Bella is a terrible manager, and the staff is rude and pretentious. The service at this location is consistently poor. The staff often appears to be friendly but becomes annoyed when asked for help or when questions are asked.
I started university in Fall 2023, needing a reliable backpack for nearly two years of academic use. I attend classes for about 2.5 months per quarter, which amounts to roughly 8.5 months of actual use per year. Although a budget-friendly option was available, I invested in a Lululemon backpack because of their advertised Quality Promise that they "Build products to last, and we stand behind our quality," despite costing about twice as much as a standard plain black backpack.
However, by October 2024, I discovered a medium-sized tear in the laptop compartment, which was an unexpected failure, especially given the brand's claims. It was all the more disappointing, considering that their quality guarantee only lasts one year. It's disappointing, especially when a brand touts quality as a core value, that a product fails within such a short time; if the quality is defined by durability, then a one-year guarantee seems insufficient for a premium-priced item, raising concerns about whether the product truly meets the high standards advertised or if the promise is more about marketing than real-world performance.
Frustrated, I stopped using the backpack. After reaching out via live chat and being advised to either fill out a form or visit a physical store, I headed to the local Lululemon store on Melrose in Los Angeles, CA, worried that the tear might worsen and compromise the safety of my laptop. Unfortunately, my experience at the store was equally disappointing. I was met with an unwelcoming associate upon arrival.
After explaining the issue and providing proof of purchase, another associate informed me that the backpack was out of warranty and nothing could be done. I then requested to speak with a manager for a possible resolution; however, the manager, Bella? (Female, Blonde) reiterated the same policy with an attitude and a complete lack of empathy, even refusing to provide her name to me. I found it unprofessional and evasive. This poor service at the Melrose location starkly contrasts with better experiences I've had at other Lululemon stores.
Overall, the backpack's failure within a year casts serious doubt on the validity of Lululemon's quality testing and lofty claims, suggesting that the product prioritizes style over quality and endurance. I cannot recommend this backpack or the customer service at this location. If reliable quality is essential, consider exploring other athletic brands offering a more consistent experience. I also plan to share my experience at Lululemon with friends and coworkers through word of mouth.
TL;DR: Despite a strong quality promise, the backpack developed a tear within a year, and my visit to the Melrose (Los Angeles) store was met with dismissive, pretentious, and unhelpful customer service, leaving me disappointed with the product and the support.
They never solved this issue.
And better brands are popping up, so consider another brand that cares about their customer service and product quality.
Bag Rating: 2/5
Overall Lululemon Experience: 2/5