I used Talbots "reserve in store" feature on Saturday. The merchandise (4 items) was showing as in stock in the store I desired. I realize that inventory records get updated periodically and there is never a guarantee that an item is available. I received a confirmation email that the reservation request had registered. It was early evening and I didn't expect a response from the store the same day. However, as the next day marched on, and I had no further information, I decided to call the store. The associate had no clue. I had to read the item numbers to her, and she was very defensive: "If you didn't get a confirmation email that we have it, you have to assume we don't." WHAT? No; the store should enter a response in the system that would trigger a "so sorry" email to the customer! But she said she'd check. She put me on hold; that's ok. Then the manager came on the line and politely asked for my phone number so she could call me back "in 30 minutes." Two hours later, no call. I called back. Two of the items were available. I went over on Monday, Memorial Day; tried on both; bought one. I should mention that there was a sale on, but the store was not at all busy. I have worked in retail, and I know that it would not have been that hard to find these items and get back to the customer in a reasonable period.

Of the two other items of the four that I had hoped for, one was in the store in a different size and I at least got to look at it. This skirt was so cheesy that I wouldn't have bought it anyway. I did make several additional purchases, I will grant you that. But many items I tried on were sloppily made: Designs not centered, stripes not matched. I also asked the manager, who was helping me at the time, if it would be possible to search Talbots for a specific sweater that I had found on the selling floor, but in a different size. She said she would be glad to look it up, and went away and came back and told me that it was all sold out in ever size. WRONG! When I got home I looked it up online and the website showed that there was PLENTY in stock in most sizes, including the size I wanted, and I ordered it online.

I also asked her whether she had a black pencil skirt. She was apologetic; said no, only A-line. I made one last tour through the store and found a pencil skirt that fit my needs. Happy to say it seemed well made and it was a good fit.

It should not be this tiresome and frustrating to shop at Talbots. I'm a long-time customer (over 35 years), and at the risk of sounding like a fuddy-duddy, I can say that I would never have seen this level of service, or so many poorly-made items, even ten years ago in a Talbots store. Please give us customer service and quality control we can count on!