VS policy

[noname]

I was walking by VS the other day and saw some cool undies. Do they have a policy against guys shopping there? Or will the goal driven sales people want a sale? For those of you that have shopped there, how did the other customers react? I was in my closet and saw all my undies in blue black and gray and thought, you know... this is just isn't going to work.

Thanks

[Kimberly]

In my experience of shopping -- No one cares whether you're in there or not!

[Annaliese]

They dont care either the sales people or the other customers hold you head up and go in and buy.

[noname]

Although I rarely have any trouble shopping, this makes me uneasy. I guess I worry about people thinking pervert, even though that's not the case. I'm pretty sure my nervousness would be easily read. We all know how the media protrays this kind of thing. I actually thought of calling an asking ahead of time. No idea what they would say.

[GypsyKaren]

All the stores want is your money, all the other customers want is something for nothing, no one will care about you shopping for anything.

Karen

[tekla west]

The trouble with looking nervous is the loss prevention folks think you are shoplifting.

You know what Victoria's real secret is. That when it was founded in SF, it was started by two guys.

VS is very used to guys in there. When most men by clothes for their GF they don't buy DKNY business suits, they buy sexy underwear. Its not like "Hey honey, look what I got you, sensible shoes, so you don't have to wear those Jimmy Choo things anymore!"

When in doubt, tell 'em to gift wrap it.

[Butterfly Bill]

There is an endless procession thru there of men wanting to buy gifts either for themselves or for wives or girlfriends, who are clueless about lingerie and embarassed to ask questions about it. Successful salespeople there learn how to be gently encouraging thru all that.

[noname]

When in doubt, tell 'em to gift wrap it.

I'd rather be upfront. I'm a terrible liar, so I'd probably best be off just telling them when they ask if they can assist me.


The trouble with looking nervous is the loss prevention folks think you are shoplifting.

I don't understand why people shoplift anything period. But womens underwear? Only an idiot would do that. You can 1: Suffer an little embarrasement pay your money and leave, or 2: get arrested and have a very public record of a panty theif. Gee... let's think this one over for a second. lol

[phoebe61]

The best way is to bite youre lip and treat youreself,the first time is the worse, at the end of the day all they want is a sale.
if all else fails see if they do mailorder it takes all the wory out of buying. :clap: :be: :gift:

[tekla west]

I stake no claim for the reasons, though I could conjecture. I just know from people who work retail that when they spot people who are nervous, won't make eye contact, mutter "no" under their breath when asked if they need help that the first think a clerk thinks of is shoplifting.

[Karren H]

I've never had a problem with VS. Love the place. Sounds like your just a little uneasy that's all! As everyone has said, they don't care, its all about the money!!


So tell them it's for your girlfiend Karren (with 2R's). A 38C and size 7 panties if you've forgotten. :). Hehehe


Love Karren



You know what Victoria's real secret is. That when it was founded in SF, it was started by two guys.
.

Wow. First sour dough bread now VS!! Is there anything that wasn't invented in SF? :D.

Love Karren

[lynn27]

noname;

don't worry about VS. They are very CD friendly. they just want your money. Been shopping there, their catalogs and with them on-line for many years.

Lynn

Karren, yeah, Starbuck's was 'invented' in Seattle.

[Wendy me]

see thing is if i am shopping at vs or any outher place i don't care and thay don't care lack of shopping leads to a naked cder..........

[Nancy A]

There are as many men go in there as they do women. In fact they are always sending me a gift card for free panties all the time. I get a pair every mouth for free.

[Jodi]

Have shopped at VS openly for years. Got my bra fitting done at VS by the manager. I always come right out and tell them it's for me. The answer is always "cool. How can I help"?. They want to sell. They are graded on how much they sell. You can bet that a good SA in VS will try to sell you more than what you came in for, and try to get you to get the VS credit card while you are at it. Go to VS. Shop. Have fun.

Jodi

[tekla west]

Victoria's Secret was established in San Francisco during the early 1970's by Roy Raymond. The concept was to establish a cozy, inviting atmosphere similar to that of a victorian boudouir.

Roy's Victoria's Secret, consisting of three stores and a catalog business, was acquired by Limited Brands, among some controversy, in 1982. Many incorrectly believe that Victoria's Secret was of British heritage. An image which some say was perpetuated by its parent company.

