Most Memorable SA Experience

[Bianca Fay]

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.

[Karren H]

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.

[VS Fan]

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)

[Patience]

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.

[ShelbyDawn]

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...

[Christie ann]

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.

[Debbie Denier]

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.

[Helen_Highwater]

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

[Lacey New]

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.

[AnelineM]

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.

[NancyJ]

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

[jamiecd636]

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.

[Majella St Gerard]

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

[docrobbysherry]

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?

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

Maybe always shopping in drab helped?

[kimdl93]

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!

[AngelaYVR]

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.

[Sandi Beech]

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

[NjJamie]

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.

[Christie ann]

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.

[TheHiddenMe]

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."

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

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.

[Jenn A116]

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.

[NancySue]

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.

[Judy-Somthing]

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.

[alwayshave]

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.