Most Memorable SA Experience

What was your most memorable interaction with a Sales Assistant?

Were you dressed up or in drab? Were you alone or with a partner? Was it exhilarating, embarrassing, empowering, mortifying, liberating, delightful, humiliating?

Whether it was a great interaction or a bad interaction is secondary, I'm curious as to what was the most memorable face to face encounter you've ever had with an SA.

In my case, I will always remember the time when I was at a checkout counter and inexplicably blurted out that the several pairs of pantyhose I was purchasing were for myself. The cashier didn't even bat an eye. She continued with the transaction but offered her opinion that one of the shades of hose I was buying would not be flattering.

It was a surreal moment and definitely memorable.

Mine was at the MAC store, in drab. It was the busy Holliday season a decade or so ago and I walked into the MAC store at the mall and explained I was having a hard time finding my foundation color so she plops me in the chair and starts trying different products. She did an amazing job and wanted to see my enfemme photo which I showed her. Spend like half an hour there and walked out with a bag full of makeup and some freebies. She even started me an account under Karren so they would know what products and shade I used.

My next best SA was the owner of a local exotic lingerie store. I emailed her and asked if it was ok if i could shop there. Not only was it ok but they carried a line of TG things. She helped me try on a couple corsets. There is nothing like having a woman cinch up your corset! I made multiple trips to here store and bought couple corsets, padded girdle, bras, and a couple wigs. Really liked that store, too bad it went out of business during the pandemic.

Not exactly an SA experience but I so loved getting spray tans while wearing just panties (not super sexy ones but it was obvious from the VS waistband)…. The tech was totally cool with it and we had fun (just goofing around nothing beyond platonic fun)

Oo, I get to tell this story again!

The incident I have to share happened inside a thrift store. I was out in the town after a makeover and wanted to see an item that was locked inside a glass case near the checkout counter. I asked the checkout lady if she could call someone to help, as she was busy serving customers. So the lady says to another co-worker some 20 meters away:

Jenny, can you show something inside the glass case to this...this...

and at that point she seemed to be at a loss of words as to what to call me. She might've panicked a little, as she had clearly not finished her sentence and the silence was getting a little heavy, so I went to her rescue.

I don't mind being called a person, I said. Person suits me fine. - I have no idea why the word "customer" didn't occur to me. That seemed to diffuse things and life went on.

I posted that story and others on This thread.

Being in a dress shop when I was much younger in drab. I was looking through the rails when the SA (owner) asked me if I would like to try some of the dresses on . Of course I did . She asked to see me dressed with wig nylons etc complimented me and gave me advice.I left with a dress , scarf and handbag.

I was returning some holdups to Debenhams while enfemme as they didn't hold up. I explained to the SA that as I was walking across a car park into a DIY store one of the holdups "Started heading south". This description she liked and made her smile. She then started asking me if I ever moisturise my legs as when she'd done it and worn holdups it was a sure thing the same thing would happen and the holdup would become a sock PDQ. This was just two gals swapping experiences

I was getting married on Halloween and wanted to wear a wedding dress to our reception. So I went out looking for a wedding dress at some thrift stores and a wedding dress shop. I was shopping in male mode and explained the situation and had fun trying on a bunch of dresses but could not find anything that fit, that was lots of fun as I was just starting my journey into cross-dressing on a regular basis. I wound up wearing an Angel Halloween costume without the wings and halo and it kinda looked like a sexy wedding dress.

Peace & Love
Gerri

I have had so many positive interactions, I just got to where I just go ahead and show them a picture of me dressed if I am in drab. They typically go oh wow that is you ? One gave me her business card and said anytime you need help, call me. Those kinds of responses are just golden so I am no longer afraid to share with them what I like to do for my ?hobby?.

Sandi

I wracked my brains trying come up with something here! You'd think after shopping for women's things for 25 years some SA would stand out wouldn't u?:straightface:

But, I ask for something, they get it. Then, I either bought it or not. To me? They've almost ALL been just fine!:thumbsup:|

Maybe always shopping in drab helped?:devil:

You always remember your first time?openly buying lingerie. In my case, I shopped first at an adult toy store. When I brought some thigh highs to the cashier she asked if I knew I had selected queen size hose. When I said yes, I think they will fit me, she smiled and said just a minute. She went to the back of the store and returned with an opened queen size pair of stockings and gave them to me, since they could not resell them. It paid to be honest!

