Seeing how cute the shoes were, I hesitantly turned one over to see the price and I was astonished at how inexpensive they were. And the brands are well-known designer brands, like Steve Madden, Nine West, Carlos Santana and BCBG, ranging from $39-$120, but most in the lower end of that range. Unfortunately, I would only allow myself to buy a pair if I could wear them to work and none of these would fly at my 9-5 job. Even if they would, there’s no way I could walk around in them for 8 hours.

The clothes were just as exciting. Great brand names and designs for prices you’d never see in a boutique. The styles were so varied, it took me 30 minutes just to get a glimpse of them all. I tried on a few items and ended up walking away with a $300 BCBG dress for $65.

Not only was the merchandise good-looking, but the owner and his staff were very well groomed and had that couture look. That didn’t stop them from helping me the second I walked in. They were friendly and welcoming and offered to get other sizes from the back if I didn’t see what I wanted on display.

The wannabe luxury shopper in me will definitely be back to Blush. I hope they do well in that location, and judging by the number of women who came in while I was there, I would say they won’t have any trouble meeting their clientele’s expectations. Heck, I called two friends to tell them about the store while I was in the middle of shopping for myself.

In my opinion, they might as well call it Lush because I was intoxicated the moment I stepped in the door.

I say it is one of the better retail experiences out there because there are enough people on the floor to answer all of your questions AND they are knowledgeable about the products. That’s tough when you are working with specialty equipment like hiking packs, tents, climbing equipment, and even climbing shoes. The only downside to having so many people on the floor is that you get asked over and over if you need anything, if you are finding everything alright, and if you are a member. However, everyone there is so relaxed and nice, you don’t feel pressured or anxious when you see a team member coming toward you. My suggestion is that members receive some sort of t-shirt or pendant or pin or something that says “Yes, I am a member” so they don’t get asked a bazillion times during one shopping trip.

Once you become a member, which costs $12 or $15, you get a 20% off coupon, start earning dividends on every purchase, and you have discounted access to their rental equipment. At the end of each year, you get a store credit check for a certain percentage of your purchases throughout the year. I can’t think of another retail store that does that.

And you can’t beat their return policy. You can return anything, anytime, for any reason. Unconditional. You can buy a tent, take it on a camping trip and decide it just wasn’t roomy enough, or you didn’t like the color, or it didn’t have enough privacy, whatever. You can take it back, used and dirty, and get your money back (it may be store credit so don’t quote me on that).

The store itself is well-organized, clean, bright, and always put together. They have packs, tents, and other gear out on display so you can test them out before you buy them (and with that return policy, you could buy something without testing it and still feel good about it). The team members are easy to recognize and you don’t have to hunt them down.

The only downside to such a cool store is the depressed feeling you get when you leave without buying something for your next camping trip. Or when you leave and realize you don’t have a next camping trip to look forward to. But don’t despair, you can always check out their activities board for upcoming events.

REI isn’t just a retail store, its an experience. And this is coming from the person who usually just accompanies her husband while he shops there, with no real vested interest in the quality of product, customer satisfaction, or overall retail experience.

Their card selection is impressive for a drugstore, way more so than any Walgreens I’ve seen.  Today I picked up a belated birthday card for my brother and had plenty to choose from.  I hate it when you stop at a store on your way to an event, say a baby shower, to get a card and there are only 2 to pick from. You have to buy one, but you know it is very likely someone else has bought that same one. Not only does the recipient get two of the same card, but the other person probably knows now that you waited till the last minute. Anyway.

The other strikingly stocked section is the beauty and hair section. They have every brand of make-up, lip gloss, lotion, and hair dye; way more than I’ve ever seen in a store of its size. I love knowing I can stop there on my way to work and get a few hairbands, and the kind I really like, not just whatever they have on the shelf.

Lastly, I’ll comment on the overall experience at CVS. In all the times I’ve been a patron there, it is always clean, organized, and well stocked. The cashiers are friendly and helpful when needed. My only gripe would be that there are no associates working the floor. At least none that aren’t already stocking shelves or something. If you have a question, at least in the early morning, you’ll have to make your way up to the cashier’s stand to ask for help.