Apricot Lane

If I could give this place zero stars I would. The customer service is terrible. The experiences I’ve had leads me to believe that this establishment profiles it’s customers. I went twice. Once years ago and I was so turned off by the way I was treated that I didn’t go back until today. First time the store had about 3 – 4 other girls there who were thin, tan, pretty girls and the staff happily went up to them, chatted with them, etc. Me, on the other hand, they completely ignored. I made eye contact with one employee and she just turned her head. I put down the scarf and necklace I intended to purchase and immediately left. Today I was the ONLY CUSTOMER and they once again ignored my presence. No greeting, no «anything I can help you find?» Nothing. I caught the reflection in a mirror of one girl looking at me with a disgusted look on her face. Once again, I put down the earrings I intended to buy and walked out and the two girls there still said nothing to me. I work in retail and every customer should be treated with respect. I did nothing to offend them other than walk in. This shop must encourage it’s employees to profile customers and if they don’t look thin enough, rich enough, whatever then they should just not waste their time. I have never written a Unilocal review but this sort of behavior is unacceptable. Hopefully something comes of this because nobody should leave a shop feeling ugly or worthless.

Just discovered this gem in Peoria and BloNo! Last I was there they had all kinds of great items for spring. Lots of color. I would say the style here is a mix of feminine/​hippie west coast for twentysomethings looking to upgrade from Forever 21 and American Eagle. This place is obviously pricier, but the quality is better too. Comparable prices to Express I would say depending on the item. Great accessories too! The bargain shopper in me wishes they had more deals but still such cute outfits here i don’t think I can pass it up! It will be my splurge!

I went to school at Illinois Wesleyan and during my time there, when you wanted to go shopping for an upcoming sorority dance or just hit up a store to find a cute top, you had to head to Champaign for Forever 21, Francesca’s, etc. I always found the selection at Eastland Mall to be limited (they do have an Express and Macy’s but you always ended up wearing the same dress as at least 1 other girl at the dance or bar), and Von Maur was usually out of my college-​student price range. I usually saved all my shopping for when I was at home in the Chicago suburbs, where the selection was much better and more my style.
On a recent visit to see some friends still in college, my friend suggested we go shopping. I thought she meant head over to Eastland. I though ugh, okay, I guess we can hit up Express. We first had dinner at Medici (an old favorite) and I have to say… Downtown Normal has been incredibly spruced up! They have so many cute stores and restaurants. They have renovated the area and made it a lot more lively and modern area where I actually want to spend time! I digress…
I walked into Apricot Lane and was so impressed with what they have done with (what I thought was a former vacant) building in downtown Normal! The interior was cozy yet trendy. I was surprised this place was in Normal! I would compare this place to Francesca’s with cute, on trend and well-​curated clothes, shoes, and accessories. The price point is even more lower than Francesca’s (which I always appreciate!). The service was friendly and the associates offered to start fitting rooms for my friends as soon as we started pulling items we wanted to try on. I didn’t end up buying any clothes, but I did score a cute gold arrow bangle for $ 9! The sale rack had some great finds, too. If I were a local, I would be here at least once every two weeks.