Oh wow, there have been so many! To pick one is hard so I’ll give one of my earliest.
I was in a Le Chateau (Canadian ladies wear) in drab and went in to ask about a top I saw on a mannequin. The girl asked me if know my partner’s size and I simply said it was for me. She looked stunned and so I said “well, you knew that anyway.” To which she replied “yes but nobody ever admits it”. From that point she was gleefully helping me, bringing other things to try to the changing room and implored me to come back when we were done. It sticks in my head because it was a wonderful, very positive exchange and it helped shape all subsequent shopping trips.

Great topic! I've been lucky to have had a few such encounters, with the best three in the past few months when I had the chances to dress and get out. I wore more casual outfits, trying to look like a 50ish woman out shopping during the day and feeling like I managed to get the details right (lighter makeup, french nails, a few rings and a bracelet, etc.)

#1 SA at Sephora makeup store last Wednesday, helped with colors and products, could not have been nicer and more professional, just helped with picking out items and had no reaction to my "I'm a crossdresser" statement. She tried a few foundations on my chin as well as a few test samples of blush and lipstick, all the time just casually asking what look I was going for and my opinion of each choice. I will be going back for a full makeover as soon as possible!

#2 SA at Target last August who had to manually enter the SKU for a black waist cincher as the one in my size did not have a sales tag. Again, she could not have been nicer or more helpful, cannot wait to go back there and really load up the cart!

#3 SA/Manager at Sephora, she asked me to join the rewards program, had a few compliments on my attire and jewelry and truly seemed to enjoy having me as a customer.

My only regret is not having had the confidence to do this years ago but then again I'm not sure the public was as busy and just not interested in seeing any of us wandering through the stores, malls or restaurants.

The best was about a dozen years ago at a David’s Bridal in a neighboring city. I made an appointment asking if it was OK because in all likely hood I would not be purchasing anything. They were emphatic that I come in.

I started with a makeover at a department store makeup counter then onto the bridal shop. They were all so nice. We talked about weddings that we had been to and weddings we wished people would have. My consultant and I picked five dresses and off to the changing room. She came in with me and helped me get into these incredible garments. Never any comment other than which dress looked better and why. Which one went with my body shape and the different kinds of beading and lace. I learned so much!
We would then Go out to the “ big “ mirror and take a look. Out there were other consultants and other brides. The other girls were so positive in their comments. No one asked what I was doing there nor were there any pitchforks, although some of the males in attendance looked confused.

As I was standing there looking at my reflection, perhaps a tear or two was shed. The owner/ manager of that franchise came up, put her arm around me and told me that she enjoyed 4 wheeling on the weekends and that it seemed that it was OK for her to have some “ masculine “ fun and if I ever wanted to have some feminine time to just come on in and if they weren’t busy they would help me find that inner girl.

I went in two more times, once more for a wedding dress and then later for a bridesmaid dress.

They were always so nice.

I don't have enough space here to write all of them.

My first time I had my nails done my nail tech Cailee was so excited about my getting a makeover.

Julie my Sephora MUA who I still contact five years later.

Diamond, Falon, and Karla at Nordstrom who helped me try on dresses for the first time. Five years on, I still text and see Falon and Karla. Got to say hi to Dontel at the same Nordstrom earlier today.

The second time I got my nails done I met Michelle. We've been out numerous times since.

A store full of sales angels at a Dangerfield in Melbourne, Australia.

Victoria at the WHBM in Chicago who couldn't wait to see me try on a dress I bought at another store.

The store manager at the other Nordstrom in town saying they "loved me."

In drab at Dress Barn in the 90s, getting the 'you want to try it on' question...and being too shy to say yes, but at that point I was better at picking things that fit me decently enough.

A few times more recently when I get asked questions referring to a 'she' they think I'm shopping for and I just say 'she is me' and then we shift to that kind of mission.

Best ever is the SA at a local wig shop. She was so helpful and spent a lot of time with me looking for the right wig. Have been back a few times now and currently own 3 wigs.

