When the Directors of DJs and other department sto...

When the Directors of DJs and other department store are scratching their heads wondering what went wrong in their retail models, they should just ask their customers. The issues with the retail stores never having enough staff are well documented and here in Newcastle, the range is so basic that it is only good for simple shopping. But what about online? Also dismal.

I recently decided to try buy 2 pairs of premium shoes - Valentino and Louboutin - as I was attending a conference a week later and wanted some new options. I ordered on 12 October and the invoice said to expect them on 18 Oct.

On 15 Oct I got an email asking me to call to verify the order. I rang the next morning and waited and waited on hold. My details were checked and I was told the order would be on the way.

Today I've still not seen a delivery tracking email, so I rang again as I wanted them in time to travel to Melbourne tomorrow. Again, I spent at least 20 minutes on hold to be told they were "being picked" and I could expect them in the days ahead!

I wasn't happy and asked for a manager to call me. He did and the summary is that don't have the Valentino in the Elizabeth St store to send (I wonder if maybe they did SIX days ago when I ordered them but no point looking today!) and the Louboutins are being sent directly by them.

So I have neither pair in time, and the Valentino order has to be cancelled entirely.

Contrast this with orders I have placed recently with Far Fetch, My Theresa and Gucci - all arrived within 48 hours, beautifully packaged and easy to refund if needed.

Overall, if you want to buy premium, DO NOT buy from DJs. They can't nail the in-store experience and are hopeless at online.