Today, Victoria's Secret lingerie is the top performer for the congolomerate. Victoria's Secret, under Limited Brands, has a history of being sexy, youthful and romantic. Men and women have come to recognize Victoria's Secret as the place to buy a lingerie gift.

Victoria's Secret collections include:

Angels by Victoria Secret Body by Victoria Glamour by Victoria's Secret The Miracle Bra
Victoria's Secret Pink Such a Flirt Signature Cotton, Very Sexy Second Skin Satin

Victoria's Secret operates three distinct units, or vehicles to reach its market:

Victoria's Secret Stores Victoria's Secret Catalog Victoria's Secret Beauty Products

Together, these three vehicles to market combined with Victoria's Secret aggressive marketing has made Victoria Secret the best known lingerie brand and brought greater attention to the lingerie industry.

Much of Victoria Secret's success is attributed to Grace Nichols. Nichols joined Victoria's Secret in 1986 as vice president, general merchandise manager. In 1988 she was promoted to executive vice president. In 1991, Ms. Nichols was named President and CEO of Victoria's Secret. Under Nichol's leadership, Victoria's Secret has become one of the top 10 recognized brands in the world and the leading specialty retailer of lingerie.

As for SF, I'm pretty sure we did not invent hockey, though we did invent hippies, at least both start with an H. And Rice A Roni is not the San Francisco Treat, its made in San Leandro, but like Roy's Secret, somehow the San Leandro Treat does not exactly trip off the tounge.

[Deidra Cowen]

VS is one of the few places you can go shop in drab and there will probably be other guys in there buying stuff too! Really its no biggie. I am a big Fredricks of Hollywood fan too since they seem to have more large sizes that fit me at the store that is at the Cumberland Mall.

[Lisa Marie]

I've gone into Victorias Secret before and bought pantyhose as a guy. The ladies in there dont seem to care. I only wear Leggs Sheer Energy and Victorias Secret Pantyhose their the best. They only want your business:D

[noname]

If I think about it, I don't know if I'll be able to do it or not. It's too bad I can't just walk in, be asked if I'm looking for anything, and just be shown where various items are at blah blah blah, and have the sales assoc act normal. As far as them accepting guys shopping, I wonder if that could be just a regional thing. I wonder what they would say if I called. I have been there before with my wife several years ago. They showed something to my wife, and I mentioned that I did not care for the item. The Sales lady turned to me and said, "don't you have something better to go do?". I complained to the manager and she gave me a flippant, oh sorry. anyway, not sure I have the guts for this.

[Stephenie S]

If I think about it, I don't know if I'll be able to do it or not. It's too bad I can't just walk in, be asked if I'm looking for anything, and just be shown where various items are at blah blah blah, and have the sales assoc act normal. As far as them accepting guys shopping, I wonder if that could be just a regional thing. I wonder what they would say if I called. I have been there before with my wife several years ago. They showed something to my wife, and I mentioned that I did not care for the item. The Sales lady turned to me and said, "don't you have something better to go do?". I complained to the manager and she gave me a flippant, oh sorry. anyway, not sure I have the guts for this.

Dear noname,

Geez girl, get a grip. Didn't you read anybody's post? They don't CARE who you are. They want your money. All the SA have a quota to meet. You will be as welcome as birds in the spring. Just go in and shop. You go in, someone will ask if they can help you, you tell them what you want, they help you get it. And then they will try and sell you more stuiff, and try and get you to open a charge card, and on and on.
Don't call. Just go. The SA will just act normal. That's what she does for a living. She will just show you where the things are if you ask. Jus' smile an' act nice, girl.
The SA who was flip with you with your wife was probably just trying to be funny. Don't let it get to you.
Go shopping! It's fun!

Steph

[Charleen]

The first time is the hardest. Wish I was closer to civilization. Takes me about 1 1/2 hours to gst to a real mall! Shopping! Gotta love it! Love and xxxx, Lily

[randi32869]

I use their website for most of my shopping and their login registration has a check box for gender where you can select RATHER NOT SAY so I think they know where the sales come from. I have found at the stores that as long as you do not want to try something on - they do not care.