I, too have had several great SA experiences. One in particular was at Macy?s in the hose department. At first I was a little timid, but she smiled, great eye contact, and made me feel comfortable. On my second visit, I was certain she knew for whom I was there. I was in drab, but wore panties and pantyhose or thigh highs. She too, suggested several colors and brands. Her favorites were HSR and recommended Barely There as the best color, which were her favorites. To this day, they are my favorites. On one visit, she was going on a coffee break and she asked me to join her, which I did. We talked about the weather, etc. and finally asked me if I wore hose. I told her ?yes? and pulled up my pants leg and showed her. She smiled and asked me several other questions. Sadly, later, when I came back, she?d been transferred.

The best SA experience I have had is with a wig shop SA. She showed me about fifteen wigs. She kept going back to one, stated it looked best for my facial structure. She then got it it in a different color that she stated would look best for my skin tone. She styled it for me. A really great experience.

When I was about 18 I went to a girdle store and said I wanted to buy an all-in-one for my girl friend.
After I told them the size they figured it was for me and got me to confess.

They treated me very nice and took my measurements.
They also suggested some foam breast pads to go with the all-in-one.

I wish I still had that all-in-one.

As I related in a recent post, I had dared to go shopping dressed and, after asking if needed help finding anything, the SA called to me as "Ma'am" then said "I just wanted to tell you that you look absolutely adorable." Made my day.

So many great stories in this thread.
I'm not naive enough to believe that some of these salespeople didn't have a laugh behind our backs (or just wanted to make a sale), but regardless of what they were thinking at the time, they showed respect and tolerance.

One to one interaction when buying clothes or lingerie is best. In my case when I bought some much bigger forms and went for a bra fitting one to one was great. It?s also great buying clothes and makeup and getting advice when all dressed up in my best clothes.

I haven't shopped en femme yet. I like looking thru sales racks and lately I've had a thing for tight stretchy tops.

I had a little time to kill in another town but not enough time to drive very far. I ended up going into a dollar store and found a medium size top that stretched for $5. No extra large left so I decided to buy it anyway and took it up to the cashier.

She said something about my wife liking it so I told her it was for me. She was flabergasted and said she couldn't imagine me wearing it! I joked with her saying that my big stomach would stick out etc and she still couldn't believe I was buying it for myself. I finally said, "yeah, I must have a teenage daughter".

In 2009 I walked up to the Lacome counter and stammered out a request for a foundation with heavy coverage. The sales associate told me that their foundations were very sheer, but asked me to wait a minute; she walked over to another kiosk and spoke briefly with another sales associate.

Meanwhile I was turning red with embarrassment; I was sure they were shocked and appalled by my request. I fought the urge to bolt and run as I had done in earlier attempts. But I was starting to get weary of making excuses and being afraid. I had enough and I wasn’t going to run anymore. I was going to stand up to that bully who lived inside of me.

From across the aisle came a smile and a petite wave. Soon I found myself standing in front of an attractive young woman who was the manager of the NARS counter. Kasey, I would later learn her name, was pretty enough to be a model. Her make-up, true to her profession, was artistically perfect. She quickly put me at ease and started to explain the different types of foundations available.

For the first time in my life I spoke the truth openly about who I was. I told her that I was transgender and was starting to use makeup and wanted to develop a conservative business look for going out in the world. I didn’t know what to expect in return. I imagined the worst: disdain, scorn, condescension, but instead, she responded with enthusiasm and it was contagious.

I listened intently to every word. Fifteen minutes later, I departed and walked proudly back to the car carrying my cute little NARS bag with my new foundation. Best of all, I felt good about my purchase; I didn’t feel guilty or shameful. For the first time in my life I felt acceptance.

Well, I was drab and in a department store. I was searching for some lingerie and found the cutest bustier with matching panties and a pair of seamed black stockings. It was a set and happened to be in my size at the right price. I waited in line for the cashier (well before the days of self-checkout) and as she was ringing it up (she was in her early 20's and very pretty) she turned to me and said "You're going to look lovely in this". I'm sure she was going for shock value and I just responded "I certainly hope so".
Well when she finished picking her jaw off the floor she handed me my bag and change and I walked out with a huge smile on my face. Partly because of the interaction and partly because I couldn't wait to get home and see if she was right.
She was right by the way...

