Forever 21, what do you think?

biscuitcake

squeakyduck wrote: »

I was hoping to see a few nice dresses but nada. Also does anyone know if they do a student discount?!

Nope, they don't! Heard a girl asking yesterday on the till beside me. Think 10% is the staff discount!

LivingDeadGirl

GermanicGalore wrote: »

Besides, size 14-16 is not huge!!! It's a bit of an insult really. All it means is that you don't have a boyish figure but actually sporting some feminine curves!

I'm a size 8-10 and don't have a 'boyish' figure. People smaller than size 14-16 can sport 'feminine curves' also.

D e e

There is no student discount and they don't have plans to introduce one. Staff discount is only 10% anyways.

dancingqueen

I'm a size 6-8 and have a DD cup and a 25 inch waist.
I am curvy...

I think everything will be too big for me in there so... :mad:

D e e

dancingqueen wrote: »

I'm a size 6-8 and have a DD cup and a 25 inch waist.
I am curvy...

I think everything will be too big for me in there so... :mad:

I think a size small in a lot of things would fit you fine, maybe even a medium in certain things because you have quite a large chest and F21 clothes are made for small chested ladies from my experience!

MistyCheese

I went in today. I felt so very out of place. I was probably the only person in the store with combed hair.

phasers

So by the sounds of things F21 clothes just have completely random sizing?

You'd think they'd have researched sizing and stuff before they branched into Europe.

D e e

phasers wrote: »

So by the sounds of things F21 clothes just have completely random sizing?

You'd think they'd have researched sizing and stuff before they branched into Europe.

The sizing isn't random, a size small fits 8-10, medium 10-12, large 12-14. Some things fit bigger or smaller like a lot of highstreet shops it all depends on the material and cut. F21 don't care about European siZing, if they did they would have switched the sizes from s/m/l to uk sizing. It was made very clear during our training that the brand don't want to be European, they want to be an American store with an American shopping experience in Ireland/Europe.

Eviledna

Nothing like a new shop marginalising a huge section of the target market and not accounting for sizes in the country they are trying to sell to.

I really hope they are reading this. We don't appreciate it, forever21!!

lainey316

I wonder if they didn't realise it was such a 'huge' percentage of the market - I say 'huge' because I actually don't know many people, even in my wider circle, who'd be about or bigger than a 14 so I wonder if it is such a significant percentage of their market at all.

That said, it's not uncommon to have inconsistent sizing, I'm size 8-10, for example had to get large in Superdry and a few times in H&M even a 12 wouldn't go on me.

moonflower

Eviledna wrote: »

Nothing like a new shop marginalising a huge section of the target market and not accounting for sizes in the country they are trying to sell to.

I really hope they are reading this. We don't appreciate it, forever21!!

I'm not sure if they are marginalising their target market though. I know the average size in Ireland is a 14/16 but that's including women of all ages. This shop is aimed as teens and young adults and I'd think that the vast majority of women that age would be under a size 14.

Their more adult range fits bigger, so I think maybe they did do their research.

D e e

Quite a few girls who got hired (myself included) were over a size 12/14, I even mentioned during my interview that Forever 21s plus sized line will really do well here because it's young and trendy and much more affordable than Evans, the manager agreed so I was hoping they would really have a good plus sized section.

The store in NYC is 90,000 sq ft (vs 70,000 dublin) but the plus sized section is unbelievable, forever 21 are doing themselves no favors by slacking on the plus sized section.

Chuchoter

Haven't been in yet, but kind of annoyed they aren't stocking a 6, that means nothing will fit

lainey316

crayolastereo wrote: »

Haven't been in yet, but kind of annoyed they aren't stocking a 6, that means nothing will fit

I saw plenty tiny Asians shopping there who would not even be a 6, you may be lucky with the small depending on the fabric & cut.

LizT

Surprised about the comments that a large = 14. When I was in America this summer most of the large tops, cardigans etc fit me and I'm an 18! Having said that I have two dresses from their plus size range, one is an xl and the other is 2xl so their sizes do seem to vary a bit. Haven't been to the one in Dublin but I know I'll be disappointed because the last one I was in was when I was in Las Vegas and that shop is MASSIVE! Great plus size range there too.

