Garbolino Inc

I happened to fall into Garbolino though a friend, as well as always walking by it on Federal Hill. I have had nothing but excellent experiences every time I go in there. The owner is a professional and will answer questions when you ask. She is an expert in fashion, and has been doing so for over 25 years. I have never been able to find jeans that flatter my frame. I told this to the owner and she sympathized with me and only suggested which jeans would work; asked if I wanted to see and I agreed. I tried them on and I have never looked back. So to date, with only going to this store starting in September, I now finally have 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of leggings that I could not do without. I have multiple tops as well. Each piece she personally helped me with. And she was right. She knew what I would look good in. I shop here as much as I can, because of the assistance and expertise of a professional in the field.

Visited Garbolino Designer Women’s Boutique today with girlfriends. Monique was WONDERFUL.
The shop has great, unique jewelry pieces. Atmosphere no pressure. could have stayed all day. Monique was friendly, informative about other shops to visit and bakeries. I only wish it were closer to home!

Garbolino was the worst and most bizarre shopping experience of my life. I’m an arts professional, 60, in Providence for the first time for a conference and exhibit, and visiting Federal Hill my first morning. Was enjoying the shops thoroughly when I happened into Garbolino. Monique, the owner, was initially friendly and welcoming. However, in the first few minutes I discovered she was extremely aggressive. If I glanced at an item for a moment longer than others, she wanted me to try it on. If I touched the fabric or checked a price, she was at my side trying to take it to the dressing room. If I held a shirt up to see length, she was scolding, that I could not get an idea without trying it on and having her measure me, that she was well known all over the country for her measuring. I told her repeatedly I was not ready to try anything on. She repeatedly told me to try things on and be measured (for s/​m/​l knit clothes). When I moved to the section of jeans, she said «we don’t have your size. what size are you anyway?» I said I didn’t know. Her irritated response, «What? How could you not know. Everybody knows.» I asked where the Joes Jeans line were from since I wasn’t familiar with them. Monique sneered at me for my ignorance. Really! When was the last time someone sneered at you? That is hardly ever the right response to anything and probably even less so in sales. I really began to think something was wrong with her. Out of nowhere-​no context-​she said «do you know who I am? I am the owner of this store. I know everything.»
She moved back over to a shirt I had first held up and asked «are you going to try this on?» I told her I wasn’t. Then she said she had work to do in the back room on a deadline. I was relieved, believing I’d have a moment to look around without the harassment. But I looked up and she was standing at the door, holding it open. I said «oh, you want me to leave?» She answered «yes, you aren’t shopping.» I said, «I’m not? I sure thought I was shopping.» She said «no, you’re not. Out, out, get out.»
I stood outside the store for a minutes, completely shaken, trying to regroup. Then remembered the gallery I wanted to visit and was checking the address on my phone when Monique came bursting from the store yelling «WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU, GET OUT OF HERE. I TOLD YOU I HAD WORK TO DO.» Finally I said «What is your problem with me? Do you think I’m going to steal something out here?» She slammed and locked the door.
Going into other stores that day I learned other shop owners were familiar with this issue from other customers. Checking Unilocal there were a few nearly identical experiences reported… Monique asking customers to leave when sales weren’t imminent… deadlines in backroom…
Monique really needs to charge an entrance fee if she was a guaranteed sale. Better yet, Monique needs to get out of business before she singlehandedly destroys the tourist market in Providence.
This is my exact experience. It went from being pleasant to irritating to insulting to frightening in about a 15 minute span. Walking into Garbolino can ruin your day. The clothes you can find elsewhere.

Stay away. Not only is the selection pretty tacky, the woman at the counter (owner?) was actually insulting. No reason to shop here when there are so many other great local boutiques!

I totally disagree with the Barbara H review!!! Most adamantly!
I have been shopping at Garbolino for nearly
17 years. It is a highly specialized boutique with very intimate and precise service, totally dedicated to which fashion line (s) will enhance the individual look and beauty of every customer. The boutique owner is a designer and began with her own line and as her business expanded, she added very selective and only the top of the line quality items. Many customers (me included) are used to major chain retail stores and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, they lack the individual customer attention and the ability to quickly find several items that not only fit you perfectly, they also make you look outstanding and, for me, younger and luxuriously dressed.
Yes, the owner is very proud of all the lines that she carries and is always anxious to educate you (the consumer) on the outstanding cut, finish, and natural fabrics of so many designers. After all, «an educated consumer is her best customer”(remember)?
Don’t let one opinion stop you from visiting Garbolino and having one of the most incredible experiences in fashion you ever had. You will love it!