It was one of my first times going to a store to try on dresses. I went to the next town to a Ross Dress for Less equipped with a bra and panties set. I wore a tank top that kinda revealed the bra strap. I showed up early enough thinking it would be peaceful but there were quite a few people shopping to my surprise. Middle of the morning and middle of the week no less.

I searched the isles and racks of dresses trying to blend in. I saw one dress that caught my eye. It was a black A line dress with cute purple polkadots. I thought ok girl let?s try this on, you can do it! I took it to the change room and the sweet woman working there didn?t bat an eyelash. She gave me a number and ushered me to the change room. It was empty on that side. I changed out of my boy clothes and couldn?t believe I was in the dressing room in just my bra and panties. I was so excited. I slid the dress over me and up my body and to my surprise, it was a perfect fit!! did a quick peek outside the door and did something I never thought I could do, step outside the dressing room and admired myself in the large three way mirror. My little heart was pounding!! Omg!

Then I walked out of the dressing room entirely and to the sweet woman and freaking asked her opinion!! I didn?t know I had this strength tbh. She said I looked very pretty and suggested I wear a little heel with the dress. It was the first time anyone has seen me dressed.

Many times I've gone to the dressing room with some women clothes while in drab, and almost always the SA who manages the dressing room (counts the items and checks for alarm pins) says the same: "You know these are women clothes?". Those times I answer "Yes, I know". Nothing more to say, I got into and tried those clothes. When leaving the room, I'm requested to return those clothes back to the women's dept.

Once, while enfemme, I went to a ladies dressing room with some nice jumpsuits to try, and the SA said that I should go to the men's room. I didn't comply (I don't pass), and went there. The SA in that other room sent me back to the ladies one!!! As I didn't want to cause more problems, I requested to stay there, and he agreed. I could even went out to model in front of the big mirror and took some photos ;-)

I've had many great experiences with sales associates over the years. Probably the best though was at a Lane Bryant in a small outlet mall that was going out of business; the mall and the Lane Bryant.
At the time, I was commuting 200 miles each way to work, go up on Mondays and come home on Thursdays, and the mall was about halfway so no chance of me seeing anyone I knew and with a parking lot that was completely empty, why not?
I was up front with the sales associates admitting that I cross dressed and I probably wasn't actually going to buy anything.
They were bored to tears so when I asked if it was OK for me to try something on, they lit up like Christmas trees assuring me that they had several men just like me that had shopped there for years..
The measured me to get my sizes, fitted me properly for a bra they let me borrow. Even Lane Bryant sales associates stuff bras with stockings, by the way. LOL

They then spent a little over two hours digging through everything they had left in the store for anything in my size while I changed and modeled each outfit for them.

We had so much fun and they made me feel just like one of the girls, I still remember their names.

Kate and Bethany, if you somehow happen to see this, I still love you guys for making me feel so special and so normal at the same time...

Or, every time an SA asks if I want to start a room! And, they write Christine on the name board on the door. I do love that.

I?ve had quite a few good experiences with Sales Associates over the years. Probably the best and most memorable one was trying on and buying a dress at Dress Barn. I was in drab but underdressed in bra and panties. I had picked out the dress I was interested in online and then I shyly asked if I could try it on. Her face lit up like a mas tree and with a big smile, she ushered me into a changing room and wrote my name on the door. When I bought the dress, I asked if she had many gentlemen customers, she smiled and said yes, we do. On other occasions, I remember buying a few pairs of panties , a lovely nylon camisole with a nice lace bodice and some petit pants at a Vanity Fair outlet and the SA was very helpful finding the sizes that I was looking for. While I never came out and said the items were for me, when I asked for a size 42 camisole, her eyes lit up, she smiled and commented on how it was a shame that not many people appreciated some of the soft silky nylon lingerie these days. On other occasions, I have gone into several other stores, Pennys and Macys and have purchased several pairs of panties. When I got to the check out counter, I have had the SA tell me that there is an in store sale and that if I bought another pair, I would get another pair for free and she encouraged me to go back and pick out another pair or two. And how could I forget Catherine?s where I bought several beautiful, comfortable Glamorize soft cup size 42 A style 1010 bras. They have closed Catherine?s and Glamorise no longer makes that style, but I sure miss, the store, the bras and the SAs that were very helpful there.

