I love Zara Like many fashionista’s and IT girls today, but the love is alternating and slowly degenerating.
THE LOVE
I seem to have a better experience with Zara when shopping online. In addition to the conveniences of shopping online and the great prices, the HD photography on the website is mesmerizing. The pictures look like photos from a Vogue photoshoot. I usually find my size and I get ideas about ways to wear different pieces. I drop a few pieces in my shopping cart and if I’m not ready to buy I can come back to it later and add or remove them then check out. The items are conveniently delivered to my front door within 3 days and I didn’t have to drive anywhere.
THE HATE
Shopping at a Zara store is a big mess. I thought it was the after effects of the pandemic, but it seems to be a permanent mess. The first issue is that I have to interact with a lot of other shoppers that stand too close to me when this COVID 19 pandemic is still lingering. In the warzone of Atlanta, GA where I live (just kidding — but crime has gotten really bad here), you don’t say anything because gun violence is real in this city and people can be triggered by the smallest thing. The lack of mirrors to hold the item to your face to pass the first look test, rude and lack luster Zara employees that act like you’re making their lives miserable by asking them a question, security guards whose mere presence suggests distrust of you — the same people that spend billions of dollars yearly at Zara and pay all of their salaries. Last but certainly not least, the long lines at the checkout register and the dressing rooms. Let me say it louder — The Long Lines at the check out counter and at the dressing rooms. It is so annoying to spend time finding the perfect outfits then have to wait an unreasonable amount of time to buy them or try them on.
THE HATE HATE
So Zara is now charging 10 cents for bags. I’m appalled! I happen to drop by the store at Perimeter Mall to return something recently and I carried the return in an old Zara bag. I purchased something while there and was caught by surprise when the cashier asked if I want a new bag for 10 cents. Umm Yes, but I have to pay 10 cents for it! It’s new and I want a new bag. While 10 cents isn’t a lot of money, I’m just not ready to pay for a bag. Getting a new bag has been an expectation as far back as I remember shopping as a little girl. It’s part of our culture and I’m feeling duped. From what I’ve read, Zara will give the proceeds to a sustainable cause. I’m seriously side eyeing this. Plus, it takes away from the little bit of remaining enjoyment that I get from brick and mortar shopping. Having the experience of walking out with your new purchased item in your new bag gives you a dopamine rush. It may not be the best for us, but it’s what keeps us coming back. When I shop at stores that require me to bring a bag, I feel like I’m at a Farmers market picking loose apples that I know I will clean when I get home. I don’t want Zara to feel like that, but they are on their way. New clothes deserve new free bags.
For the time being, I will continue to shop at Zara online, but I do resent changes that continue to put the consumer at a disadvantage. Zara has already started charging return fees in Europe. I suspect that the US might be next. I hope there will continue to be reasons for me to love Zara and that the bad does not begin to outweigh the good.
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