ALEX AND ANI Providence

Nice.
I like the attention to service at this place.
Clean, neat, organized and hip.
Not bad. Nice work. Not my everyday place though.

The Product:
Let me start off by saying that I am far from over-​the-​top when it comes to jewelry. I enjoy things that are understated and have personal meaning behind the piece. It tends to take me a while before I fall into current trends and as it is… I consider Alex and Ani to be the current «it» item in the jewelry scene. That being said, I have received a few bangle bracelets as gifts from others and I enjoy them for what they are. Its not so much about the charms and symbols attached to them, but the story and the circumstance in which I received them that matter most to me. The product itself is pretty decent but not something I end up wearing on a daily basis.
The Place and Personnel:
This Alex and Ani location is clean, spacious, and well-​lit. That is pretty much where the pleasantries end though. On my most recent visit, I walked in with two others and was extremely surprised to see six employees on! It was a Monday afternoon, no one else was in the store… so this seemed like overkill in the staffing department. Out of the six employees, only one of them approached us as we walked in. The primary reason for our visit was to exchange a necklace with a manufacturing defect (the chain was all twisted with no hope of fixing). This was taken care of in no time, so we browsed around a bit. During the 30 minutes I was in the store… not one employee asked me if I needed any help. The 5 remaining unoccupied employees were crowded around one podium in the store simply chatting and making comments about the cute dogs and their walkers that kept walking by the store front.
The Pricetag (and Personnel cont…):
No pricetags in-​store! Very irritating. While I was perusing the display cases full of bangles, I found one that caught my eye. I was mildly curious how much the piece was but finding no price tag, I continued to examine the remaining items in the case figuring someone would come over eventually and I could ask them. Thinking it rude to call across the store to the group of employees, I looked over hoping to catch their attention. Unsuccessful, I wasn’t interested enough to continue my pursuit. Had any of the employees been slightly more attentive to my needs as a customer I probably would have walked out of the store with a bag in hand. But… they weren’t interested in my potential purchase, so I was not interested in giving them my business.
Much room for improvement at this location.

Shopping for the women in my life has never been an undertaking that I have looked forward to. Fortunately, when silly fads take the area by storm — as is the case with A&A — it becomes that much easier for me to look like a thoughtful, caring champion of gift giving. Get something for her at Alex and Ani — it’s a no-​brainer.
From the «just-​cuz», to her big day, to the stocking stuffer, their bangles and bracelets and charms and earrings are usually just the right size, in order to say just the right thing — I care, but you’re really difficult to buy for, so I figured I’d do the same thing I did last time and load up your arm with jangly nonsense.
As a result of their inherent convenience factor and the subsequent hype built around their products, I’ve been to a total of five of these shops for countless occasions, over the past couple of years. My seasoned status has afforded me a wide-​ranging mix of customer service experiences from the extraordinary, to the more-​often-​than-​not, apathetic.
Although the service in this particular location has proven to be on the slightly better side of things, today, right as I was performing a geolocating Unilocal ritual, I stepped in and then quite literally did an about face. And no, I do not plan on using my $ 5-​off bangle of the month coupon just for checking in here. And here is why.
It was rainy, windy and pretty much dead throughout all of Wayland Square. Despite this, not only was I not greeted, the single visible young staffer did not even bother to look up from her mobile, as she positioned her self in a very unapproachable slouch, atop one of the display cases. Come on, I know it’s Sunday, but you’re working (exclamation point).
I have chosen the Wayland store for this particular review just due to my most recent experience, but really the rating goes to the entire chain. The sole reason for the two stars is because A&A has helped me out in a few pinches. Yet with cheap metallic over-​priced costume jewelry, I expect to at least be treated like my purchases matter and not just another mindless sucker, shoveling over the green like it is a privilege to be a part of something.
Prioritize. Train your staff. Put customer service first. Build a sense of pride for your product and think practically about the long-​term sustainability of your organization. This should be at the top of the list, way before the purchasing of castles, vineyards and media firms. And then there’s the $ 17 million for RIC’s art department. Although greatly needed, that’s a whole lot of my $ 58 last minute presents.

