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March 2024 by Jessica S.
I maybe have gone into a FE store 3 times. This was the first time I actually bought something. As I waited to be helped at the counter, one clerk was cordial and politely said someone will be right with me. Then another clerk came up to the register and asked can I help you? I asked for a gift card and as she was preparing it, I asked how much the handbags are up on the shelf and she bluntly says, 92. And then asked her if it was $92 for all styles and she just says, yah. Then she puts the bill on the counter and tells me to sign and then she puts my receipt down and walks away, with no thank you or have a nice day! All I can say is such bad customer service and so unfriendly.
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February 2024 by Carmella L.
I too have experienced MANY instances of poor customer service in this store. Not sure why the owner Lan or anyone from her management team doesn't address this negative, toxic culture and discrimination. Read the room! (the many yelp reviews and word of mouth. It's a small island). Every time I walk into this store no one says hi or welcome in or anything. They all just continue steaming garments and doing other things as if you are the scum of the earth and have the audacity to even step foot in their presence to contribute your business. It's a small store so usually you are 1 of 1 customers or 1 of 3 and if no on says anything when you walk in, it makes it uncomfortable and weird. I understand that they can't greet every single customer, but even after entry into the store they usually ignore you as if you don't exist. I genuinely have to mentally prepare every time I walk into that store just to pick up an online order. It's so uncomfortable and you can't help but to think you are the problem or something is wrong with you. Am I not pretty enough? Skinny enough? Or look wealthy enough to shop here or wear their products? Like what is the secret to being accepted at this store? Someone please let me know so I don't have to face mental anguish just to pick up and online order at minimum! At the end of the day, we all have bad days or have something going on in our personal lives and that is ok. But it's every single time I walk into that store. And usually I will purchase online and pick up in store to have minimal contact with employees. I don't even try on the garment on in store when I pick up because they are so cold and mean that it's so uncomfortable! I also feel perhaps the owner doesn't care because if you read multiple comments of the same thing and it's still like this since last week when I had to pick up an online order. Btw when I walked out two employees were standing by the door talking to each other laughing and having a fun convo. Then I walked passed them to walk out they just looked at me and didn't say anything. Not even a bye or thank you. It's always this one employee on the petite side who wears these dark black framed glasses that is always so cold. Along with another Asian girl who always wears a denim jacket. I was buying a dress one time and when ringing me up she didn't make eye contact with me not once and when she read my total she was looking out the front door of the store as if I was undeserving of even eye contact. Can't even get treated like a human at minimum in this store it's very bizarre. I hope this is addressed because it's just mentally traumatizing. I feel like I am in a real life scene from Mean Girls every time I walk into this store. Do you think they have a burn book for customers?
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January 2024 by Fran C.
My sister gifted me a beautiful Ava Sky shirt for my birthday, and upon trying on the shirt, I couldn't even button it up because I was too fat! Buwahahahahahahaha!!!! Okay, so I admit I eat too much Frrrrrrried Chicken, Rice Cakes, Custard Pies, Cracked Seed, & Pistachio Pudding Cakes! Ai-yai-yai!!! Or perhaps this beautiful Ava Sky shirt that my sister gave me runs more fitted???? Hummmmm???? After all, Bruddah Fran normally wears a Men's Large when he wears his Reyn Spooner shirts, but this Ava Sky shirt I received already was a Men's Extra Large. Truthfully, I've never heard of this brand of shirt, and when I Googled it, I came across a store called Fighting Eel. I didn't even know where the Fighting Eel store was, so I quickly "Yelped it", and came across four great reviews from my Yelp buddies - Tracy K., Emi H., Victoria A., & of course da FAMOUS Auntie - Nadine C.. Shoots den', I jumped into my rod and headed on down to Kahala Mall, as there was a Fighting Eel store just next door from the Town & County Surf Shop. Walked into the beautiful Fighting Eel store, and originally, I thought I was in the wrong place as I was the only dude inside of da shop, as it appears that the Fighting Eel shopis a women's store. Luckily, I did go to the right store, as Fighting Eel does sell some men's shirts. I was greeted by a friendly clerk, and I explained to her that I had received a beautiful shirt as a gift, but the shirt did not fit me. She was very helpful in finding me a 2XL shirt with the same design. I went into the fitting room & tried on the 2XL shirt to make sure it fits. Shoots den', it was perfect! After letting the clerk know that the shirt she picked up for me fit, she packed up my 2XL shirt, and I was out da door. What OUTSTANDING service!!! Darn.......I wished I hard gotten the girls name who helped me, as good service should always be recognized. If you're looking for great quality island wear, you way wanna check out Fighting Eel.
