I am the original Top Drawer ranter and I have to say, I tried you again and sure enough, you were just the same. Would it kill you to say hello when people walk in the store? Everyone who works there cannot even bother to look up from the desk or computer.
Don’t feel bad, I have actually encountered one other clothing store with worse customer service than you, it’s called State of Mind on Davie.
It was only worse because that woman who runs the store is borderline abusive and actually deserves to be shut down. I would probably do a little happy dance on her block of sidewalk if she was, and here is why:
One day I called my boyfriend on their cell phone and all I could hear as soon as he answered was this crazy person screaming in the background. I asked him where he was and he said he was at State of Mind on Davie and the owner was screaming at a customer. It was so offensive there is no other description except for calling it “ugly screaming”
A few years later I went in for the first time (not realizing it was the same place) and she actually ordered me to leave! I am a nice polite clean cut looking guy (really I am) who was simply browsing through the shirts, so i was quite shocked! I asked her “So you mean I cannot buy this shirt?” And she said “No you have to get out of my store” I met up with friends that night totally shocked and they reminded me that she was the one who was yelling that day while I was on the phone.
That woman needs to go out of business. The very fact that she is still running a store shocks me. If for some reason she has real, valid mental problems (which her behavior suggests she does) she shouldn’t be running a customer service driven business and I am sorry if this rant hurts her. But if she doesn’t have a mental illness, but is truly, deep down mean, judgmental and offensive, I hope she goes out of business.
So don’t feel bad TD guys, there is at least one person who is worse and more notorious than you.
BTY, the guys at Club Annex provide the best, most genuine and friendly customer service in Vancouver!
Submitted by JM
actually, she’s probably one of the best stylists in town, who just happens to have a storefront at the front end of her stash.
She’s nuts, and she’ll tell you straight up what you’re doing wrong, but if you put yourself in her hands for an afternoon, she’ll have you two years ahead of the curve in stuff you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Club Annex is fantastic as well, but they’re still no where near as up on their labels and gourmet gear as Linda K.
James
February 13th, 2007
I agree - the woman should be put out of business. I’ve had a similar experience, but not quite as bad - I was essentially shooed out of the store and made to feel like trash. Even if she’s ahead of the curve there’s really no excuse for her behavior. The attitude she displayed to me would have her closed down in a day were she in Toronto or Montreal, but somehow it flies here.
sean
March 13th, 2007
Sure she’s nuts, and very, very passionate about making her clients look fantastic. Check your ego at the door and let hers take over. So what if she’s tough - in thick-skinned New York she’d probably be thought of as a dear little lady with a great sense of style.
GSK
March 20th, 2007
Having just visited Vancouver for the first time, I happened into State of Mind and was met by a very in your face lady, who mistook me for someone else completely. Although I would say that the style of her approach was overwhelming, I do have to agree that what she does, what she knows, and her ability to see the potential in others is something that I have yet to come across in any other Canadian city. I think as someone else has said, “check your ego at the door”, but be sure to have the house mortgaged before you go in… Keep up the good work Linda K, those of us with thicker skin appreciate your sense and verve!
Craig
March 21st, 2007
Sorry but the point is this: she is outrageously rude and aggressive - fine. Sure, she may be a talented stylist and have one of a kind clothing. BUT, if you want to not cater to locals or the public or anyone with less than a certain amount to spend - then lock the door! Take the Open sign out of the window. Install a doorbell. If your exclusive then be exclusive. The only reason she doesn’t do this is because she enjoys the confrontations she and her staff cultivate whenever someone IMAGINE walk into an open store with a storefront display. Get real with the check your ego and thicker skin. I am from Montreal where a thick skin does matter but this is not called for and does not pass as brilliance or artistic license. Get better customer service skills, get sane, get less abusive or get out. Or at least again just lock your door and only deal with those that will deal with you. Period.