[jjjjohanne]

I've gone shopping there as a guy in a black skirt and dark hose. All femme clothes, but a man head. The sales girl seemed a little awkward. But, as soon as we started talking clothes, etc., she found her comfort zone. No anti CD policy that I have ever heard of. I have only heard guys talk of friendliness and helpfulness at VS. Some guys have even used their changing rooms.

[CalvinKlein]

Shopped at VS stores in...
Pittsburgh, PA
Erie, PA
Monaca, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Youngstown, OH
Middletown, NY
Plainview, NY
Yorktown Heights, NY
Danbury, CT
Southbury, CT
Stamford, CT
& Waterbury CT

with no problems! They dont care -- have fun -- IT'S VS!!!

[Randy]

I've been in there a few times (and to more than one store) and they don't mind letting me use the changing rooms for bras. I've never tried (or wanted to try) panties in there, but that doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I mean, just think about it, would you want to try on underpants or panties that have been worn by someone else?

Not me.

[Jodi]

RAndy, State laws might differ, but in PA, one can not try on panties or swimsuits before buying. Also, they are not returnable. This is due to health reasons.

Jodi

[Melanie]

HI,

we don't have "VS' shops up here in Canada as far as I know.I used to be like you ,very nervous,but recently after a full week of equipping myself,ermm I mean shopping,I don't care who thinks what.

I do make sure that I go to shops not in my direct neighbourhood though,just in case.

Hugs and good luck sis,

Melanie :hugs:

[juliek]

VS sales girls are always friendly. And they will help you pick out stuff in your size.

[trannie T]

The first time I ever tried to buy panties I was in the store a siren started wailing and the spotlight shined on me as a voice on the PA system said "Crossdresser Section 3!"
At least that is what I feared. Never happened, most every time I've gone shopping I've been treated politely. The times that I have received poor service are the times that everyone received poor service.
So, Go for it, Girl, get your butt down to VS and get your butt into some panties!

[Melinda G]

Try shopping those "special" holidays, like Sweetest Day, Valentines Day, Christmas, etc. Just say, "can she return this if it doesn't fit". Have it gift wrapped. Halloween is also a good time to stock up on fem stuff. Order mail order. Name on credit card doesn't matter. It might be a wife or girlfriend, ordering with her husband or boyfriends credit card. The first time is the hardest. I once bought a pair of ankle strap heels from a guy salesman. No, I didn't try them on. I know my size. But he was cool about it.

[AmandaM]

My wife and I went in there so she could buy some "body" bras. The clerk asked her if she wanted to be measured. I jokingly said "no thanks". She looked me straight in the eye and said, "But I'm sure I could find something to fit you". We all laughed. When my wife was in the dressing room, she came over and asked me if I "was sure" I didn't want her to find something. :)

[ashleyinwpb]

I have been shopping there for 3 years now...the sales ladies know me and my girlfriend. They don't care if your a girl or guy, I have 2 drawersfull of panties and other VS products as well as a VS white card in my name...Beat that ladies!!!!

[Vash]

I really don't think they care,as long as you are spendinging money. I know when ordering on the web site there is a question "male,Female or do not wish to specify.

[flatlander_48]

I've never had a problem with VS. Love the place. Sounds like your just a little uneasy that's all! As everyone has said, they don't care, its all about the money!!


So tell them it's for your girlfiend Karren (with 2R's). A 38C and size 7 panties if you've forgotten. :). Hehehe


Love Karren



Wow. First sour dough bread now VS!! Is there anything that wasn't invented in SF?

Love Karren

If I'm not mistaken, B/S was invented elsewhere...

[Alayna]

It's too bad I can't just walk in, be asked if I'm looking for anything, and just be shown where various items are at blah blah blah, and have the sales assoc act normal.

According to VS policy, that's exactly what your experience should be. It specifically says that men are allowed. I think the sales associates are also trained to deal with CD's too. I've shopped at many VS stores and have had nothing but good experiences from all but one. You are allowed to try anything on and use the dressing rooms. Panties might be a little different (as mentioned before), but in colorado there's no law against it as long as you're wearing something underneah - It's kinda honor-system based.

