Violas Smart Shop

Viola is amazing at finding the right size for you. She doesn’t even use a tape measure — seriously, she just takes one look and determines what size you need. I told her when I arrived that I was most certainly a 38, but she said that was not possible and promptly put me in a 36. She was right.
Viola can be pushy, tries to sell you more than you need (and sometimes can even carry), does not take returns, and has a limited selection. Having said all that, she is so good at what she does you owe it to yourself to go there and get fitted properly. You won’t regret it.

Strict no return no exchange policy! I paid 58.00 for a Vasarette slip. Viola took the tags off after the transaction. I thought that was weird. I looked up the slip and it was 17.99 at target. Buyer beware!!! I called Viola the next day and spoke to her about the target price and she said that’s what I charge??? You can come in and I can give you a discount on something else??? Yea ok!!! If you want to overpay feel free to visit her. She gives small business shops a bad reputation! stay away

I tend to be somewhat oblivious about clothing so after my friend said that I needed new and better fitting bras, I realized that an overhaul was in order. Based on the «favorable» reviews and it’s being nearby, I went to Viola’s today to be fitted for a bra. Viola herself fitted me with two bras– one clearly not fitting and the other possibly fitting. She insisted both fit «perfectly» but, not surprisingly, the much more expensive was said to be better. I bought the more expensive one.
Thinking about it, I realized that I was not happy with the bra and the experience, and went back (same day with the bra still in its bag) to return it. She refused to return and even to exchange the bra.
Multiple excuses were given including she claimed it was «ILLEGAL» to return bras — that would be a surprise to Macy’s, Bloomingdales and numerous «responsible» stores who allow returns.
She pointed to a small sign stating that there will be no refunds– I had not noticed the sign, possibly because of it size and because of its placement about 8 – 9 feet above the floor.
Later, after much discussion, she agreed to make a «special exception» to allow an exchange, but there was only one additional bra to try on. I am a very common size, I do not understand the very limited selection.

I know, it seems impossible that Viola could get yet another 5-​star review, but here it is! I had heard through the grapevine that Viola was the best for fitting, and I sincerely needed the best. I’ve been trying to figure out my bra size for years! But thanks to my easy and painless fitting, I now know my size and have a beautiful bra!
Viola is incredibly kind and patient and welcoming. I came in towards closing time, but she didn’t mind a bit. I told her I didn’t have any bras that fit me, and she kindly told me that she would find me a perfect bra. Her first guess was only a smidge off, but her second guess was gold. I wanted to buy several, but she told me that I should wait and feel if this new fit was really the right one. I love how she didn’t try to upsale me at all!
Altogether, my experience was top-​notch and I suggest that any woman who isn’t sure of her size should absolutely go! And even if you do know, Viola has a ton of upscale bras you should check out!

I’ve been wearing the wrong bra size all my life. Who knew? Viola. She knew immediately.
Viola Goodman (according to the Internet) is 88 years old and can eyeball the best fitting bra of your boob’s life.
The store is a few avenues away from subway stops, but I think its worth it, not only for the sake of happy breasts, but because Violas Smart Shop is total old school New York. The store is on the claustrophobic side. Boxes of bras are kept behind the counter with handwritten notes on the outside. The boxes are pretty much identical, but Viola knows what’s in each box, and who to pull it out for.

Wow… blast from the past when specialty shops were the way to shop. The shop is nothing to look at but like the previous posters said, it’s the personal attention (from Viola herself) and knowledge that makes this such a wonderful shopping experience. Hope to need more undergarments soon just so I have an excuse to go back!

WOW I can’t believe I am the first to review this AMAZING BRA SHOP in NYC.
This place has been here over 70 years and the wooden cash register is there to prove it. This lady Viola, the owner, took one look at my boobs, sized them up and said“you will love this bra” pulled one out of a box and handed it to me.
IT FIT PERFECTLY!
She knows chest sizes, she knows her bras and she knows women!
I really hope many women read this and realize this new fad of bra stores is based on places like this– old fashioned know how.
Now I know what you are thinking, this place doesn’t look like much on the outside. Well, yes you are right, it doesn’t look like much on the inside either… but the tin ceiling, the non flashy décor and awesome personal service are what make this a 5 star for me.
This is a place for everyday bras– you want sexy but made like shiznit got to Victoria’s secret for those wear once kinda things.
I feel and look so much better! Thank you VIOLA!
xoxoxoxoxoxo