Store employees wearing store clothes with tags on, then selling it after

[wintermint]

I know this happens at Guess. I was looking for a sweater once, and asked a sales associate if they had any left. She said, "I'm wearing the last one!" and then took it off and gave it to me. It still had the tags, but it obviously wasn't new anymore. She told me that they were allowed to wear the clothes as long as the tags were still on. I was pretty appalled. It doesn't seem right that I am paying retail price for something supposedly NEW, that might actually have been worn before (for a prolonged period of time, not just a try-on in the changeroom)!

I heard this happens at Aritzia too, but I don't have any confirmation.

What other stores do this?

[LonesomeDove]

Does this policy apply to underwear as well?

[deltone]

I've never heard of such a thing. Talk about disgusting. I mean what if they sweat all over the item, or they eat their lunch, or smoke wearing the thing. I guess people need to start sniffing clothing before buying. Sheesh

Guess clothing is quite expensive too, and there is no discount for buying second hand.

[kidgoku]

Does this policy apply to underwear as well?

Sure...

I'm wearing the last M/M Underwear, Let me take it off, Don't worry. the tags are still on.:eek:

[SeeYouNextTime]

If that's the case, then I'd buy the clothes, wear it with tags on, then return it, if she said that to me.

[frugalbugal]

I have seen this at Danier as well. I guess the employees there can't afford an entire wardrobe made of leather jackets so they "borrow" them from the racks. I for one would be pretty P.O'd to know a jacket I was buying was worn for an 8 hour shift by someone else.
Pretty gross actually.

[ionic]

Thanks for the head's up.

If you really wanted to do something about it, I would have talked to the manager, or a head office. Sounds like a CSR's self policy more than a franchise policy. And how the heck are you supposed to sell the last of something when its being worn and not on display?

You were right to be disgusted.

[zoolander]

You never know, you could also be potentially buying an item that has been tried on and/or returned after worn, tags still on.
But yeah, that's bad PR and dissuades people from shopping there.
However, they should not be doing that at Danier. Many people don't clean their leather jackets before wearing.

[Jon Lai]

The shirt could've been worn by one employee for 8 hours, or tried on my 20 other customers in 8 hours.. what do you prefer?

Don't you guys all wash your clothes before you wear them? There is no such thing as "new".. everything is bound to have been tried on before you decided to buy it.

[HowEver]

Thanks for the head's up.

If you really wanted to do something about it, I would have talked to the manager, or a head office. Sounds like a CSR's self policy more than a franchise policy. And how the heck are you supposed to sell the last of something when its being worn and not on display?

You were right to be disgusted.

Excellent point. If they really wanted to do something about it, they would tell the manager on duty.

Posting here helps a few people, but without telling the manager, it's a specious thread.

[SeeYouNextTime]

in any event, if that happened, I'd pursue a deep discount for a worn shirt, even with tags. If they don't budge, I'd get the manager involved.

[Hard_Taco]

No one would buy a new pair of pants now since they have been farted on.

[MrBurns]

Better than using the underarm deodorant.

[The Silver Shadow]

I saw this once in Tommy Hilfiger about 4 years ago. A male employee wearing a polo shirt and I could see the outline of the store's tags underneath his shirt. Perhaps a one off?

ETA: I should also add that the shirt was pretty popular at the time, so maybe the employee bought it and forgot to take the tag off.

[wintermint]

Excellent point. If they really wanted to do something about it, they would tell the manager on duty.

Posting here helps a few people, but without telling the manager, it's a specious thread.

Read the question.

I'm not looking to "do something about it". If the store operates that way, then so be it, I know they are not likely to change something that is their corporate policy. I'm looking to find out what other stores do the same thing so I can be more diligent when/if shopping there.

[jerryhung]

Is it almost similar to customers trying on clothes with tags on, and not want it, and then employees fold them back to be put on display for next customer to purchase?

I don't think most clothes are "brand new never been worn" in the stores

[tomthegreat]

Just wash the clothes when you get home, problem solved..

[Ackbar]

Just wash the clothes when you get home, problem solved..

+1 I always wash clothes before wearing them. I never know what kind of stinky freaks have tried them on previously.

