always true - some shops will unpack the shirts as a service. And particularly older smaller establishments (I am thinking Dublin here)
But yes, measurements should be taken, and in this instance, it would have been appropriate to offer this. Younger customers may not know the usual set-up for packaged shirts and measurements for example.
Again, there is night and day between the overkill of customer service seen in other countries, I personally would prefer to be hassled less rather than more, but we could do with a bit more courtesy and common sense.
I'm not saying for people in shops to be 'grovelly', but you can be friendly without being false

Mrs OBumble

meheremc wrote: »

why would you be expect to be approached, if u wanted help u shoulda asked, i work in retail and its very annoying if the customer just stands there waiting for you to come over,

You might like to ask your manager for a bit of training: Your behaviour is costing them in both lost sales (I'm not going to waste my time waiting until you can be bothered serving me) and lost stock (active customer monitoring and service is important for shop-lifting prevention).

Unless you're working in the likes of Penneys or Dunnes, retail involves a lot more than standing by the till taking money.

masonman

JustMary wrote: »

You might like to ask your manager for a bit of training: Your behaviour is costing them in both lost sales

On the contrary, I'd be more p1ssed off by annoying staff who hassle me too quickly, sometimes has made me leave a shop. Yeah theres a balance but SO many sales staff get it wrong.

I think what he was referring to was the people who make it obvious they need help but don't ask - can be quite annoying but funny at the same time (used to work in retail)

If you need help- ask. Otherwise leave them alone until they approach. A smile and a hello will suffice if you make eye contact. Training done.

inisboffin

My aunt would say "ah no leave them, they're busy. They would have come over if the weren't busy, we'll come back later" or something to that effect.
You ARE losing sales by not engaging the customers overall. At least with some customers who are used to being approached. Fact.

Now I lived in the States, and like I've said a few times in this thread, hassly staff were awful. Smiling is enough contact for a lot of people, but unfortunately isn't for all. I still stand by the 'let me know if you need any help' greeting. Simple, non hassly, and the SALES person opened up the communication, so easier to follow on.

mollymolly

NickCarraway wrote: »

Actually, I only buy tailored shirts.



Yeah, I doubt she said it like that. Maybe the OP imagined it was said like that, people with low self-esteem can do that sometimes. Or perhaps the OP works for a rival retailers and is trying to discredit Ryan's. Damn Enable Ireland!

I have no issues with self esteem and as it was not me buying the clothes I dont see how my self esteem would matter. I was shopping with someone. I understand shirts are sold by measurment but just because its your measurment does not mean its a perfect fit and as they dont take them back it should not be the most unreasonable request to try it on. Geraghtys open as many shirts as you want and ive seen them put them back with the same ease. I was not asking Ryans to do cartwheels for us, just to be polite. And the basement was casual shirts, not what we needed. I did not hear the saleswoman wrong or hear what i wanted to hear and we did wait 15 mins.
I realise I waited a long time at my own stupidity to be served but I have been working in retail for 7 years and am now a manager, this is not how you make a sale. I was made feel uncomfortable enough to not want to approach anyone.

EuskalHerria

What you seem to have here is a very tricky situation. You seem to like the clothes within this store yet the help as can be seen from the story, looks down on the customers it assumes didn't just win the lottery. I received good advice this week i would like to pass on to you and no need to thank me as my good deed for the day will surely be done:)





I suggest you enter the store as normal, maybe browse around before hand then when it is least suspected bludgeon the staff with a shovel and make it look like suicide. No need to thank me as I've played knifey spooney before;)