There’s no Saks in Asheville and while I may walk through Saks when we’re in a larger city and I often link to the Saks website for handbags on Purse Pixie, I don’t think I have ever spent a dime there.

Here’s why.

Years ago when I first got married, we were on a trip to New Orleans and I decided to do some shopping (no big surprise) and went to the Saks Fifth Avenue near the French Quarter. I should tell you I was dressed normally- jeans, sweater, flats-so don’t think I looked especially shabby. I walked in to look around, was given the look up and down and was then promptly ignored by the sales people. I looked at shoes and purses and not once was I asked if I needed help or had questions because they evidently thought I couldn’t afford anything and wasn’t worth their time.  I wanted to buy something expensive just to show them I could, but instead I walked out a little downtrodden. The only way I can describe it is that it made me feel really small, like they were telling me I didn’t belong there.

Fast forward several years and I am a smarter, happier and much more confident woman so I should probably just get over it, but it’s hard for me to forget the way I felt that day. I don’t tell this story to imply that there are not wonderful people working for Saks or that it’s not a great company, but after all these years, it’s still hard for me to walk through their doors.

Anyone had a similar experience in a department store, designer store or boutique?