Eviledna

moonflower wrote: »

This shop is aimed as teens and young adults and I'd think that the vast majority of women that age would be under a size 14.

At age 14 I was a size 14. I was tall, but had a little "love chub". Most of my friends were too. I think there is enough pressure on young women to be under a certain size these days without shops simply unaccounting for that segment of the market. If the average size is 14/16, that means that there are many over that size too.

Ugh, listen I'm beginning to sound like the "bitter fatty" here. But I do think it's absolutely crap that the majority of the clothes in that shop only account for size 14 and under. That does not reflect our society. It definitely doesn't reflect sizes in America either! And so it becomes elitest, which size already is in fashion. It propegates the stereotype, which is not needed.

LizT

Eviledna wrote: »

At age 14 I was a size 14. I was tall, but had a little "love chub". Most of my friends were too. I think there is enough pressure on young women to be under a certain size these days without shops simply unaccounting for that segment of the market. If the average size is 14/16, that means that there are many over that size too.

Ugh, listen I'm beginning to sound like the "bitter fatty" here. But I do think it's absolutely crap that the majority of the clothes in that shop only account for size 14 and under. That does not reflect our society. It definitely doesn't reflect sizes in America either! And so it becomes elitest, which size already is in fashion. It propegates the stereotype, which is not needed.

I agree. Maybe they only want size 6-12 girls shopping in their shops but that's not the way to go. I don't shop in certain shops like Miss Selfridge, Warehouse etc because they only stock small sizes. I'm currently losing weight and if I get down to my goal weight it will take a lot for me to be enticed to shop in those shops.

It's a fact that, like it or not, society as a whole is becoming heavier. That means that more woman are plus sized now. If they had a really good plus sized range they would make an absolute killing!

fifomania

Absolutely love the clothes in the store, the price range isn't at all bad, don't like the layout, there is no uniformity to it with stuff all over the place, spent nearly three hours in it (yes, THREE HOURS) yesterday evening and an hour in it today and was exhausted when i left, it was so busy! I don't like the jewellery section, just my opinion but it's all way too bling and cheap looking. All the staff I've encountered minus one were excellent. I agree the upper changing rooms and cash desks are worth going to as downstairs is hectic!

seanbmc

The men's section is tiny! The stuff they had though was decent, good prices too. Just not a very big selection.

ams

Finally made it in last night - picked up a skirt size L and a top size XS!!!

Nice selection of stuff but a lot of the floatier tops looked really creased and cheap - would not be worth the hassle.

Wish the changing rooms had more hooks as well - the floor was all dust balls and there was nowhere to leave my coat or clothes I took off.

Corruptedmorals

crayolastereo wrote: »

Haven't been in yet, but kind of annoyed they aren't stocking a 6, that means nothing will fit

The S is a 6 in some instances- like in dresses. The jeans go down to a 24- im not sure about trousers though. Got a skirt in an XS. Fitted clothes in an S are not a problem. It is jumpers and cardigans and non-fitted stuff that the S is too big, but fine for everything else- and I'm a small 6/8.

ohthebaby

I loved it. Really, really loved it. It's well priced and there's just so much variety. With so much variety there's bound to be some cheapy, tacky-ish bits but the majority of the stuff is lovely.

I'm a 12-14 and everything I bought was L. But in saying that, I might have got by with M in some things but I said I wouldn't chance it. I liked how everything was set out according to colour / theme. I like going into a shop and having to search and getting lost in it all, it's like an adventure. But then others who are more pressed for time and like a bit more organisation, I can see where they're coming from.

The accessories are so so lovely. And cheap.

ams wrote: »

Wish the changing rooms had more hooks as well - the floor was all dust balls and there was nowhere to leave my coat or clothes I took off.

That's my only fault with the place tbh.

Pandoras Twist

I'd have to agree with some of the posters above. Im in the target age and only one friend is a 14, none are above.

