Max Mara

I unfortunately have to agree with other reviewers here and say that my experience with the Bellevue Max Mara location was eerily similar to theirs. Exceedingly high-​pressure salespeople– you feel rushed while trying things on, are misled about alterations and not informed about the return policy. Returns are NOT accepted, except for store credit and only in very limited cases. In this day and age, with Nordstrom and other luxury retailers nearby offering better terms– in fact the Max Mara website offering better terms! — why on earth would you buy here?
Ostensibly, the argument for boutique shopping is twofold: VIP service experience and selection. Unfortunately, the Bellevue boutique delivers neither.
Not recommended; in fact, avoid.

I’m going to have to chime in with some other reviewers here. Upon entering the Max Mara location at Bellevue Square, the only word I can think of to describe the gaze of the older, Asian manager and her Asian protégé is «stinkeye». I wasn’t sure why. Did I not look rich enough? Did I need to give the Julia Roberts speech? «Hey, I got money to spend here!»
Upon further observation, I gathered that there is a lot more enthusiasm for customers who are Korean, Chinese, etc. whereas others are looked upon with suspicion, as if we’re not really going to spend money there.
I decided to shop elsewhere since my attempt to spend money while Caucasian was frowned upon.
Max Mara, you would benefit highly from sending secret shoppers to this location so you can document this treatment for yourself. As I read other stories here, it’s rather bizarre that your manager thinks all Koreans, Chinese, etc. like to buy (fill in the blank) even if they were born in San Diego in 1990. People have an array of tastes. Her stereotypes need to stop.
I’m also assuming you like people of all nationalities to buy merchandise since businesses typically like to make more money vs, less money. I’m afraid my next Max Mara purchase will have to be in another state or country. Yes, I can afford to travel to a different country. Imagine that!
BIG MISTAKE! HUGE!

If I could give zero stars I would. The worst store I’ve ever been to in years. Agree with Steve S. and Juyoung L. Pushy sales people. Poor assortment. I tried to return a dress that I purchased the day before and they wouldn’t take it. They gave me store credit, but there is nothing besides that dress I would have even looked at. I guess I’ll have to be back to this store to use my money. No warning was given about their return policy. When I came to return the dress, they pointed to their return policy written on the wall. The day I was purchasing this dress a sales person was standing there, now I think intentionally, covering that notice seeing that I was in doubts about my purchase. Wondering how can I get my money back without going to that store. I shopped in Max Mara stores around the glob and never ever had such poor experience. I would never recommend shopping in that store. The worst shopping experience in years :(

Okay, the manager here is so intense and way too aggressive. The manager is a middle aged Caucasian woman. I was here yesterday with my friend and when we came in, the workers (all asian) and the manager were in a circle, I assume they were in a meeting. When we walked in, the first thing she asked us was if we were Chinese. We kindly told her we were Korean and she says «Oh! Yes I know what allll Korean women like» and she directed us to some vests. She consistently makes remarks about our race such as «Korean women ALWAYS buy these» and etc. I work in retail at Bellevue Square, and I got to say she is way too aggressive… she gave us no room to look at other things but the stuff she was showing us. Along with that, she told my friend «Okay, are you seriously planning on buying something or are you just looking around» which is something you should NEVER say to a customer, she told us to get out and to come back later when we were more serious. As we were walking out, a older asian lady came in and she yells «Ni Hao! Look, all your Korean daughters are here!» Literally, the most racist person I have ever met in a store or anywhere. Unclassy, unprofessional, too aggressive and definitely made me want to leave as soon as possible.

If zero stars were possible…
My wife and I have shopped at Max Mara stores in Los Angeles and Bellevue, WA. In LA we never experienced any problems but Bellevue was a nightmare. The young women who work there are only interested in their commissions and customer service is an afterthought.
They threw another associate under the bus and refused to consider a refund on a dress that was never worn.
Never shopping here again.

The sales women were deceitful and pushy. I love this brand and frequently purchase it when I am in Italy, but my experience with this store was so upsetting I will NEVER go back. First, as the other reviewer indicated the primary sales woman (who happened to be the store manager in my case) wouldn’t even give me a chance to look at the clothing on the rack, directed me somewhat condescendingly to the lesser Weekend brand when I looked at the prices, and interrupted me every minute in the changing room (I couldn’t even change outfits without her tapping on the door). Secondly, I was told the items I bought were on sale but nothing was mentioned about «clearance» or «final sale». I decided to exchange a pair of pants I bought the next day when I had a chance to really look at them at home in peace. When I went back I realized «Final Sale» had been stamped on my receipt. I was informed by the saleswoman she couldn’t do anything about it but would be happy to help me with a new purchase. I expect much more from a high end retailer. At minimum honesty about something being on sale versus clearance, or informing me about their «sale» policies would have been nice. It is sad when a generic store like forever 21 is upfront with you but not a designer store. I am at least heartened to know that this store is in trouble because people who can afford this brand won’t put up with this behavior much longer.