Francesca’s Collections

FIrst review! Surprising.
So this fairly recently opened boutique is one of a few similar shops that have popped up in Suburban Square over the last year, clearly aimed at a very specific clientele, namely the 16 – 25 age group. I hesitate to compare it to any of the bigger chain stores, but when I walk in I get a feel similar to a Wet Seal, but classier clothes and much more higher price tags. The shop is well curated, and I commend them on finding a wide variety of styles that will appeal to a range of tastes, but the quality of the clothing does not seem to me to warrant the $ 60+ for a dress or $ 30+ for a shirt.
You may find more options of styles at Francesca’s, but you really have to sift through and make sure you love what you’re getting and that it’s unlike anything else you’d find anywhere else, because your wallet will feel it. Or maybe not so much, since we Are talking about the Main Line.
But for a relatively unrecognizable chain, lower prices will garner more popularity. Now, some of you may be thinking, well what about Free People or Urban Outfitters prices then? Those brands have established themselves and their look is extremely iconic. I had never heard of Francescas before seeing it by chance walking around the square, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Since their motif is not easy to put your finger on, (and like I said, variety is good) and their reputation is not yet as firm as the bigger chains, those prices need to drop.
I usually rate these sort of clothing boutiques on their jewelry– it’s the easiest way to determine the quality of their items I feel, since clothes are so trendy that the right pattern or color may offset your judgment about the durability and craftsmanship of the item of clothing you’re looking at. So, their jewelry is, again, widely varied, and there are some styles that make you go Oh! that’s Innnteresting. But quality is lacking for sure.
This is a store for quick fast-​food shopping of the likeness of an H&M with prices meant to trick you into thinking that what you’re getting is truly high end clothing. Considering their target audience, they should truly think about the competition of the larger retail stores around them if they want to survive here. They would benefit from adjusting EITHER their quality, and they will find plenty of consumers of Main Line young women, OR adjusting their prices to more quick-​shop ranges to appeal to those who prefer to buy a new outfit for every new occasion.
Overall however, I enjoyed sifting through the variety, and more than a few times I had to stop and say, oooo I could really dig this! So that’s worth 2 stars. and I did buy something and… despite all I’ve said I will probably walk in there again if I want to find something trendy fun and light, so that’s worth another star.
More Sales– and the crowd will come!
oh and last but certainly Not least, Customer Service??? — almost non-​existent or slightly off putting from the girls who act like it is kiiiiiilling them to work there.
Not a good look guys! Peppy it up, this is not Brooklyn! Moody won’t sell clothes, and definitely not overpriced ones for sure.