loophole

Friday, June 20, 2008

The first time shopping for maternity clothes is an experience for anyone and mine was no exception. My mom had convinced me that I needed my first pair of maternity jeans as most of my jeans were becoming tight in the waist. We headed into Motherhood Maternity where we were greeted by an over-zealous saleslady. She explained the different styles of jeans to me and helped find a couple sizes. After trying on a few pair I settled on one pair that I liked so we headed to the checkout. While waiting to checkout, the saleslady came up to us and asked where the rest of the jeans were. Confused, my mom and I said that we left them in the fitting room (like we were told to do). She bustled around hyperly and said that she thought there was more (even eyeing my mom's bag!). Sidenote: I don't know that I have ever met a single person who could accuse my sweet little momma of stealing. We described the jeans and when she gave them to us, she seemed somewhat satisfied.

Once checking out, I found out that Motherhood (besides accusing their shoppers of stealing) also has the worst return policy of any other store. Every sale item is considered final purchase and everything else you have 10 days to return it. I mostly shop sales so that was out for me. Considering in the beginning you have little idea how you'll look in 1 month time, I can't imagine having only 10 days to return something!

I was so frustrated by my shopping experience there that I wrote a letter to tell them. Surprisingly I received a voicemail from a regional manager just days later. Unfortunately this was in the middle of our move and I misplaced the phone number. The voicemail said that she would call again in a couple days if she didn't hear back. I never got another call.

Now I just don't shop there. I have principles, you know. The one problem is that cute maternity clothes are still kind of hard to find when shopping at the mall. Luckily I did find a slight loophole in my "No shopping at Motherhood" principle... Gordman's sells Motherhood maternity clothes. I have been able to find a few shirts I liked that are the Motherhood brand. But now I can purchase them through a store with a decent return policy and a place that doesn't accuse me of stealing.

I just look at the whole situation from the place that I'm desperate. I need clothes that fit! It's a lot harder and more frustrating than I thought it would be to find maternity clothes...

Edited (1:18pm): As I laid down for my quick lunchtime snooze, the phone rang. I hear a voice say, "Hello, this is Jenn. I am calling with a prerecorded message from Motherhood Maternity to tell you about our Secret Fit Belly jeans". What kind of timing is that!?

Labels: bakin' a bun

posted by kimberly, 8:02 AM