They are a trendy shop, their target market (especially initially) is always going to be young and slim.

snooleen

Haven't been yet but will be dropping in tomorrow after college. I wasn't too excited as I thought the price range would be a little more along the lines of River Island/TopShop but am quite intrigued now I'm just hoping I'll fit into something :P I'm a 14, dresses and tops usually fit me well, it's only jeans I'm quite big in, so I should be all good as that's all I'll be looking for. Will post feedback.

Is it tacky? The stuff on the website all looks disgusting. I remember going into F21 a few times when I was in NY, and I bought a few bits there (all fell apart, but was ridiculously cheap) but there's nothing on the site that appeals to me at all. It doesn't sound that cheap either - I don't mind so much paying 13 dollars for a dress to fall apart after a month, but not 25 euro.

D e e

Aleena Thousands Laborer wrote: »

Is it tacky? The stuff on the website all looks disgusting. I remember going into F21 a few times when I was in NY, and I bought a few bits there (all fell apart, but was ridiculously cheap) but there's nothing on the site that appeals to me at all. It doesn't sound that cheap either - I don't mind so much paying 13 dollars for a dress to fall apart after a month, but not 25 euro.

yup it's not as cheap as the USA. There was one Cardigan that is marked up over $20 extra here which I think is *too much* considering the quality. There's a lot of tack but you really have to spend a few hours in there to find a few nice pieces.

Corruptedmorals

Dresses seem to range from 15-27, cardigans 10.50- 24 or so- depends how wooly it is.., jeans 14.50- 27. Most of the dresses and most of the 'party' section on the 3rd floor are tacky, such a shame. Shoes also are not that great. Everything else- fantastic. I have found quality to be fine so far, no complaints and I bought a major variety of stuff...

Linguo

Went in yesterday finally, wasn't really overwhelmed by the clothes although loved the jewellery and accessories section, all great prices! Plan to go in and get a few bits before Christmas for myself!

readyletsgo

I went in on the saturday to see the mens stuff. WTF! Why is the mens so small and in a corner and womens is 3 full floors? Dont they know men shop a lot too? EDIT: men in there teens/college.

Also the prices are a bit high for what it is. But I do like some of there stuff, just shocked at the size of the mens!


Wonder if there t-shirts will be smelly like pennys.... lol

xOxSinéadxOx

I think it's fairly crap. most of the clothes aren't nice and the way the shop itself is decorated is horibble it's so BLING BLING.

readyletsgo

xOxSinéadxOx wrote: »

I think it's fairly crap. most of the clothes aren't nice and the way the shop itself is decorated is horibble it's so BLING BLING.

I guess thats because the people who are most likely to shop in forever 21 will be people under or around 21, its in the name. So young folk, a bling seems to be part of life and displays now.

But I agree, its a bit of a mess of a shop lol

PARARORY

Disapointing they don't offer student discount considering their target groups would be teens in school and college...

Mens section is way too small - they have a few nice shirts for 20 - 25 euro. (compared to Topmans which are about 35-45 with student discount..)
Found a cool hoodie/tshirt thing that would look good for going out in for 21..

I thought the quality seemed grand but some of the comments here are putting me off buying clothes there!

ohanloj3

What are the sizes like for women? Would they go up to a size 16 or are they one of those shops that don't cater for fuller figures??

Brendog

Its a fancy version of Pennys...


Pennys has nicer stuff

D e e

2 of my necklaces broke already!! One hasn't been worn at all (I just picked it up and it snapped) and the other was worn once and it just fell apart when I was wearing it. They were 3 times the price of what I pay for necklaces in primark and my primark necklaces rarely break let alone after one wear.

D e e

ohanloj3 wrote: »

What are the sizes like for women? Would they go up to a size 16 or are they one of those shops that don't cater for fuller figures??

Did you read this thread at all? It has been discussed on most pages lol

Their largest size is size large which is 12-14. They have a tiny plus sized section which caters for size 12-20, you would probably be a 1x in plus sizes there but you need to try everything on as the sizes can vary. The plus size section doesn't have much and what it does have isn't too nice sadly.

Twee.

Gonna pop in today after work. My friends have said it's great for separates, but weren't too keen on the dresses.

Shame about your necklaces Dee, would you return them?

D e e

Twee. wrote: »

Gonna pop in today after work. My friends have said it's great for separates, but weren't too keen on the dresses.

