“I had the absolute best shopping experience I’ve ever had at the American Eagle in Augusta, Maine. I unfortunately didn’t catch the associate’s name, but I was there on [day/date] and she was working the register when I checked out. I had items picked out online and came into the store to purchase them in person. She immediately offered to match the online pricing without hesitation. Mid-transaction, I mentioned I wanted to add a couple more items, and instead of rushing me or acting inconvenienced, she stopped the transaction and literally walked the store with me, helping me pick out additional items. She was kind, patient, and genuinely made me feel valued as a customer — something that is honestly rare in retail these days. I also want to mention another associate who was working at the time — a young man who helped me with a pair of pants where my size was only available on the mannequin. When taking the pants off, the mannequin accidentally fell and it turned into a funny moment that had everyone in the store laughing. He handled the situation with such good humor and grace, and it just added to how comfortable and enjoyable the whole experience was. I assume some of this may have been influenced by the holiday season, but both associates genuinely seemed like this is simply who they are — the kind of people who would provide this level of care and warmth any time of year. Between both of them, the atmosphere in the store was welcoming, relaxed, and genuinely positive. I left feeling happy, appreciated, and excited about my purchase. I truly hope management recognizes both of these employees, because this level of customer service is rare and unforgettable.”
“I rarely get to step foot into an Old Navy store because of where I live. This was a fun experience today! The workers were AMAZING! Give those people a raise! The store was well stocked and so neat. The clothes were all folded so neatly, it was super easy to shop! They were incredibly busy and yet the staff was so helpful! Thanks for being inclusive in your sizing and styles. Can't wait to go back!”
“We stayed here with our RV. The owners are a member of Harvest Host where they provide overnight parking for RVers. They were so gracious. We fed the alpaca which were the cutest most well behaved animals. The store had a lot of really nice merchandise. We bought a few socks that are so comfy.”
Primark added two states to its U.S. map in six days, then stalled in Augusta. The value retailer opened its first Minnesota store on Sept. 3 at Mall of America in Bloomington, close to 35,000 square feet stocked with Minnesota Vikings gear through the chain's NFL partnership. That store was its 46th in the country and put Primark in 15 states. Georgia came five days later. Doors opened at 11 a.m. on Sept. 8 at Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville, northeast of Atlanta, with more than 26,000 square feet of selling space and Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks apparel starting at $16. That made 47 U.S. stores.
After 25 years of global success, Khaadi is entering the U.S. market. The Pakistani fashion brand opened its first American store in February at Virginia's Tysons Corner Center. They followed the success by opening a second location in Houston's Galleria mall in June. After 25 years of global success, Khaadi is entering the U.S. market. The Pakistani fashion brand opened its first American store in February at Virginia's Tysons Corner Center. They followed the success by opening a second location in Houston's Galleria mall in June.
L.L. Bean, the Maine-based retailer famous for its boots and backpacks, is opening four new U.S. stores this year and plans to expand into the Southeast and Midwest markets in 2025. The company had a grand opening of an Ulster, NY store in April. The other three locations are coming to Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Connecticut this fall.