I don't go out dressed and I don't shop in stores anymore, but my best experience was the time I was buying a couple of lipsticks at a big box store and after the girl rang it up, I looked at the total and did an obvious double take. The girl said, yeah, I can't believe sometimes how expensive makeup is. That made me feel totally ok doing what I was doing.

My worst experience was during a trip to a grocery store. I had bought a few manly things like razors and shaving cream and found a lipstick I liked. The SA said "Just ran out of lipstick, eh"? in her most sarcastic tone. And that was the last time I've bought stuff for myself in a brick & mortar store.

I would also have to say Dress Barn. So sad they closed. Would go underdressed, but with my forms in my jacket pocket. I would show the SA photos of outfits and dresses I saw online that I wanted to try on. They would start a room, put my name on the door, encourage me to step out to the mirror, even help zip up dresses if needed. Dress Barn was definitely trans friendly. I bought my first dress there! Nancy

My best experience was at a David’s Bridal shop in Kalamazoo, MI. When I walked in wearing my business attire. I was greeted by an SA, having gotten over the fear of saying, I am shopping for myself long ago, I told her I was looking for a dress, but not going to purchase. It was early afternoon and not busy. We talked about styles and selected several dresses to try on. As we entered the dressing room, she said ‘let me get you a bra to wear.’ I replied by saying that I had my breast forms in the car, she replied, ‘what are you waiting for, go get them.’ When I came back in she had a long line strapless bra and petticoat waiting. She allowed me to change out of my drab attire and get ready for her. We spent the next hour trying on the dresses, modeling for the other SA’s, sharing opinions, and having fun.

Once we decided on a favorite, the SA proceed to gather a veil, shoes, and jewelry to complete the look. The whole experience made me feel so special and to understand what a GG experiences when picking out a wedding dress.

I used to purposely go to a particular check out lane at big box store because of the cashier. She was likely someone's grandma and had the demeanor to match. She was always good to me without saying a thing. I once bought a pile of bins and she noticed one was cracked. I told her I didn't mind it, but she called it in and a supervisor came and now I'm holding up the line :(

T shirt and skirt is my usual, but I once went through in a blazer and slacks and her eyes lit up and she literally gave me a nod. She never verbally commented about my outfits, but I liked her pleasantness and ease w me

It was about 6 years ago. I hadn't dressed in quite some time sometime as there was just no desire. Then the pink fog came raging back and I had to do some shopping since I had no women's clothes at all at that time due to a purge some time back.

I decided to go to a small consignment shop thinking that there would be fewer people and I would be more comfortable shopping there. I went in and was greeted warmly. I explained that I was shopping for myself for myself and told the woman there that if she was uncomfortable with that that was OK and I understood. She assured me it was no problem at all and she helped me pick out a few things. It was like having a personal shopper! We talked for quite a bit and over the ensuing years I shopped there frequently, becoming friends with this woman in the process. I learned that she has a child who is trans so she is quite supportive of the LGBTQ community. She is actually the person who recommended my first therapist to me and when that therapist retired she made another recommendation for the therapist that my wife and I continue to see now.

Sadly she has since closed her shop but we remain friends to this day.

In regards to Cecily's comment about some SA's smiling only for the money, that may be true, but when they run out of a backroom upon seeing you shopping and come over to chat about everything but work, you know. Or when they continue beyond the sale by getting accessories which they know you won't buy. Or when you've had a makeover and the artist has to have you try her coat on and style your hair. I have had many good experiences which I know are genuine. Sadly, I miss some of those people as their businesses closed (Dress Barn, sadly).
On the flip side, I stopped en drab at one clothing shop where the SA informed me that I was looking at the juniors' section. Her manner was frosty not because I was drab, but workplace drab. I found out later that my cosmetologist SA had the same experience there when she was not dressed in the proper way to shop there.

Sorry, for rambling on.

You're right, Sherri. I had a fantastic SA a few years ago. She was much younger, a millennial for sure. She would actually call me when they got a new bra she thought I would like. She encouraged me to try on many different outfits over a couple of years time. Even though she knew I wasn't in a position to purchase outerwear. She really encouraged me to experiment with my feminine side.

