
Love To Shop: Meet Lauren, 30
Aspiring writer, works for a dance company
Current Century 21 shopper
Visited Brooklyn City Point store
"As I shop, I appreciate the little touches and details that show me you care."

MY STYLE
Comfortable, classic, and somewhat on trend.
If something will last a long time and is versatile, I'll spend more for it.
I keep an eye on trends via social media and magazines.
I tend to buy more price-sensitive contemporary luxury brands and then mid-level affordable brands.
I’m open to new designers at stores that I know carry reputable brands.
I think a brand’s backstory is important. I look for items made in the US, don’t use sweatshops, are fair trade products, etc. I may choose an ethical brand over another one, if it carries styles I like.

ABOUT SHOPPING
I really like when there’s good music. When there’s a DJ, it makes it feel like it’s more of an experience or a fun party. If I’m in a fun mood, I’ll loosen up, and I’m more likely to buy something.
My favorite place to shop online is TheRealReal, where I can find designers like Derek Lam at discounted prices.
When I want to go to a store, I like browsing vintage stores, Century 21, and Nordstrom Rack, as well as Uniqlo.
I like when someone greets me at the door and is available if I have questions. I don’t want aggressive salespeople.
I like when stores say, “You looked at this item, you may also like these…”
I would be down to fill out a short survey about my style, so stores could send me personalized recommendations.
I like when stores let you track specific items, so you get reminders and see if the price changes.

ABOUT C21
They have a good selection and items at a great value.
I like that they have shoes that fit my classic style and also some crazy designs. It’s nice to see a range of options and some shoes I aspire to wear one day.
If an item is marked down a lot, I can get tricked into buying it. It feels like a treat since I know people with a lot of money buy this item.
The store is like a crapshoot. Nothing is blowing me away today, but next week I could find something great.
I usually go to the clearance section first, but if it is too disorganized, I’ll just give up quickly or skip it.
The fact that they sell Ivanka Trump impacts my opinion of the brand a little bit in a negative way.
MAKE IT EASY
I want clear labeling throughout and sections clearly marked, so I know that if I'm looking for formal wear, it's back here and if I'm looking for athletic wear, it's here. I don’t want to be fishing around trying to figure out what's what.

C21 WISHLIST
Why do the mannequins have clearance shirts on? That’s weird.
The 90% off signs are misleading. Nothing is 90% off here.
I want the clearance section organized by style, color, and size.
It’d be nice if they had hooks or tables to put your bags and jackets on when I’m trying things on by a mirror.
I wish things were more organized. Since there’s so much, it can be overwhelming.
It cheapens the experience to have carts. I don’t want to put expensive items in there.
No one greeted me or asked if I needed help. It shows I don't matter to them.
It’s confusing why there are racks for the same designers in different sections. They should all be in one place.
I have to do too much work to find something good.

DIGITAL INTERACTION PLEASE.
A big mix and match iPad would be really cool, just to play around and see what's what. Dynamic or interactive visuals would be really helpful because mannequins aren't people. It's helpful to see how clothing moves on a body. Pairing the various items with one another and in different configurations could be really helpful.

WELL-CRAFTED FITTING ROOMS
I also think having plentiful dressing rooms with flattering mirrors is helpful. I hate when I have to wait in line to get into a dressing room. If there is a line, I'm more likely just going to say forget it and either put the item back or just buy it and hope for the best.
OVERWHELMED
I think if C21 were better organized, it would be easier because I appreciate the amount of stuff that there is. There really is something for everyone, but it's just a little overwhelming when it's all cluttered together and there's not a lot of rhyme and reason. And I think pairing items together would be helpful.

ME, ON TAPE.
Please click here to learn more about me and my wishes.