[speedyforme]

eh I still find a difference between trying it on and wearing it for an 8 hour shift, but that's just me

[CNeufeld]

eh I still find a difference between trying it on and wearing it for an 8 hour shift, but that's just me

+1 on this. If I went into a store and they told me that was the policy, I'd fire off an e-mail to the store manager and the company manager (if it was part of a chain) saying that I was no longer shopping there due to the policy. It may not make a difference to the store, but at least they'd know that at least one shopper found the practice objectionable.

At least when people are trying on the clothes, there's a reason for it (i.e. they want to see how it fits on them, or whatever). I don't see a useful reason for a store employee wearing the clothes.

Clint

[zoolander]

We wash all new clothes before wearing but what about leather? How do you disinfect/clean it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRLJXhlOf1M

[redfest]

Saw this happen at H&M as well.

[FroogleDude]

Was she at least hot? lol j/k. Yeah, that's kind of messed up. :confused:

[tomtomtom]

Where do you think all the refunded clothes end up? That's right, back to the racks for resale.

Who knows if the last gal/guy have worn it for how long.

[HowEver]

Read the question.

I'm not looking to "do something about it". If the store operates that way, then so be it, I know they are not likely to change something that is their corporate policy. I'm looking to find out what other stores do the same thing so I can be more diligent when/if shopping there.

Do you really think it's corporate policy that employees wear the clothes?

If you're right, thanks for drawing that to our attention.

If not, the manager wants to know about this.

And if it's corporate policy, and no one ever complains to the manager, it's not going to change anytime soon, is it?

[MsMurphy]

I have worked at several corporately owned business' along with indepently run stores.
the clothing chains I've worked for do not permit this and actually if an associate is found to be wearing piece of merchandise that isn't paid for it's grounds for dismissal under Loss Prevention policies. In my 20 years i have had to fire over this.
Now at one point I worked for Claire's accessories and they did encourage the employees to wear the merchandise and put it back after the shift... earrings and body jewelry were not included in this policy.

I spent a very brief time working in a highend ladies boutique and the owner also encouraged me to wear the merchandise, which I was always very uncomfortable doing..and thankfully being only 5'2" I could get away with declining as most of my clothing needs to be hemmed. this lady would have the items drycleaned or washed prior to selling them...nice touch however I never really agreed with this policy and it's one of the reasons I left! It just didn't sit right with me... a customer is expected to drop $165 on a pair of Simon Chang pants...pay the full price and they have been enjoyed by the owner and other staff!!!

I've had customers who have tired items on in the fitting rooms..decide on an item only to swap it for a different one on the rack...same item and size..."I want a fresh one" ok... how many other people do you think have done that exact thing... your fresh top has been tried on by 15 other people prior to you arriving at my store!!!

Any items returned to me...I inspect and if they appear slightly worn I damage them out of our inventory. I will NOT put worn merchandise back on the sales floor. I've had people return things that they have kept the tag and bought them selves one of those fancy little ticket guns..re-attached the tag and marched in and demanded a refund!! ahhh this could go on and on.

I would have demanded a discount on the item...or spoke to the manager.
there is no way in HE-LL I would pay full price for something previously enjoyed by a staff member!!! no way no how!!

[intelmic]

Wow, I'll never shop in a clothing store the same way now.:!:

[wintermint]

Do you really think it's corporate policy that employees wear the clothes?

If you're right, thanks for drawing that to our attention.

If not, the manager wants to know about this.

And if it's corporate policy, and no one ever complains to the manager, it's not going to change anytime soon, is it?

I took her words at face value, that she was allowed to do so. It wouldn't make sense for an employee to so brazenly wear clothes with the tags on right in front of the manager without the manager knowing, wouldn't you agree? It would have to be some clueless manager!


I have worked at several corporately owned business' along with indepently run stores.
the clothing chains I've worked for do not permit this and actually if an associate is found to be wearing piece of merchandise that isn't paid for it's grounds for dismissal under Loss Prevention policies. In my 20 years i have had to fire over this.
Now at one point I worked for Claire's accessories and they did encourage the employees to wear the merchandise and put it back after the shift... earrings and body jewelry were not included in this policy.