Alas, the pandemic hit, her store was locked down but she still had to pay her bills. She ended up leaving the company. Sadly, I've lost touch with her.

Earlier in my Crossdressing adventures I was in a store looking at a nightie and saw these boots and something came over me and I just had to have them. It was odd as I had shopped for stuff before in other stores and never felt that I had to buy something. I usually wanted to buy something but I didn?t feel like I had to. So I was a bit out of sorts and picked up a box that was size 10.5 like my regular mens size. I had never worn womens shoes yet. I took them to the counter and the SA saw the size and recognized that I may need a different size. She asked if I would like to try them on and I could do so in the privacy of a dressing room. I just about fainted. She clearly knew they were for me. I ended up trying them on and did end up buying a larger size.

Well oddly enough one of my most memorable SA interactions occurred at Dress Barn too. I saw a dress online that for whatever reason I had to have. It was listed as available at a location near me. I went there and looked, it wasn't there. The SA waited on me and I ordered it on line. She suspected that I dressed, but went with the sale anyway. I opted for store pick up. When I picked it up, she was the SA. As she gave me the the package she asked if I wanted to try it on. I smiled and said "I'm don't have the necessary accessories to try it on now." She said, "Oh just come by Friday morning and show me. We laughed.
Friday morning a few minutes after the store opened I entered. She was busy doing something at the counter. She said, "I'll be with you in a minute honey. Look around" I had done an exemplary job with my shape wear, wig, jewelry and makeup. I thought that I looked good in the dress, if not great. She finished up walked over asked the typical questions. I nodded. Then she notice the dress, and said "Oh i see the you like our dresses. That one really suits you! You look great!" I replied with, "It is Friday, you asked me to stop by and show you how my new dress fit."
It took a moment for the pieces to come together. When they did she was amazed! and told me that I looked amazing! And that I looked better than I did when I pickeed up the dress. We chatted for a bit. So that was cool for me!

I'd like to go in the other direction with this. It was several years ago, I was playing a gig at a restaurant in town, and before the gig I went to visit an antique shop up the block. I was not en femme, it would be a few years yet before I would even be able to admit to my own CD tendencies to myself much less anyone else. As I entered the shop, I saw a lovely woman SA. I approached, and began a discussion with her about antique phonographs, in full flirtatious mode. She was quite nice, knowledgeable, and of course looked great. Being married I took it no further, but if I were not I would surely have asked her out. As I left, I thanked her for her expertise and complimented her outfit - just had to do that. She thanked me as a big smile came over her face, and in so doing I could see from that angle that she was male...passing incredibly well, but not GG.

I was not embarrassed at all...it was nice to get to talk to her if only for a little while. I was fascinated by my own attraction actually, what did it mean? Little did I know that in a few years I'd be joining her ranks.

I have had some wonderful encounters. two early ones I love. The first I called a women's resale shop and talked to the owner, I told her I was a crossdresser and was trying to figure my sizes and style. She offered to meet me before the shop opened and I could try some things on. I arrived and she looked me over and started to pick some items for me to try on. She was so supportive and I bought several items and it helped get me started learning mysteries of women's clothes sizing, and a start to a wardrobe.
The other I wanted a bra so I called a specialty shop they had many lines of bras swimwear and lingerie and catered to women with breast cancer. I called and explained my situation and the owner was so nice and said to come in she said it is slower close to closing if I would be more comfortable. So when I came in she greeted me warmly and put me in a private dressing room. We talked awhile about what I might like. She then brought in several different styles and she explained the differences. I tried on several with her help adjusting them. She offered for me to try some forms in a bra to see how they fit. This was amazing and she was very nice. As we talked further I found out she has several customers who crossdress and she told me about a Tgirl support group and also a Tgirl convention she had been a vendor at in the past. This was a home run for me just by luck. This was where I started to embrace my Tgirl side. I bought a couple bras and came back later and bought some forms, she gave me a discount as she said most of her clients get insurance coverage help. I Bought my first wig from her too. It is still my favorite and she commented it really is you! These early encounters were so uplifting for me.