Francesca’s Collections

Stopped in today to see if they had something I had seen on their website as a gift for a friend. I walked in before 11:30 this morning. There was no one in the store, and one associate talking on her cell phone. Not sure if it was a business call, because she was talking about work schedules. Nonetheless, she didn’t greet me as I walked in the door.
I figured it’s a small store, so if what I was looking for was there, I could find it myself. But if you’ve never been to one of these stores, you know there are lots of small trinkets all over various little tables and shelves. Easy to miss something you’re looking for. I couldn’t find what I wanted, and I walked around the store for a while, the whole time which the associate was still on her phone. They have lovely clothes, jewelry, and accessories. Also lots of cute (yet inferior) trinkets for the home. I noticed a cute wine journal that I may go back to purchase.
As I was about to give up, the associate was finally done with her call and hung up. I decided to give it a shot and ask her if they carried what I wanted. Turns out they did. It was a small dish with a quote on it. Because I didn’t know there were various quotes on the same shaped dishes, I didn’t think to shuffle through the pile. She immediately rang me up after this, and I was on my way.
Although I was impressed with the speed with which the associate located what I wanted, I was peeved in retrospect at how long this process took. My issue isn’t not being greeted, rather enduring a drawn out process, which would have taken less than 5 minutes otherwise. Minus two stars.
I would come back to purchase some things for my apartment, because the prices are reasonable. But I’d be weary of asking for help depending on how busy the store is.

I love this store. It always have different items whether it be clothes, jewelry, or other knick knacks. It is very affordable and they have great customer service.

Clothing-​wise, this place is great. I’ve only been two any Francesca’s collections twice (I went to the other in Menlo Park), but both times ended in a shopping spree and me spending waaaaay too much money (a good thing! I think?)
The store itself was nice and it was easy to find things– I’m a fan of the color coding– but the staff there were inattentive and not very nice. I’m not the type of person who needs or wants a salesperson to check in with me all the time or follow me around the floor, but these ladies didn’t acknowledge once when I was in the store until I brought my things to the register to pay. Not great salesmanship.
But the clothes rock!

In general, I love any Francesca’s store. This one, however, is only getting 3 stars (for now) as I made 3 attempts to get the employee’s attention and got nothing. At the time, she was walking around the store with a floorset guide (why, yes, I have worked in retail!) and was oblivious to me and to the other couple of customers in the store. It was my first visit to the JC location, and of course I’ll be back (because I love a lot of what they sell), but my first impression here was not amazing.

Welcome, fashionistas! In case you grow weary of trips to Tia’s, Kanibal, and Vivi Girl Shop, there’s another boutique in town. Where? You’ve trounced up and down Grove and Jersey and haven’t seen it? That’s because it’s in the Newport Centre Mall. What? — you ask, incredulous. Where? — again, with disbelief. Yes, the Newport Centre Mall.
This is like entering your best friend’s closet and raiding her jewelry and casual-​trendy outfits for a night out or weekend trip. You won’t find super formal or work clothes here, but lots of easy, breezy pieces to layer and look comfy and chic. All at super affordable prices — higher than Forever 21/H&M, but lower than J. Crew or Zara or Madewell.
I was in a rush, so I didn’t try anything on, but I saw lots of cute pieces that I LOVED in a variety of sizes. This is the perfect place for a gift for the little lady in your life!
Quick tip: 1 dollar off of parking at the mall with your driver’s license (need to have a JC mailing address) — go to the Information desk to have it validated.