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January 2024 by Alexandra E.
So sad to see this local company have such POOR customer service. Huge fan of Ava sky prints and quality but going into the Kahala store the customer service is horrible. There were 3 associates working I'm assuming one is a manager I was not greeted by anyone while entering the store. when I approached the counter I was barely acknowledged. I had to return something I bought the day before and was told I could return within 14 days. ***Read the fine print because they will only exchange or issue a gift card for store purchases. So order online with this company to skip the rude associates and be able to change your mind on an item bought. I will not be returning to the Kahala location. Downtown and Kailua have better customer service.
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December 2023 by Nadine C.
Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii... The Very Merry Event at Kahala Mall is from December 8 to 10, 2023, this year. For $5, participants get discounts at certain stores, and the proceeds go to local charities. I thought that this was my chance to get something from Fighting Eel, a very popular boutique. This shop was offering 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Side note: I have seen families with matching outfits from this shop - they look very well-put-together! I searched the store for something reasonable, but I just couldn't get myself to spend so much on one item. Even though the quality is very good and the prints are attractive, I kept telling myself that I don't NEED it. Examples: a customer asked a sales associate about a piece of jewelry... it was over $1000. A t-shirt was over $50. Dresses were over $100. I think I'll maybe get something from the Clearance rack when there's a Hawaiian Airlines miles promotion later on... A dress that I considered getting was $111 on sale.
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October 2023 by Tracy K.
I am an FE "Late Bloomer". A fashion fry in a lagoon of loyal fishies. Although my obsession began a couple of years ago, FE is well into celebrating their momentous 20th anniversary this year. That's two decades of evolving their craft with fashion, travel, baby goods, essentials... the list goes on. Their savvy business model hinges on their "limited edition" colorway drops, motivating the consumer to purchase early before it's sold out. Once it's gone, they may never make it again. FOMO is the true driver in this example of Consumer Psychology. Retail fish frenzy at its best. Their classic fish print is iconic. Total strangers (men and women) will compliment my wardrobe- at the mall, beach, and abroad-- who doesn't appreciate a little ego-stroke to get through the weekly grind? This momager is not above it. My go-to store is the Kahala location, and I'm usually by myself or with my husband and young sons in tow. Most times than not, the staff greet me by name and see how my week is going. How thoughtful! I appreciate the customer service they provide despite how busy they must be with constant orders and questions. It's not easy and I'm sure they get flack for their strict return policies (Word of caution: purchasing online, in-store, and phone orders each have unique terms and conditions, especially returns and exchanges. Ask first BEFORE purchasing to avoid headaches for both parties). I admire Fighting Eel for breaking barriers on so many levels- as a local business, as a woman-owned business, attaining global success including Hollywood's greatest, and keeping the styles relevant for ALL ages. It's not uncommon to stroll into any FE location and see moms and daughters shopping together. My justification in cost is two-fold: Quality and Practicality. The fabric is ridiculously comfortable, yet made well (Drawback: most garments require hand washing, but I just throw my FE clothes in the "quick wash" on cold, then hang dry). The style lines accomplish the visual presentation that I humorously tell my friends, "It looks like I'm put together without actually trying". And the compliments received only positively reinforce my buying habits. The fish cycle continues... **Congrats to Lan and the amazing FE team on their Big 20! From the seamstresses to the managers, the marketing and the CSRs: your hard work, sacrifices, and dedication are truly appreciated!**
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October 2023 by Pvp H.