I spent a very brief time working in a highend ladies boutique and the owner also encouraged me to wear the merchandise, which I was always very uncomfortable doing..and thankfully being only 5'2" I could get away with declining as most of my clothing needs to be hemmed. this lady would have the items drycleaned or washed prior to selling them...nice touch however I never really agreed with this policy and it's one of the reasons I left! It just didn't sit right with me... a customer is expected to drop $165 on a pair of Simon Chang pants...pay the full price and they have been enjoyed by the owner and other staff!!!

I've had customers who have tired items on in the fitting rooms..decide on an item only to swap it for a different one on the rack...same item and size..."I want a fresh one" ok... how many other people do you think have done that exact thing... your fresh top has been tried on by 15 other people prior to you arriving at my store!!!

Any items returned to me...I inspect and if they appear slightly worn I damage them out of our inventory. I will NOT put worn merchandise back on the sales floor. I've had people return things that they have kept the tag and bought them selves one of those fancy little ticket guns..re-attached the tag and marched in and demanded a refund!! ahhh this could go on and on.

I would have demanded a discount on the item...or spoke to the manager.
there is no way in HE-LL I would pay full price for something previously enjoyed by a staff member!!! no way no how!!

Wow, thanks for your insider input. That was quite an eye-opener! I would feel uncomfortable in your situation as well.. it is like you are forced to trick the customers in a way. I understand that stores would want to "showcase" their items on mannequins and sales staff, but isn't that what employee discounts are for? I know GAP lets employees buy a limited number of clothes each month for super cheap, probably so they can wear it to work - that makes a lot more sense.

[bryan35]

[QUOTE=
I've had customers who have tired items on in the fitting rooms..decide on an item only to swap it for a different one on the rack...same item and size..."I want a fresh one" ok... how many other people do you think have done that exact thing... your fresh top has been tried on by 15 other people prior to you arriving at my store!!!
[/QUOTE]

Hope the "fresh" item doesn't fit right or has a tear in it.

[bryan35]

Just wash the clothes when you get home, problem solved..


Just buy used clothes then!!!

[Jon Lai]

Just buy used clothes then!!!

I can't return those.

Please guys, unless you're shopping at some high class boutique, otherwise they are bound to have been worn before you decide to take it home.

[tomtomtom]

Just buy used clothes then!!!

Stop trolling.:mad:

[torontoraptor]

Wow, I never even knew this occurred. That's pretty disgusting. I don't want my clothes worn by other people for shifts at a time, their sweat on them, dead skin cells and who knows what else.

I worked at two clothing places and never would I have been told to wear items from the store and put them back later. If I had to wear the clothing from the store, I would have to buy them first.

[FerrisB]

No one would buy a new pair of pants now since they have been farted on.

I'm wearing the last pair of those pants, but you can have them!

*FAAAAAART* oops, sorry. Now let me get these off for you.

[ES_Revenge]

She said, "I'm wearing the last one!" and then took it off and gave it to me.
What was she wearing underneath the sweater? You should have said "uh I think that shirt is the last one too, can I have that?" :lol: See how much clothes you could get her to take off :D :twisted:

[intelmic]

What was she wearing underneath the sweater? You should have said "uh I think that shirt is the last one too, can I have that?" :lol: See how much clothes you could get her to take off :D :twisted:

:iatp:

[Cheap Cat]

I had a friend who worked part time in a high end clothing store and they were told that they had to wear the clothes but they had to buy them. I didn't think this was right given what she was paid but it sure was a lot better than lender her the clothes and then putting them back on the shelf. Yuck.

There is a big difference between trying the clothes on for a few minutes and someone wearing something all day long. How many times are they wearing these clothes? How many different employees have worn the item? Shame on stores for doing this. I don't think it is appropriate.

[spudlauncher]

pretty much all retail clothing stores have that policy.
Most have return policies/exchanges after x days as long as it "looks" new
and the tags are all attached.

Honestly, if you think that's disturbing, consider the fact that when you buy shoes; the majority of the time people have actually tried on the same pair, even if it came from the back

[trixR4kids]

pretty much all retail clothing stores have that policy.
Most have return policies/exchanges after x days as long as it "looks" new
and the tags are all attached.

Honestly, if you think that's disturbing, consider the fact that when you buy shoes; the majority of the time people have actually tried on the same pair, even if it came from the back

as well as the socks they make u wear before trying a shoe on!