I've only had one problem with one store that told me I couldn't use the room because it was policy - a flat-out lie. Her excuse was that it could make other customers uneasy. Figure out that double-standard logic if you can. Did I mention I had a bag-load of stuff, and was with a gg friend who had an equally large bagload? Though we both bought some things, we probably would've spent $150 more had that not happened.
BUT, that was one associate who no longer works there anyway - I've since had no problems.

go for it - the company's on your side. If the associate makes you feel unwanted, ask for the manager. If the manager makes you feel unwanted, demand "the number" for their corporate office. (by "the number" I mean every phone # they have to their offices that you can obtain because you'll likely have to swim through some beaurocracy)

[Jena11]

Hi All, I am sometimes nervous at Victoria's Secret store but they are all always very nice. The store is friendly to all customers. so just go for it. I even have a VS Angles credit card so I get good deals. JC

[angelfire]

I have never shopped there (But then again I live in canada so its out anyway), but realistically, just tell them its a gift for your girlfriend. They will most likely believe you, because as far as I know guys go into lingerie shops all the time to buy sexy clothes for their girlfriend. Just have a piece of paper with 'her' size on it.

Although in my city we have "La Senza" which seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Very similar to Victoria's secret.

[Jodi]

I have never shopped there (But then again I live in canada so its out anyway), but realistically, just tell them its a gift for your girlfriend. They will most likely believe you, because as far as I know guys go into lingerie shops all the time to buy sexy clothes for their girlfriend. Just have a piece of paper with 'her' size on it.

Although in my city we have "La Senza" which seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Very similar to Victoria's secret.


Why to the lie about the girlfirend? Just be honest. They want to help you. Anyway, 99% of the SA's can see through the story line anyway.

Jodi

[angelfire]

I don't think the girlfriend alabi in a place like that would be so see through. I know alot of guys do go in to buy stuff. Reason for not being honest could be embarrassment.

[Randy]

Only problem I have with VS is the prices. I guess that helps subsidize them keeping the policy of allowing me also. Those dressing rooms are nice - so much nicer anyway than the ones I'm used to. Mens changing rooms are usually four blank walls, two hooks for your stuff, and maybe a small shelf to place something on.

My advice, go there, shop. Tell them it's for you because EVERYTHING else from that point will be easier. Then try on a few selections and then buy one. I don't buy everytime, but neither do girls. Buy something your first time, though, because then you won't feel the pressure to go back right away. Also, if you do go back, you won't feel soooooo obligated to buy something then. Enjoy your shopping trip.

If you're nervous about being recognized, drive a few more miles and bring cash so that no one has to know your name. Re-read what everyone else has said and realize that the VS clerks only want sales. They may talk about you after you're gone, but that's just it. You are gone. Chances are, that if you ever go back, there will be different clerks anyway.

[simonep]

Hi, as a semi-regular visitor to the US from Downunder I must say I enjoy :love: going to VS. The SA are always friendly, I have never put out that the items are for me, but I suspect now they know. Although the deal with my SO is one for me one for her. Gets expensive but fun.

Dropped into one of the Detroit stores yesterday to scope out the current collection, must say I agree with Karren H about the new Body bra.

I will have to go back later this week for some shopping.... hmmm.

Love Simone

[MsJanessa]

I was walking by VS the other day and saw some cool undies. Do they have a policy against guys shopping there? Or will the goal driven sales people want a sale? For those of you that have shopped there, how did the other customers react? I was in my closet and saw all my undies in blue black and gray and thought, you know... this is just isn't going to work.

Thanks

No they don't have a policy against guys shopping there----who do you think buys the girls all the sexy underwear?

[KateLongman27]

A shop operates on profit which means when you walk in they see money, just relax and if you need some help then ask.

When I was in customer service, I served males who were dressed in womens clothing and I didn't bat an eyelid, all I did was give them the best customer service they could deserve and I could give and treated them like anyother customer.

[BiancaBourdeux]

No store clerks care, one way or the other - a sale is a sale is a sale. I rarely shop en femme, yet I have a closet full of stuff - so, I am "living proff" it is no big deal

[amanda540300]

I shop there all of the time. No one has ever batted an eyelish at me. They always give me excellent service.

[StephanieD]

I have never had a problem shopping there. The sales associates are usually young, fit, and energetic. They are sometimes suggestive in a sense and that increases sales. Not all, a few, and the memory is enough to help with that thong purchase. Enjoy.

[Bridget]

I only really like to shop there when a sale is on, otherwise it's a touch expensive.