Shame about your necklaces Dee, would you return them?

I might try bringing them in when it's not as busy, I don't know if they'll give me a refund though since I can't actually prove that it wasn't my fault!

Twee.

Well you hardly ripped off your neck I'd give it a shot. If you still had the receipt or tag that the necklace came on it would be even better. Just approach calmly and explain the situation. Even say that you'll accept an exchange for the value of the necklaces, blah blah tell them you really like the jewelry and were disappointed when it broke Stores rarely want to disappoint a valued customer (Two years in high street retail, heard it all!)

Linguo

D e e wrote: »

2 of my necklaces broke already!! One hasn't been worn at all (I just picked it up and it snapped) and the other was worn once and it just fell apart when I was wearing it. They were 3 times the price of what I pay for necklaces in primark and my primark necklaces rarely break let alone after one wear.

Oh dear planned to buy a few myself, although I noticed with the bracelets that were there that a lot had jewels missing already, that's a real pity!

Goldenegg

Go straight back in and ask for a refund and if they say no, demand it!

D e e

Thanks I'll head in one of the days during the week, I know from working there it won't be easy to get it! Worth a shot though.

A V A

i work in f21 and it is stressfull but thats aloud because its a big store and is hyped because its famous for being an american brand etc !!! the sales advisors do try their very best with the littlle info they have been fed !! im very polite to costomers and i dont know how many times i have gone out of my way for them and they have been so polite back, i havent seen any body working in f21 be rude to a customer.if anything the customers are rude to us and expect way to much from us , we are there to help and we are paid to do our jobs but
iv done so much for f21 so far and im constantly running and sweating my arse off for the place and it is worth it , the people are cool and make the place so much easier to work in !!! i know people that have gone to collage for years and are in fancy jobs and im on the same rate of pay as them , 10.5 an hour for a retail job in ireland is really good !!!

you have to bare in mind that there are 3 floors filled with customers , i read a few times in this thread that it was a mess etc but we cannot stop this , we try our best and tidy as fast as we can all of the time. when we fix the jeans or anything on fixtures , 2 mins later they are a mess !!! if anything most of the customers have no repect, grabbing things and just trowing them anywhere, or hitting things on the floor and not picking them up.
with the dressing rooms , staff have to accompany a customer to the changing room etc , we have to go by the policy and training of the store. the store is so busy and customers just grab any cloths that they like and bring loads to the changing room but then only end up buying one or 2 of them , we have to deal with what the customer dont want !!! the cloths that they bring are from all over the shop 1st,2nd and 3rd floor, so its imposible to keep a clean store all the time with customers not caring were they are trowing cloths !!

the dust balls on the ground is a fcukin joke :P were not happy about that either , its the cleaning company , they arent working fast enough and not cleaning the place right, the store manager is sorting it out !!

if you have a bad experience with a staff member in f21 please go to the floor manager etc, they need the feedback etc to make the store right

oh and i must add that the reason that there might not be staff around because staff just keep fcukin walking out , it ridiculous :mad::mad: it puts so much stress on the rest of us that work there !!! its nothing to do with the store or what the "contract" is , they just cant handle it !!! i dont know how many dunse people i have came across that havent a clue about fashion retail or what retail is like , im kind of glad in way that they have gone because they were just taking up space an just moaning all the time!!! lot of work goes on behind the scenes of this place and each and every single person that works in f21 are there to help and are all well mannered!!

banshee_bones

One of my close friends works there and like AVA said they are so short staffed at the moment, apparantly a significant amount of staff walked out on that first weekend which is having a knock on affect on everything else as you can imagine.

Oh and 10.50 an hour is fantastic if you take into consideration that the minimum wage is 8.65.