I have found many tops cute in this store. Pricey yes - but quality is ok if you treat your clothes delicately. I also love that it's locally owned. I think I will be looking at other local shops though because of my last experience. I purchased a blanket at full price on a drop date last week Friday. Yesterday, I went to pick it up as the store let me know it was ready. Before leaving the store, I provide my loyalty card for stamps for this item. The store worker proceeds to tell me that it doesn't count for the purchase I made. I look around and just in back of me is the same blanket design and size...many of them by the way...sitting on the shelf. So if I didn't buy the blanket last week and just walked into the store, I would get stamps, but not for the same purchase I had made prior...I asked what does it matter...no reason. I asked if I can exchange the one on the table for the one on the shelf...sure but no stamps for you LOL. By the way, it doesn't say any of this as a policy on the loyalty card. I feel that it's become too much for a local mama like me to keep track of.
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August 2023 by Ashley R.
It's nothing new that this store lacks in customer service.. BUT I went in today and I have NEVER felt so uncomfortable. I walked in because I had put a dress on hold earlier that morning for my sister. Immediately when I walked in, no one greeted me, yet the store wasn't busy and there were a couple workers on the sales floor. I had to walk up to get a girls attention but I could tell she didn't want to help me either and just had a weird attitude and demeanor.. she ended up telling another employee instead to get the dress for me. The other employee came out with the dress and was about to walk over but then gave it to the girl that didn't want to help me originally.. she quickly handed me the dress and hurried away to go talk to the other employee. As I was looking at the dress (because it was a gift) my boyfriend and I just felt so uncomfortable words just can't fully explain it. I just knew I didn't want to be in the store any longer so I just gave the dress back and quickly walked out.
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July 2023 by Manda P.
There was a new tote that just released last week but it was sold out online. I just so happened to see it in store while I was passing by (totally not a planned trip) and was excited to get it. I was instantly met with stares and I was super uncomfortable with their treatment. Asked if they could hold the tote for me up front as if I was going to steal it. Acting like they're better than me . I won't be supporting this business anymore.
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February 2023 by Mo S.
I'm a loyal customer and this used to be my favorite store pre-pandemic...now I don't know what to think. Yes, it's high priced for quality products, and that used to come with quality service, too. However, the last time I went in, it was obvious the salespeople wanted little to do with me. Was it some kind of prejudice on their part? Or were they simply "quiet quitting" and doing as little as possible out of some kind of protest against the employer? I bought a couple of things anyway, because I've always liked the merchandise, but it was not a pleasant experience.
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January 2023 by reyana y.
I want to give 0 stars to this over priced store with the worst employees ever. No customer service what so ever, they look at you like they are better than you. I will never support a place like this. I guess all the stores are the same. I went to the Kailua one and so I wanted to see if the one in Kahala was better, nope same type of service. No one greets or says anything to you. Horrible.
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November 2022 by Dee 14
Great quality ... lots of new products and designs.
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April 2022 by Katy P.
I just love the Fighting Eel... this was my first time here and I was pleasantly surprised with their beautiful island wear. The color schemes the attention to keeping their products true to our island life is amazing. I have passed by this store many times without actually knowing what their focus was. I missed out on this gem of a bouquet. Located pretty much in the middle of the mall where all the action is right in plain sight. They have so many beautiful items for women, children, men and even your home. I seen amazing unique shower curtains that would look wonderful in any home including pillow. Long and short dresses that you could tell were made with love and aloha. Everything was made with such quality and felt so soft. I have not seen these unique designs anywhere else. Beautiful craftsmanship and truly local. Great job Fighting Eel, I'll be back soon....
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January 2022 by Christy H.
Sweet and friendly staff--they helped my bf secure a few of the ever-popular fish print pieces since I wasn't able to go there myself. Wrapped everything nicely, and got them to me safe and sound. Love Fighting Eel!
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January 2022 by Christy L.
Sweet and friendly staff--they helped my bf secure a few of the ever-popular fish print pieces since I wasn't able to go there myself. Wrapped everything nicely, and got them to me safe and sound. Love Fighting Eel!