The salesgirls always seem to compliment my balance of bargain finding and taste. ^^

[CrossKimmy]

one of these days I'm going to walk into one and walk out with something

[judyw9]

As others have said, they don't treat you any differently than the female customers. I'm very comfortable there shopping en drab and I ask a lot of questions.

[simonep]

As a further note, this thread reminded me to go back to VS, bought the new Body bra in port wine with two matching panties. The SA just said "do you know these are 3 for $30" so I just went back and got the third pair. Are they worried - only about the sale.

The funny thing was the looks from the GG standing around me at the time - not disgusted more get on with it, I also have places to get too!

Love Simone
(in wine body bra):thumbsup:

[bob..bie?]

I love victorias panties and thigh highs and I just bought a button front dress from their website but I just wish they would make their pretty bras in my size (42B).

Hugs to all,

bob..bie?

[JoAnnDallas]

I hope they don't or my ANGEL card will not work anymore.

BTW, I used it this last weekend and guess that answers that question. LOL

[Kellicd848]

Hi
I ahve been in to VS many times and I have had no problem making opurchases there. They just want to make a sale.
Katy

[sue ellan]

had a wonerfull experince in vs just the other day. the sa asked if i need help. said that i need some panties. she asked what size and what kind i needed. said a size 7 and hipsters in cotton. the sa did not bat a eye. just go in and they will be more than willing to sell you something. i know it is easier said than done, but after the first time it will be get easier. they want your money.:hugs:
sue ellan

[JoAnnDallas]

I would suggest that if you want to shop at VS a lot, to get a ANGEL Card. You also get coupons for free stuff, like free panties once a month or 40% off bra's.

[junetv]

I just wanted to share my shopping experience today at Limited Express. I went there and bought 2 skirt, 1 blouse and 1 pair of editor pants. The SA asked if they were for my wife or GF. I told her they were for me. She chuckled a little and said that a size 8 didn't look like it would fit. I assured her they would. (didn't have time for a dressing room today). She confided that it has been years since she wore a skirt because she didn't think she had the legs for them. I told her if I thought I had the legs for a skirt, she most definetly does. (as it looks like she does have the body for a skirt). All together a pleasant experience. I'm sure she will tell her friends and coworkers about me as "I had a guy buy some clothes...etc" but I made a purchase and I was not weird about it in anyway.

[Sexy_kavya26]

I have purchased some in VS Southbury CT and SAs were very helpful . belive me when i told it is for my GF and SA asking me have i like these and these and showing the panties /thongs/bra . Finally end up with buying $230 worth of stuff and she told VS always friendly to "all genders "


So VS is the best , i never been in Fredricks of Hollywood will do in near .,

[CHRISSYNSC]

i love shopping at victoria's secret, i guess i have it a little easier than most since im a size 5 i can always just tell the salesclerk that its for my gf. i say if there isnt anything wrong with a woman going in and buying jeans and boots then we should be able to get our pretty outfits and lingerie with no hassle equal rights works both ways.

[ranma 1/2]

I went to VS this weekend. The sales lady who asked if I needed any help pointed out the large sizes for me.

Id would be a medium if it werent for my "you know".

good to know some SA's know their customers better then the know themselves.

I'll be shopping there more often.

[eleyna]

I usually get the impression that GGs in stores are happy to see you as the rare kind of guy who will go out on a limb for his s/o, or often find it an amusing break to the routine to serve a guy. The nature of the business tends to weed out the types of people you might be nervous of serving there, although you do occasionally come across stores run by what seem to be preacher's wives.

[rachellenicole]

I have got to get on that free panty list.




[QUOTE=Nancy A;532996]There are as many men go in there as they do women. In fact they are always sending me a gift card for free panties all the time. I get a pair every mouth for free.[/QUOTE

[Jodi]

Just another comment I thought of from my experience of working at New York & co and The Limited. We were specifically trained that when a man enters the store, go to him and immediately ask to help. Why? The business theory is that women know how to brouse, but men don't. An example--on the day before Christmas, this is known in the women's store circles as men's day. The first Christmas day before that I worked, I found out what they meant. This is the time that all the procrastinating men get out to buy their honeys a present. The stores put on double staff for this day because they know the men need to be led around, and they are correct on this.

The point here is--when you shop in drab at VS, New York & Co, Limited, Express, etc, you will be met quickly by the SA and asked what help they can give. They are trained to do that with guys.

Jodi