A V A

exactly banshee:)

there is no reason why people should walk out!!! just goes to show the type of people that are out there :rolleyes: there are plenty of people that need a job and even if its only for xmas its tsill something,
i think we need people in the store that have worked in retail before and that know what type of work that is expected it would be worth it in the long run !!

the cloths are great aswell !!! people just expect to much and hype things well to much aswell these days and expected to much, the cloths are much better than pennys and the prices are decent , dont really see pople making that much of a huf for topshop etc !! f21 cloths are affordable and there wasnothing said about the prices being like pennys , that was just people making their own judgement :P

banshee_bones

A V A wrote: »

exactly banshee:)

there is no reason why people should walk out!!! just goes to show the type of people that are out there :rolleyes: there are plenty of people that need a job and even if its only for xmas its tsill something,
i think we need people in the store that have worked in retail before and that know what type of work that is expected it would be worth it in the long run !!

the cloths are great aswell !!! people just expect to much and hype things well to much aswell these days and expected to much, the cloths are much better than pennys and the prices are decent , dont really see pople making that much of a huf for topshop etc !! f21 cloths are affordable and there wasnothing said about the prices being like pennys , that was just people making their own judgement :P

With the state the country is in, I am still in shock that so many people just walked out on opening weekend, must be lovely to have that option.
Yeah it was going to be nuts that much was obvious.
I know I will get slayed for saying this but I really think people need to harden the fúck up, beginning to think some people have never worked a day in their lives before! that, or people thinking working in fashion-retail would be a "soft number" :rolleyes:

A V A

people do need to harden the fcuk up !!! you are right\!!!! like i did 5 night shifts in a row !!! 5 pm till 6 am , doin the deliveries and stocking the store sorting the stock room etc , and their were plenty others aswell!!!! it was hard work , and most couldnt take that !!!! today is my first day off since the truckins etc and iv worked a total of 83 hours since last monday !!!!

people are to whimpy !!!! its so annoying !!!!

A V A

and i must add that i went from being um employed for a year and a half to getting this job . . . . .some people arent that greatfull and must live off mummy and daddy :rolleyes::rolleyes:

banshee_bones

A V A wrote: »

people do need to harden the fcuk up !!! you are right\!!!! like i did 5 night shifts in a row !!! 5 pm till 6 am , doin the deliveries and stocking the store sorting the stock room etc , and their were plenty others aswell!!!! it was hard work , and most couldnt take that !!!! today is my first day off since the truckins etc and iv worked a total of 83 hours since last monday !!!!

people are to whimpy !!!! its so annoying !!!!

Oh I know! Iv been kept well informed! friend told me aswell that the visual merchandisers worked in or around that and up to and over 100 hours during truck in and opening weekend, my friend worked 8 days straight aswell. Mental stuff.

donna.s

Eh not to be a b*tch Karl (a v a) but come on. You said yourself in a PM to me what a joke the whole thing is. I had good reason to quit and I'm sure everyone else did too. Do you think people applied for that job just to walk out a few days later? Get real. The whole thing was a shambles from the beginning.

-I give them the hours I can work at my interview (9-5, 6 days a week) and say the minimum I will work is 35 hrs a week
-I get a call saying the only contract they can offer is 24hrs, that's a full time contract and the max they give out (which I find out is a lie because you Karl were told they gave 4 people 37 hr contracts)
-I get told to take it or leave it, I take it and confirm my availability to work all is okay
- I get a call 30mins later saying i can't have the "full time" contract unless I am available to work 9am-9pm 7 days a week even though I live two hours away. I try to talk about it with the manager and she was horrible and made me cry.
-I get a call a few days later from HR apologizing for being rude on the phone.
-I go to induction and get given hours of 6am-4pm even though I was told to be available from 9am, they said we could change our hours but the induction went on 1 1/2hrs longer than it should have and there was a queue so I had to get my train. I email nicola 3 times and 2 other managers twice and they had a whole week to reply and none of them even acknowledged my emails.

I also get confirmation that my contract is only part time so I was lied to.

The job worked out for you, cool, but don't put others down. The management were so unprofessional and everyone I talked to was unhappy too so if there's a lot of people quitting they have good reason. I'm glad people aren't staying with them just "because it's a job", they have some self respect. I do feel sorry for everyone that has to work harder because people are quitting but that's not our fault, Maybe if management didn't expect so much, lie, and actually reply to staff members when they have concerns there wouldn't be so many people leaving.

They have a high staff turnover in the states and it's looking like it will be exactly the same here.