LOFT

I have shopped at the loft in mb for many years. But after a recent experience there I’ll avoid it. The manager was so rude I was shocked. I returned a few items with valid receipts and tags perfectly intact. She complained that one item looked worn, which was ridiculous. With another item she argued that I was not entitled to store credit, which was completely inconsistent with the return/​refund policy stated on the back of the receipt. While I did get my returns accomplished, I decided that I much prefer to shop at Anthropologie where customers are treated well whether they’re buying or returning.

Three stars only because the brand is one of my favorites, but this store, which is the one closest to my home, has consistently apathetic service. My dad came in the week before Xmas because he wanted me to have presents under the tree & not just a gift card. Needless to say, a few items needed to be returned/​exchanged. I was actually looking forward to doing some shopping but when I entered the empty (except 3 – 4 employees) and wasn’t even greeted I thought, «here we go again…» Not being able to locate the correct size in the items I was going to exchange I decided to just return it all, and order online in the comfort of my home. Not so fast! First I had to have a long conversation with a sales girl to get a gift card and not have the purchase refunded to my dads credit card. Not a challenging retail task. Now here’s the kicker… I was given a credit that can only be used in the store. I can’t use it online. I’ve never heard of a gift card that I can’t use online. I get ATL gift cards frequently as gifts, and use them online all the time– this must be some sort of store revenue plot. Especially annoying since I tried to exchange the items in the store and they don’t have them in my size. They told me I could «try» in marina Del Rey. I asked if they could be sent to manhattan beach and was told no. Lousy service all around and while I’ll still check out the new styles in the store I certainly won’t purchase in store again.

Customer service: In the 20 minute visit I had to this Ann Taylor Loft, I was not once greeted by any of the 4 sales associates. Having worked in retail I know how far a friendly hello, or how are you today, can go. And I greatly appreciate it. Thus, I was horrified when not one person noticed me, especially when I was the only person in the store.
Dressing Rooms: I found a cute top and popped into the disaster which was the dressing room. There were clothes and trash everywhere. Clearly the employees had not taken any of the rejects out of the rooms. I found this strange since it was maybe an hour after they had opened.
Too bad, it does leave an impression on me.

I saw a cute skirt in the window. After checking to see if they had my size, I looked at the price tag. For that money, I should be able to buy an entire dress. Put the skirt back on the shelf.
Then, I saw a 25% off sign on top of the belt and scarfs rack. I need a belt for a dress I bought at Van Heusen. OK, I found one I think will work, but even after the discount, it was $ 36 something.
Pretty clothes, but the prices are too high.

I like Ann Taylor Loft. Their work clothes are actually better than Express.
Probably not as stylish, but I like them. I’d say 60% of the clothes I wear at work is from Ann Taylor Loft.
Now, about this location. It’s located in the Manhattan Beach Mall. It’s a big store, but. tt seems the Ann Taylor Loft here has less clothes than the one in Marina del Rey. That, and the bigger sizes run out quicker here.
Both stores have almost the same things. just like they’d have online.
Most recent find, jean shorts for $ 5! :)

This ATL is in a good location but I have to say it’s hit or miss. Sometimes I walk out with a few hundred in purchases, other times, nothing. They have recently shrunk their Petites section. The sale racks in the back left corner generally are good. Decent selection of jewelry. Not too many jeans or casual clothes — more business attire. Try the ATL in MDR for a better casual and sport collection.

The ladies at this particular store have saved the day for me a few times when I have a last minute event to attend (think business casual lunch with area offices, national meeting, speaking event or a wedding).
I can sometimes be fashion-​challenged when it comes to picking out /​making sense of it all. The ladies in this store are helpful but not pushy about selling me something I don’t need. Although they once got me to try on gauchos we all agreed my petite frame didn’t do them or me any justice.
I’m a sucker for a deal and one of the thing I will do is browse the store for items I would actually wear and then go back a couple weeks later and get some great items at awesome sale prices.
In Conclusion: Stop on by if you’re in the area and see what deals you can find. Quality pieces for your buck.

I love the ATL, for their good prices (and excelllent sales) and modern take on classic styles.
Ann Taylor the store is a bit too stuffy for my taste, (and overpriced) so I much prefer the ATL.
I just visited their new store in RHE and selection is better than this one or at the upgraded Del Amo. still, this store ranks among one of the finest for good quality merchandise for a reasonable price.