Vancouver gets a new boutique: Blubird

This weekend I checked out Blubird, a new high-end boutique on Alberni Street next to the Italian Kitchen in Vancouver. While the clothing selection in the store is fantastic (Earnest Sewn, Vince, Kova & T, Marc by Marc Jacobs, J Brand, etc…), I was rather put-off by the sales associates. There were far too many in the store and all of them stopped me to say hello and ask if I needed help. It was too much.

I enjoy shopping without being smothered by too friendly sales people, I like to be left to browse the racks quietly without someone approaching as soon as I touch a garment. Honestly, there were around 8 staff in the store and 5 people browsing the racks - all in a space equivalent to the size of my apartment.

I don’t know about you, but regardless of whether or not I like the merchandise in a store, if the staff are too pushy or in my face, I will be discouraged to return.

Also, I’m not really sure what the deal is with the two internet kiosks in the store. I don’t really think that they’ll get much use in a boutique of that caliber. The space could have been put to better use with something that actually produces revenue.

Overall, I may head back in a month or so to see if the staffing issues have been resolved… but I’d rather head to Holt Renfrew and pick up the same or similar items there.

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