Boston Store

I needed a new winter coat, and Boston Store was recommended to me by a friend. After browsing their expansive winter coat selection, I found the perfect one for me. Like a dummy, I wanted to pay for the coat on the main floor on our way out. We had a pretty tough time finding a check-​out counter that was a) open, and b) equipped to handle my purchase. (One didn’t have the security tag remover tool)
So this was almost a 3-​star experience, but the woman that I finally found to ring up my purchase had a coupon for $ 50 off sitting on her register. She asked her co-​worker if she could use it for me, and they said yes! Woohoo! I’m terrible at clipping coupons, so this was a really nice surprise bonus! I’d definitely go back to that store just because of her.

Okay, I should know better, but after stopping at the post office this afternoon, I went to Boston Store at Bayshore Town Center. There were some picture frames there a few weeks ago that I really liked. If fact, I bought 4 of them on sale — all they had at the time. Since then I have received a letter from BS asking if I won’t please come back. They have missed my being a customer over the past few years. The message included some dandy coupons which have since expired. However, a new batch of coupons arrived today. I mistakenly expected the stock of frames would be replenished and I could get more, this time for 50% off.
Fool.
Not only were there no frames, the department was in complete disarray. There were two clerks on the entire lower level on the opposite side of the store. They had no fewer than six people in line waiting to check out. So, I decided to wait, using my time to take a few photos of the place. I seriously contemplated dropping my pants to see if at least a security camera would bring someone. While I waited and waited, I had a chance to hear twice the recorded message that if something we were looking for was not in stock, customers should just ask and it would be sent at no charge. Unfortunately, I learned on a previous Boston Store visit that they will not honor the sale price if it is in the warehouse. At the time, the clerk told me that there were nearly 1,000 of the frames warehoused, but they could not honor the sale price.
After twenty minutes of not spotting a single clerk in over half the lower level, I went scouting for the store office. I located a sign indicating that it was on the third floor. However, it does not exist. There is no office. Which figures, because the store is not really managed. The beleaguered workers get to dress up a bit more than Walmart, but they seriously are not treated better. They are stocking, checking out merchandise, and cleaning.
Why is this store open?

I was going to go to Kohl’s to get my gf a 6 mth anniv gift, however, after going to Goodwill to drop off some clothing, I was given a coupon for the Boston Store, so I decided to trek to the nearest BS, which is in the dreaded Bayshore Mall, instead. I’m glad this location is on the outskirts of the mall, so driving through the mess and craziness isn’t necessary.
I’m giving 5 stars bc I found a perfect necklace at a great price. The saleswoman was helpful. The first thing she showed me was perfect and I took it. Great, friendly service that left me leaving as a very happy and satisfied customer. I wish this wasn’t the closest location to me, as I would go back more often otherwise, but I guess it’s better than driving a further distance and wasting additional gas.

As Boston Store locations go, this one is just ok. It’s located in the mess that is Bayshore, but does have its own parking lot that’s decent sized, and it’s close to the Lydell parking garage. If you’re coming to this store only, it probably makes sense to enter on Lydell St. vs driving all the way through the mall streets.
The store itself is much smaller than the Brookfield Square or Mayfair locations. One would think that a smaller store would be easier to navigate, but no — the layout is confusing and the directional signage is total crap. It was hard to find escalators and my way back to the door I had come in.
On the plus side, I do like that BS lets local charities sell «Community Days» coupon books — we lucked out and got to cuddle with some very cute puppies as the Golden Retriever Rescue happened to be there. The bad news is that the coupons are pretty much useless because there’s a mile long list of restrictions. Oh well, the dogs were adorable and I was happy to support them.

I’d have to say this seems to be the smallest of the Boston Stores in Milwaukee… the juniors department is TINY and the selection is ¼ of that at Mayfair. The layout is kind of confusing; I’ve been going to this store for 7 years and I still forget where departments are located. I must admit that they do have a decent men’s department. Also, they offer fantastic end of the season sales/​clearances.
I hate that they publish coupons that you cannot use on 99% of items. For example, the Black Friday coupons… they are not good on door busters, red lines, yellow dots, fine fragrances, makeup, etc… I honestly have no idea what you can use those coupons for. When I asked the sales associate this past Black Friday she said she didn’t know what I could purchase that would qualify. o. O
However, the Goodwill sale is always a deal. Donate a bag of items, get coupons that CAN be used on items like fine fragrance or jewelry.
During peak times, or any time really, there aren’t enough registers open. I get the feeling they need to hire more holiday help…
On the plus side, I feel like this store if rarely *that* busy and usually pretty clean and tidy. Even on popular shopping days, the chaos is nothing like the Brookfield Square or Mayfair Mall locations (I have experience multiple Boston Stores in 1 day). Even though it’s small, I’d rather stop here to see if they have what I need than go out of my way to another mall.

I don’t like the layout of this store, but the merchandise is organized and there’s a pretty solid selection. It’s clean and usually not terribly busy. Parking in the area is a pain, otherwise I might shop this one more. Good, but not great.

Good sales, and get the credit card if you shop here, for even more sales. Essentially, there is always a sale or a coupon to be had when shopping at Boston store. This particular store has 3 very large stories. Lots of stuff can be had here. I am not sure if I like the layout, however. Mens clothing is laid out by brand, which can be frustrating, because if you are like me, you buy whatever fits and is quality, not by the brand. I was excited to see they recently got ben Sherman brand, however. Unfortunately, it is just suit separates. I really like how those shirts look and fit. The checkout here can be frustrating too. So many registers, but not many are attended. And, most often, the cashier is someone incompetent, or the person trying to make a purchase in front of you is wishy-​washy on what they really are going to buy. All too often, it can take 10 minutes to checkout here, so be prepared for that. Even though I give it 2 stars, I will still shop here, because Milwaukee is drastically lacking in good clothing selection. I do wonder if that is just due to demographics. :(

Unfortunately, Boston Store still lags severely in terms of customer service. There never seem to be any open registers or sales people around to ask questions. Macy’s, Nordstroms and even Target continue to rise to the occasion of providing not only quality and trendy fashions but outstanding customer service. Not sure why Boston Store still can’t get it right.

I bought a bottle of Givenchy Very irresistble for $ 39.99 which would normally costs $ 47. I can’t wait until for the next goodwill sale in March.