Vans

What makes a good shopping experience might not always make sense. My visit to Vans in Santa Barbara on 4÷08÷2016 definitely proved that not all great experiences are traditional.
For starters, they have hula girls out front. If you don’t love hula girls, you’re part of the problem in this country. Second, I’m a big fan of Vans as a brand. I’ve been wearing the shoes ever since I could tie laces, and the surfer/​skater aesthetic has always been one I’ve identified with (though that’s not as apparent in my current state). If you love these things, the store is perfect for you. It’s small, but filled with anything you could need to remind you of why summer is so perfect, and why Your youth only escapes if you choose to let it go.
I went in on a Friday afternoon to buy a pair of those all time classic checkerboard slip ons. I wanted the standard black and white, but noticed that now they have a variation that comes with a more comfortable sole. I asked the associate if they had a 6. I have been wearing Converse for the last few months, so I forgot my size in vans. She got me them and they immediately didn’t fit, she was nice enough to grab me a 7, which also didn’t fit. I decided to buy a 9 without trying them on, which I didn’t find out was a mistake until after I had gone home and decided to put them on before going out to dinner with a friend. So I went back to try and exchange. Sadly my size wasn’t in stock, but the associate ordered me the pair I wanted.
However, more issues came when they arrived. Instead of me getting the classic colored black and white checker with a pro sole, I got a black and white and GOLD checkered slip on with a pro sole. I’m personally not a fan of gold, so despite the fact that they fit, I didn’t want them. Thankfully they let me return them for a full cash refund.
So, how was this good? Well, it all revolves around the person who helped me. The associate who assisted me throughout this entire ordeal was quite possibly the most charming girl I have ever met. She had the most infectious upbeat attitude I have ever encountered, so much so that I couldn’t help but joke around and laugh during the whole ordeal. As someone who sells shoes in another store for a living, I know the pain and hassle of having to go into the back and find a pair of shoes, so I felt absolutely horrible to make her do it 7 times in total between my 3 trips. But she did it all with a smile and a small giggle. It was absolute professionalism and was the very definition of great customer service. She even jokingly said she would paint my gold shoes purple because I like that color better. I dare you to tell me you’ve seen a more positive Employee at any other business in the country. This associate alone made my experience the perfect shopping expedience, even if my entire transaction was ultimately mute.
The man who was at the counter was also very great. He was very informative and helpful with just about everything I asked, and managed to juggle three other customers while assisting me.
¹⁰⁄₅ stars!
I will definitely come back to this location, if anything just to see these associates some more. Though, as previously stated, I love the Vans Off The Wall brand and could never stop buying its products.
In fact, if it wasn’t for that fantastic associate, who deserves 10 out of stars because she really is that amazing, I wouldn’t even have made a Unilocal account.
You owe it to yourself to check this location out.

Attentive customer service for shoes. Checked on us frequently and made sure we didn’t need anything. Overall good experience and service.

Customer service is fine, but don’t even try to return a pair! I was told that every time you buy a pair of Vans you are informed not to wash them, but to take them to the store for a wash in their «Vans» washing machine. We have purchased more than 12 pair of Van’s and have not once been informed of the no washing policy. With the one pair that completely fell apart after one wash, the corporate office put me thru the run-​around. My suggestion for the company, if that is the policy, put a tag on the shoe and place signage up in the store.

They had some really good deals on shoes, but I didn’t find anything I really wanted tonight. The staff is really helpful here, always willing to assist.

Great customer service, good upselling skills. Great selection and a clean store. I’ll be back.

The cashier rang up this guy she was flirting with before me, even though I was waiting in line and he walked up after I was in line. So unprofessional, but why did I expect more from this store?

I’ve always been a fan of slip-​on shoes, and only in the past 2 years have I converted my fiancée to the happiness of vans shoes. the former flip-​flop everyday man is now on his 3^rd pair of vans. they’re cute and comfy, but don’t last too long with everyday wear. if only they were a little more durable :)

They didn’t have this style in my size!
gawdammit.
NOW what the hell am I supposed to wear with my new Hello Kitty shirt?!