usatries media
Real people know, Aritzia is a top-tier retailer — the in-house brands slap, their quality products last for years, and their elevated basics never get boring. Launched in 1984, the Canadian brand has been known for its “everyday luxury” pieces for decades. Even Gigi Hadid Kendall JennerAnd Meghan Markle is a well-known fan (not to mention, yours truly).
But you can’t deny, there’s shopping to be found Very Tremendous. With multiple floors of merchandise in stores and thousands of items online, there’s a lot to sift through. And once you’ve found the pieces you love, you’ll be faced with the terrifying communal fitting room mirror.
To make the experience less intimidating (and, dare I say, Pleasure), I asked aritzia employees for their expert buying tips – the kind of insider information only they would know. Read on for her tips on what items to invest in, how to find the best duds, and how to get yourself a mirroring fitting room. (Hint: Ask for it.) You’re welcome.
you can get free coffee
Not all stores have an A-OK cafe, but for those that do, shoppers can usually get a cup of coffee (or matcha or whatever you prefer from the menu) for free, just go to the bar or Ask a stylist when shopping. “Sometimes you’re afraid you’ll have to pay for it, but as long as you’re there, you’re in the store, we’ll give you a complimentary drink,” Nikki tells Bustle.
However, due to the influx of shoppers-slash-tourists, some branches have changed their coffee policy to offer free coffee stubs. Only For shoppers who have made a purchase, it is therefore best to ask your local store about its policy. Regardless, anyone in need of a caffeine fix can hang out at the cafe for their choice of pick-me-up (free or not).
They sell a “Schemes Dip”
Calling all SKIMS fans, Aritzia sells a spoof of the SKIMS darling soft smoothing t-shirt, Mekaylah, a former employee, told Bustle: “Another piece I wear a lot is the Sunday Best Willow SyncSeamless T-ShirtOr as my colleagues would say, SKIMS swindle – and it’s just that.
The review section is full of satisfied customers who echo Mekayla’s sentiments. One shopper wrote: “Love this top!! It’s the perfect Skim dupe but better.” Another said, “Skim totally dupe – but maybe even better.”
and a lululemon dupe
Another employee favorite tnlife line, “Many people buy tinabutter leggings And shorts, but they’re not great at sweating,” Mekalah said. “However, TNALife pieces are perfect for working out, feeling good, come in multiple colors, and make your butt look amazing. people often compare them Lululemon Align Leggings,
ask for a mirrored fitting room
yes you can do Avoid the dreaded communal mirror – all you have to do is ask. According to Nikki, every shop has a large room with a mirror inside—usually in the furthest part of the dressing room area.
“Never be afraid to ask a stylist for a bigger room (that has a mirror), because we’ll give you a bigger room,” she said. And if it’s busy, don’t worry. “If you have the time we can always get you a wait, as we have a really cool lounge area too.”
don’t sleep on sunday best
Multiple employees tell Bustle that buyers often overlook this Sunday best brand, as it is marketed toward a younger shopper (Emma Chamberlain is the endorser). But you definitely shouldn’t.
“A lot of customers are shopping for more professional work, so they leave the more teen segment that is Sunday best or wilfred free“Nikki explained. But another employee said that Sunday Best stocks really great workwear.”[The brand’s] The vest has universal potential and can be worn at the office with trousers on a button-down or layered with jeans and a baseball cap for a casual day out.
Aritzia is a cult of socks
Bustle’s Senior Fashion Editor, Kelsey Stigman, swears by Aritzia’s 3.5-star TNA Base Ankle Socks, and Mekayla fully supports her. “I would often leave my shift with a new pack of TNA socks. They fit so well, never stretch out or slim down, the fabric feels amazing, and they have an ankle height that totally pops out of your sneaker.
For the record, the on-site reviews say the same thing. “These are my favorite socks!!! They are the only socks I wear because of how amazing they are,” wrote one user. “I am truly obsessed and cannot recommend them more!!!!”
Book your favorite employee as a personal shopper
Aritzia sales associates have been called out online for “mean girl” behavior, But many style consultants actually want to help and be a “shopping buddy” for customers. “Aritzia’s sales staff have a reputation for being a little aggressive when they’re super-friendly,” admits Mekayla. “So I recommend that you find an ally that you work with and come over when they are available.”
She said: “If you want a more personal shopping experience, you can request a personal shopping appointment with them. They’ll set you up in a fitting room and bring you everything you need.
If you really don’t want to be bothered…
There are universal signs that make people stop and they apply in-store as well. “If you’re an independent shopper who prefers to avoid sales staff as much as possible, just let them know you’re fine,” McKaylah said. “Wear headphones and avoid eye contact.”
The Babton Sculpt Knit Line Is a Staff Favorite
Aritzia’s private label Babaton has a sculpted knit collection that, according to several employees, is “a top favorite among employees” and always “sells out quickly.” Kayla tells Bustle: “They’re super basic pieces and great for that ‘snatched’ look.”
MeKaylah waxed poetic about the collection, too, saying: “They’re high-quality pieces that can be dressed up or down, and the material and cut give off ‘chic’ and ‘rich’.”
be mindful of the care tag
This may seem like an obvious tip, but with their unique clothing, it’s important to Aritzia shoppers. Nikki recommends washing your vegan leather goods inside out. She also advises customers to use throw-in dryer balls when laundering super puff products.