CDB
April 2nd, 2007
My boyfriend and I walked into State Of Mind and Linda gave us excellent service. Linda has a unique approach that may startle the shy. However, if you let her work her magic, you will stand out in the crowd. She knows how to size up the customer and she knows how to dress men. She was able to put together different styles that worked perfectly. When we got back to Toronto, I received two complements from guys at the nightclub on my clothes. I wish Linda had a shop in Toronto. If you’re serious about looking good, State of Mind is worth the visit.
j lusby
April 5th, 2007
my god she is mental and ugly too
rich
May 6th, 2007
On average, what are you looking at spending in this place? For a guy.
bob
May 7th, 2007
I don’t think these two retail locations even compare to each other?
Who ever thought of comparing them?
brandon
May 22nd, 2007
I too had an awful experience with this woman who REALLY did chase me out of the store for wandering in without an appointment. I don’t care what kind of clothes she has/how good she is. Not cool.
If you are looking for someone better, I’d suggest consulting with Jennifer at brooklyn clothing co. - wrote a detailed review of them/her image consulting business on my blog if you’re interested (linked to my name).
darren
September 5th, 2007
Test myfunction comment
TestName
September 22nd, 2007
I agree she should not have a store front business. I have purchased items at the store when it was first open and run by two women (one which was actually very nice), but happened to go in the store a few years ago during the Christmas season. I was yelled and screamed at by this woman when inquiring about the size of Calvin Klein underwear she carried as I was purchasing some for my boyfriend. I have been into some very high end clothig stores in New York, San Francisco, Paris and LA and never have encountered such shoddy customer service. Take a good look, Davie Street is not Rodeo Drive. She may think of herself as a high end stylist, but unfortunately she has no class.
Tru
September 26th, 2007
Why would anyone subject themselves to this type of abuse? QUIT SHOPPING THERE PEOPLE.
Cathy
September 28th, 2007
my bf and i inadvertently walked in and she literally invited us to leave her store…i seriously hope someone’s called the bbb on her…
jason
September 29th, 2007
First of all, any of you who enjoy this woman’s abuse may want to check in for some therapy. She is not ‘borderline’ abusive, she is highly abusive. In fact, she yells at certain people before they even pass the door. At other times, she blocks the door with a stepladder if she doesn’t like your look. She swears loudly at people and is also highly racist and homophobic. She is clearly out of her ’state of mind’ and should have a private business, not a public one. She also should remove her homophobic ass from Davie Street… um, hello!
Kevin
October 17th, 2007
LInda rocks!
Mark
October 17th, 2007
“On average, what are you looking at spending in this place? For a guy” asks Bob….I spent $1800 last week on quite possibly the coolest threads I have ever stepped out in. Linda is a bit different to your normal shop owner granted, but you need someone like that to be in your face and tell you how good or s*hit you look in something rather than the normal “oh yes sir that looks great” b*llocks… To all who say she should be shut down, she knows her stuff and should be listened to, period. I also just stumbled across the shop and encountered the “who are you” bit. I am me, and you will style me. haha. I had no trouble in getting in the shop and getting Linda on my side. I had a great afternoon trying stuff on and once you let her get going, she really does pull some wicked stuff out. My last thoughts….Go there and say Tim from Switzerland sent you. She will love that. Thanks Linda !!
sutski
October 31st, 2007
AWESOME! I knew that she was talented! I knew she was rude and abusive! But… I took my boifriend there to show him the famous Linda. When we left he was fucking HOT! Get a thick skin or let her kick you out (do not go back) and allow someone to be a professional. I was sceptical but now we are clients. Yep in a city of ignorant pricks who will not give you the time of day or are escorts we will look good, have earned it and thumb our noses at those who dare say Linda is rude.
Thanks Linda!!!!