Honestly I always go to the Alex and ani in downtown Providence. Not just because of the wonderful customer service but because of there hit bangles. Walking in and leaving out feeling like a customer not being appreciated for my business. Its sading to say this but. The people working there shouldn’t be representing the Alex and ani brand. No welcoming, no helping, NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Never will I be or ever tell anyone to come here!!!

While I love the bracelets design and style MUCH has to be said about the companies customer service. I have been trying to get in touch with Alex and Ani for over a week. You try calling and it is always busy. is there just 1 phone line? You email. no response back. You post on Facebook. no response. I’ll shop at my local jewlers than deal with online ordering again with Alex and Ani

I had a good experience in the Wayland store. Good, not great. The young, seemingly inexperienced sales staff were kind of all over the place. But I’m more of the type to wander around, look, touch, make my choices then approach someone for assistance. This location has a massive selection too.
I love the bracelets. Yes, I know it isn’t fine jewelry. It’s «fashion jewelry» at a price point higher then one may expect but no more expensive then what you’d find in the accessories section of Nordstrom or even Ann Taylor. I’ve never had an issue with the quality or workmanship and I must own at least 20 pieces. I also love the fact that they’re made right here in RI.

I would not recommend this store to anyone. My husband purchased an anniversary present for me. I was not able to wear what he bought for me. He took it back for a refund. They said they old exchange. No refunds. Their sign says exchange policy. If they really wanted to communicate clearing with their customers, they should change the sign to say «No Refunds /​Exchange policy». It was never mentioned that there were not refunds. Most stores refund, so I believe it is out of the norm not to refund at all. I did not find anything else in the store that I wanted.

I like this Alex and Ani shop. The girls working there have always been helpful. I do tend to get sticker shock whenever I got in there, but honestly, Alex and Ani has made my gift giving to loved ones on birthdays 10 times easier. My friend and I went into this one and each got the same bracelet in different colors. It was her first time at the shop and she really liked it too.

I’m sorry I’m just so over the bracelets… and pricey they are too!

I love Alex and Ani! Of all the stores, I love going to the Wayland Square one because it’s large. but it’s never overly crowded (except during the Holidays and Mother’s Day), but it has all the same options as the one in Cranston. Not to mention it’s in cute Wayland Square so there are plenty of other options around to go to after, including Alex and Ani’s Teas and Javas coffee shop right next door!

I want to preface this with the disclaimer that I’m not as WILD for Alex and Ani the way the rest of Rhode Island seems to be.
To me, it’s just cheap jewelry. That’s all.
But this review is for the store. The staff, while a little distant, are fine, and I’ve never had a problem finding a gift for a coworker or relative.
It’s an adorable store and well-​arranged. Checkout is easy and tech-​friendly – they’ll mail you your receipt!

The only reason it’s got 3 stars from me is because it has saved me from absent minded gift moments for the women-​friends and family… they love this stuff… I personally am not a fan and don’t get the fad/​hype behind it. I suppose what irks me is more so the company and they’re like Starbucks… buying up everything and anything they can get their hands on in the state. Sure… great for the local economy but pushes my buttons.
I will say I’ve had better service experience than the other reviews… could it be a gender thing? I feel like men walk in there obviously lost and not knowing what to do. I’ve always been greeted right away and never walked out feeling like I didn’t get what I came in for. The young ladies can sometimes be a bit snotty though…
If the woman in your life loves this product, it’s a solid place to stop in at. If you can avoid the fad… do it.

AWFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ARCHAIC, INEFFICIENT BUSINESS PROCESSES! I ordered a bunch of bracelets on their website this morning and noticed 1 minute after that I had not entered an apartment number on my shipping address, so I called them to see if I could add that in to the order (since I tried to update my order online myself and was unable to do that). After many busy signals (really?), I finally sent an email to the customer service group explaining my situation. After no response, I called them again and finally got through. The representative explained that she could not make any changes to orders, as they are «in the system already». Not only is it disappointing that customers cannot make updates to their orders on their own on the website, but what supply chain process does not allow the employees of their own company to make updates to its own orders?
I asked if I could cancel my order and place a new one. She informed me that the company is unable to cancel orders. WHAT? I ask myself again what company in this technologically advanced world does not provide itself the capability and flexibility to cancel orders or update them?!
I asked to please speak with a supervisor, as I could not believe a company could ever be successful in today’s customer-​centric world with these kinds of operations. Sure enough, the supervisor informed me that once the order is placed, no one at Alex and Ani is able to make updates or cancellations because the order will be processed in the next 10 business days… Wait, did she say 10 business days to process an order? What is it taking them 10 days to process?
I advised the supervisor that my apartment leasing office does not accept packages and she told me to go ahead and let the UPS man attempt to deliver it to my complex 3 times and then it will be sent back to her at customer service. Once returned, she will hand write my apartment number on the package and send it back out via UPS for delivery.
The inefficiencies and antiquated process of this company’s operations and supply chain are absolutely appalling to me.
They have an appealing product, but save yourself some headaches and be 100% sure your order is accurate before you order from here.
Alex and Ani– HIRE A BUSINESS PERSON TO IMPROVE YOUR OPERATIONS!!!

Alex and Ani saw a post I left on Facebook! After ordering bracelets on Dec. 5^th for Christmas. I never received them after 3 day delivery. I was panicked. It was the 18^th! Finally, someone read my post and contacted me immediately! After trying for 3+ days to contact them by email and calling (and getting nothing but a busy signal). Finally, someone noticed my message from customer service and contacted me. She worked very hard to figure out where my bracelets were! She found my orders and shipped them out that day overnight!
I will have my items for Christmas and she also sent a coupon for my troubles for a future order. I will definitely use the coupon. BUT, I will not use it online. I will go in person to a store… I’m nervous about ordering again online.
The bracelets are absolutely gorgeous and well worth every penny… Definitely worth the 5 stars and I can’t thank the person enough who came through and helped me!!!

I’ve always been really curious as to why people are always in Alex & Ani, so one night I decided to venture in to see what it’s all about. Recently, when I was in Colorado, even a store there was carrying some of the products, so I was intrigued to learn.
I’ll start off with the customer service. After looking around slightly puzzled as to what everything was (aka the different charms), a staff member came up to me to ask if I needed help. I inquired about the meaning of the charms and how the whole process works. She mentioned that each charm stands empower/​enlighten you. She pointed out some of the charms and their symbolic meaning. I asked how they determined the 3 words behind each symbol. For example, I get that a four leaf clover connotes luck, but I was puzzled by other symbols that don’t have an intrinsic leap to their associated word. I asked «how do they determine which symbols are associated with which words?» The answer I received was, well they do their research and look up the information on the internet. The internet? Seriously? Sounds like this «research» is kind of flighty, as I’m sure the internet never lies. Anyway, the matter is that they need better sales coaching for any of this energy stuff to be in the slightest possibility more believable.
Their new «Animal Spirit Totems» seems to derive a lot of their meaning behind each of the animals from Native American culture. I sure hope that they’ve consulted with Native American artists on this project, rather than just trying to glean about a meaning from the internet.
Less than inspiring.

Terrible, terrible customer service. How does this place stay in business!?!
These stack-​able bracelets are the «pandora of the month» or whatever, they are cute enough if a bit impractical — hard to look polished and professional when you are wearing layers of clanky bracelets.
I visited this store with my mom to see if there was something she liked. It is not easily apparent how the bracelets are worn or how you select them, almost everything is behind glass, and there are no pricetags… so you are completely dependent on salesgirls. Unfortunately nobody asked if they could help us, and we eventually had to get the attention of one of the many girls doing something (what? I have no idea, it didn’t seem like anything important) behind the counters. Every time we moved to a different area of the store we had to start all over again, because each girl had her own counter. The service is terrible — not only inefficient and impersonal, but they were practically rude.
I wish I could get behind this store, since I really like that they use only locally-​sourced metals — but the quality of the service they employ makes me doubt the quality of the material they produce!

