Banana Republic Factory Store

The one star was for the helpful associate who pulled out an empty bench so I may try the shoes on. The same one who actually went back to check on a size for the correct sized shoe she found and brought out for me.

The front counter is a WAY different story. Complete service fail. Embarrassingly bad service. Illogical incompetence served with attitude.

Here's my simple story. My wife buys me a simple, black, lace-up pair of leather shoes from your store. She picks up the wrong size, not knowing that my shoe size is a 10, not a 10.5, when selecting leather lace-up shoes. I explain this to the attending clerk upon entering the store and she asks for the receipt prior to pointing where I should go, with her condescending tone and finger. I should have had an idea of the bothersome, nuisance I was in her eyes, once the order of business was realized that I was exchanging a product, not purchasing one. Tsk-tsk; my bad. I'm such an inconvenient trouble that walks in HER store. But it gets worse.

Upon finding the exact same style and color with the CORRECT size, I proceed back to the front counter of the store, with receipt in hand, to complete the simple exchange and be on my way. WRONG.

The same clerk, with whom I had checked in with and had the original, wrong-sized pair of shoes, now informs me that she cannot take it back because it did not include the original box. I calmly and respectfully relayed the fact that my wife had declined the box and left it in the store, when she had bought them along with some socks, and told the clerk she was packing it to ship to me while I was overseas, for Christmas. FACT: The shoes I exchanged were unworn, unused and in the same pristine condition as on the day my wife had bought them for me. Everything, such as the sole, the whole shoe, was still perfect with the shoe cushions and bag that I gave back to her.

She then brings her manager in to the transaction, who makes it WORSE. She sees that it's the same shoe style, with the same markings but in a different size. She proceeds to berate me and say that "she will have to 'eat it' if she takes the exchange, because it does not have a box." WHAT!?!!?

I go back to the area of the store where the shoes were and retrieve another pair of "10.5" sized exact model. I even stated: "Then take the box for the "10.0" sized shoe I was exchanging for. The manager and clerk both rolled their eyes on me and said they could not, would not take it back.

I appealed and only stated that I wanted only a correct size exchange so I can use the shoes that my wife had bought me. The manager continued to decline, giving various excuses, such as "there should be more markings on the 'exact' shoe WITH THE BOX", to complete the exchange.

IT'S THE SAME SHOE. I HAVE THE RECEIPT. The exact same 10.5 shoe from the store, matches, including ALL markings, like identical twins.

I asked her "What gives?!" All these back and forth, within earshot and visually embarrassing to me and the store's customers around. 15 minutes of this.

Only when I explained, resigned that she (the manager) has no clue nor respectful intention on accepting the points and facts of this now escalating argument, that I would call corporate offices to repeat myself to them, evidence in hand, and blast this BAD experience on Yelp, Twitter and all available social media channels, did she just wrap up and proceed to instruct her clerk to process the exchange.

BAD! Bad. BAD. Bad!!!

Transaction Date: 01/22/2015
Transaction Time: 5:45:46 PM
Transaction: 4721
Register: 003
Cashier: 2464355
Store: 01232

I will send the transactional copies of both receipts to Banana Republic corporate HQ in San Francisco.

This was such a foul-tasting BAD, BAD customer experience. I will NEVER go back to this store and challenge other customers to be vigilant and be forewarned. BAD Manager setting BAD examples for bad associate!

Photos and follow ups on Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels. ONE very BIG BAD EGG in the Banana Republic group of stores. #BadCustomerService #ServiceFail #ShopElse

I loved just about everything in the store.

The clothing material and style are very nice and make a woman look well put together. The prices make it even better, especially when they have their 50% off the entire store sale.

The store was clean, organized and fully stocked with lots to choose from. There is a small petite and sales section. Smaller sizes are harder to find in both the misses and petite sections.

They do carry a limited selection of accessories (shoes, hand bags, jewelry and ect.)

They also carry men's clothing. I didn't take a look since its not Hubs' style.

The sales staff was nice. Upon walking in I was immediately greeted and advised about the sale. While browsing I was asked if I needed help and when I walked out I was told to have a nice day.

Regular prices range from $20-$100.00 on average.

Banana Republic always have interesting items but their regular prices are usually way beyond what I can justify for their quality. Luckily, this factory store popped up and now I go whenever I want!

The store is usually really clean and organized. Especially on the weekdays, everything on the shelves and rack are neat and there isn't even a real line for the register. The fitting rooms are almost always clean as well.

Given it is a factory store, it is not going to have the latest collection you see in the regular Banana Republic. However, things are always a great deal so don't miss out!

Parking at Marina Square on weekends in a nightmare. Beware.

Can't imagine having this outlet location within a few minutes of driving from my humble abode in the West 'Dro! This store is super conveniently located at the poppin' Marina Square, which is just a stone's throw away from the Nimitz corridor. The associates are very courteous, friendly, and personable - greeting you as you come in & asking if you need assistance when you're browsing around the store. I can't speak for the women's side of the store, but their men's apparel has tons of selections & quite a variety of items - from footwear, accessories, and clothing! They also have a great selection on their clearance racks - far above from the other BRFS that I have been to. You just have to have patience to "dig in", as it's a thrill for bargain hunters & seekers wanting to score deals. In addition, they also provide coupons if you join their rewards system & subscriptions - which you can use to add more discounts on top of already in-store discounts! Couldn't get better than that. Highly suggest BR for all ya'll wanting work clothes or just plain casual clothes that's made in high quality & clothing that ACTUALLY lasts!

I love Outlets lol. Why? Because the prices.. duh! lol. Sometimes i do feel the quality isn't as good as the regular retail stores, but at this store, i get 40% off! LOL. soooooooooo. you get the idea

anyways, the place is clean. the workers are very friendly. The dressing room line moves quick.

There aren't as many items I would have liked, but that's ok. I probably shouldn't be spending all the money anyways... kekekeke. I always end up finding something i like regardless....

I do hate parking here though. because this place is always so freaking packed!! argh! not BR's fault, but it makes shopping here less desirable.

I will be back when i need some more work clothes! yays! =]

Banana Republic is my favorite store, it is my speed. It is great to now have a store so near by. This is barely a couple of weeks old. They have a good selection, good prices and friendly service. I am going to be a frequent visitor, see you soon!

Gets really busy on weekends when there's sales. Workers are friend and they'll help you with a lot there

I like to hit this Banana Republic Factory Store right before Christmas for some good deals on men's clothing. Last year I got great deal, and they didn't disappoint today either. I got some amazing deal -- clearance section had some very nice sweaters for $15-$25. Definitely worth the drive to shop here!

Banana Republic - your paper credit receipt really sucks. It needs much improvement. There's a problem every time I redeem my paper credit receipt. This time it says INVALID! What the heck!!!! They told me I have to call customer service.

Awesome place for work clothes! It's nice to have a BR at marina square. Gap was just not cutting it in terms of work clothes. I came here during Memorial Day and the sales were crazy good! Everything was 50% off! They had cardigans that were high quality (very thick and heavy knit) not the dinky thin ones for just $30. It was a bit stuffy in the store since it was packed. But overall this will be my go to place for work clothes. They have a huge selection of career clothes to choose from, from pencil skirts to slacks and very professional blazers and blouses.