Tyler & Mark
December 13th, 2007
I wandered into this store today for the first time. I was on a lunchtime walk and simply wanted to browse. I was confronted by Linda, who talked at me, in full volume, for 5 minutes before I could escape. She gave me a pitch that is similar to that described by other posters: people in Vancouver do not know how to dress; her clothes are two years ahead; she “shops” for many sports and entertainment people (who she named); she will tell me what to buy; do not bring my wife; etc. I did not dare look for any price tags so that I could determine whether this store was in my price range. Interestingly, as I continued my walk, I stopped into the Tommy Hilfinger store on Robson St. and saw a very similar shirt to the one she pointed to when she was talking about “two years ahead”. It was 40% off. The moral of this story: high prices and excessive attitude do not make a store cutting edge (although people with loads of money might think so because they don’t bother to shop around).
DL
December 20th, 2007
I am so shocked that any man, gay or straight would put himself in a situation to be “stylized” by the very homophobic, angry and bitter LINDA of State of mind (or shall I say, OUT OF MY MIND).
The moment my partner and I walked into her store, she spoke full volume to let us know she “dresses stars!” WTF…do I care? We were looking for cool jeans, not a cool attitude. This woman is bi-polar, egocentric, angry, nasty and the ugliest bitch I’ve ever met. I used to shop there year’s ago..NEVER again. And YES, I WILL be calling the BBB to let them know what she’s up to. Someone needs to investigate her customer service skills which include, racism, sizeism, homophobia (hello Linda..you’re a dyke…look in the mirror you miserable witch!).
Those of you who shop there. Really…get over yourself, hire a proper STYLIST who isn’t stuck in his/her ego, and get over Linda. She is NOT a friend of the West End Businesses, sadly she makes herself look foolish thinking I’m actually impressed at who shops in her store. With a little brains you guys can dress in the State of Mind clothes without having to put out your credit card, or put up with the rantings of a lunatic woman who clearly needs a new set of meds!
Good luck to all of you…
Stella
December 24th, 2007
If you are going to spend $1800 to look “2 years ahead” don’t do it on Davie Street or with this witch. Watch for a seat sale and take a trip to London. You’ll also have more fun and feel more welcome.
Scott
January 14th, 2008
COME shop at my store. I’ll rip your balls off, sew a “Evisu” patch on them and make you wear them on your forehead, you F-A-G-G-O-T-S!
Linda K
February 14th, 2008
To the people who actually consider Linda a nice person:
maggie "fake"
February 19th, 2008
To the people who actually think Linda is a nice person:
Do you feel that you are cultivating a healthy society by supporting missconduct? Do you feel fortunate that you were/are accepted by Linda? …
While she treats other unsuspecting pursuers with utter dispise.
message to linda:
if you want to be a ‘privste’ then close the front doors. ‘by appointment only, screen through email”
well what goes around comes around.
maggie "fake"
February 20th, 2008
literally shouted out of the store today i was in outrage. well, mostly shock and confused at first, then purely anger. if’s she is so good at what she does, she should just buy a sign and proudly present her racism. she told me that she dresses the cooler japanese people and that chinese/korean just browse and waste time. then she went on and on about how great she is. honestly, i just wanted to buy some underwear, big deal.
after searching “racist stylist on davie st” and arriving at this site, i can say that i am glad other people r ranting about her as well. yay!
i dont know how good she is, shes still just a crazy little woman who owns a tiny little store on davie st., come on!
maybe she’s just some angry holt-renfrew reject.
me
February 22nd, 2008
THAT WOMAN IS A BLUR IN TRIP TO CANADA, SHE MADE ME FEEL BAD DURING ONE AFTERNOON, BUT AT NIGHT… I MET A GORGEROUS GUY IN CELEBRITIES, SO I FORGOT THAT ANIMAL!! HEHEHE
Max
March 8th, 2008
FAGGGGGGG!!!!
john
April 7th, 2008
She has been like this for far TOO long. She intimidates people to purchase her goods and I have seen many friends buy from her because of it. She’s a GREAT salesman for the buck and a HORRIBLE person to deal with.
After 17 years of knowing this poor soul, I feel sorry for the person that gives her his/her hard earned money. Seriously.
Mark Van Dijk
April 26th, 2008
I suggested on another forum that a bunch of us get together and swarm her store and don’t leave. What can she do? Call the police? For what? Shopping?
Paulette
May 14th, 2008