Red Square

19-Aug-12
Alan R

First off, you should know that I don't often post reviews like this. However, my experience with Red Square in Provincetown was SO HORRIBLE that I felt obliged to make it known. If you're considering shopping at this store, please read this review before you do.

While on vacation in Provincetown this summer, I decided to purchase a new swim suit to enjoy by the pool. Looking back on it I wish I hadn't now, but I went to Red Square to find one. Being a bit hard to fit, I tried on several suits (probably a dozen or more) to find one that looked good on me. I finally found one that looked great and decided to buy it. It was mostly white with black and red trim. I paid cash for the suit, although I wish after the fact that I'd paid with a credit card so that I would have some recourse in the event of a problem.

The next morning I wore my new swim suit to the pool. I was only at the pool for less than an hour and in the water for even less that that (I remember because I had an early afternoon wedding to attend and didn't have much time for the pool that day), when I noticed that the color from the black and red trim on the suit had bled all over the white body of the suit.

Realizing that I must have just accidentally picked out a defective swim suit, I took suit back to Red Square that afternoon to show them what happened and ask that they send the suit back to the manufacturer and refund my money for the defective suit. I was told by one of the two owners that Red Square had a no refund policy, but that it was really the other owner who I needed to speak with about this. He asked that I return the next morning to resolve the issue.

So, I came back next morning as I was instructed to talk to other owner. This gentleman told me, first off, we have a no refund policy, but this kind of thing has never happened before. He agreed that the colors on the suit should never have run and discolored the white part of the suit. He offered to let me exchange it for another suit. However, I told him I'd tried on a dozen or better suits two days prior and there simply wasn't anything else in the store that would work. I told him I understood the store's no refund policy if the issue were my fault, but this was clearly defective merchandise.

The owner simply refused to work with me on this. He insisted on exchange only, even though they didn't even have the same suite I'd purchased in the alternate color in my size.

During our discussion the store owner:

1) Told me I should get a larger size next time, even though he had seen me try on this size only two days before and had made an unsolicited comment that it fit great and suggested I should buy it. Frankly I was offended that he would even bring size into our discussion. The problem with the suit had NOTHING to do with the size of the suit; it was simply made of defective fabric that apparently was not color-safe.

2) Told me I was a pain in the a** the day I came in the first time because I tried too many suits on.

3) Called the cops on me when I continued to insist that he should refund my money ... yes, that's right, he called the Provincetown Police to come out! I'm still reeling from that. I can't imagine how a shop owner would think that calling the police is any part of good customer service.

4) Insinuated that I'd done something to the suit to cause the problem. Specifically he said when I get another suit I shouldn't put vinegar or anything like that on the next one.

5) Said he'd send me a new one in 2-3 weeks. This took place in late July. Two to three weeks after late July the swimming season is almost be over, so this offer really didn't provide me much value.

Bottom line, I feel the store owners should have simply been nothing but apologetic for my inconvenience, especially on my vacation! I had already suffered the embarrassment of my suits colors running all over my white suit while I was at the pool in public. I had already made two trips into the store to try to get the situation handled. I wasn't able to wear my new suit again during my vacation.

Instead they insisted on ordering a replacement suit in the same style but in a different color. There was an orange and blue and green one in that style that I liked enough to wear, so since I had no other options I agreed to have them order a replacement in those colors from their supplier to be shipped to me. I didn't receive this replacement suite one until late August, when it was really too late the season. Additionally, when the suit arrived it was not the color I had asked for. What showed up was an all red suit, which is unfortunately very similar to one I already have. I don't know why they didn't send me the one I had agreed to, but at this point I'm just accepting my losses and happy to never have to deal with anyone at Red Square again.

This was one of THE WORST buying experiences of my life. As I said, I'm not typically one to post reviews like this, but I just feel everyone should know what they are getting into when shopping at Red Square. There are so many wonderful, reputable, friendly stores to shop in Provincetown, so please please please, for your sake, AVOID THIS ONE!