I don’t know what it is about this store but every time I am there, the staff gives me the up and down and makes me feel uncomfortable. I like Alex & Ani jewelry but prefer to buy it from local stores with friendly staff– places like JW Graham and Tickles. The Wayland store has this air about it and the employees seem to hover, making me feel I have to buy something or hurry up and get the hell out. Sad but true.

I went into Alex and Ani to buy my wife and sister each a bracelet since these are all the rage with the ladies.
They are fully stocked with salesgirls (I saw sales girls, because all the employees behind the counter were 18 – 22 and female) were eager to help.
I quickly learned that each charm on the bracelets mean something. So I stared at the displays to find the one charm that personified my wife. This lasted longer than I would like to admit while the salesgirl tried to help. She really wanted help, but the whole concept of picking the right charm was more challenging that I expected. Eventually, I just picked a Lobster charm because it’s something my wife would like rather than the lobster’s special meaning.
I left with the two bracelets for about $ 50.00 and made my wife’s day. Husbands/​BFs, spend $ 25 in this store for some little overpriced bracelet & little charm. It will make your special lady friend incredibly happy.
Of note, there are some bracelets that are on sale. You just have to look around.
Also, Student IDs get you 10% off your entire purchase.

I’ve been to this location many times to get gifts for the ladies in my life as well as new bangles for myself. In fact, this is the only Alex & Ani store I’ve ever been to, out of all their branches. I pretty much have the same experience everytime & thats why I rate it an «Ok — 3». Not entirely inviting when you enter… some associates barely look up to acknowledge newcomers. I usually find that I’m being a pain in the a** if I ask for assistance. Don’t get me wrong though, sometimes I do come across a diamond in the rough… Paige was helpful & sweet during one of my visits. In regard to the Alex & Ani product… I’m a fan. I love the bangles made out of recycled material and their positive meanings. The cute charms, birthstones & «Words Are Powerful» line are what I usually come to browse & buy.

I have to be honest: I was pretty appalled and totally unimpressed with Alex and Ani and I do not understand the trend or the hype over this jewelry.
I am not usually one for ranting on Unilocal,but I have to tell you all about my experience because it was truly disappointing and I hope this review is taken to heart and an attempt is made to correct the flaws at this store and it’s ‘service’.
I walked in around 2pm on a Thursday afternoon. While there were a few other customers, I was shocked that of the half a dozen girls working behind the counter (and not out on the floor, where the customers actually are), not one of them greeted me or even acknowledged my presence. I continued to look around the store for a gift for my sister, ready to actually spend money, and still nothing — not even a friendly nod or hello. When I found a pair of earrings I thought she might like, I made my way to the counter to ask what the price was (there are no prices on the hangtags at Alex and Ani, for some reason –really annoying, if you ask me. Especially since every piece actually HAS a hangtag!).
Now, these earrings — while pretty in an understated way — were nothing fancy or impressive. I assumed they were around $ 30 or so, so when a sales girl FINALLY made her way over to me and reached for them assuming I was ready for them to be rung up (how presumptuous), I had to say, «Actually, I was just curious about the price?» To which she looked completely unprepared and replied, «Um, I dunno. $ 48, maybe? No, probably $ 58.»
Excuse me?
Not knowing how to properly greet someone in a store such as this, and then to not offer any assistance whatsoever, and THEN to not know the price (not to mention the assumption they want to pay the ridiculously exorbitant price for a simple pair of hoop earrings without even knowing the price) is insulting and totally obnoxious. This is one trend I am more than happy to sit out.
You’re better off going to one of the dozens of other shops in this area that actually want to help people find gifts for loved ones, or even themselves.
Never again, Alex and Ani. Ever.