Note: Siren
closed it's
doors in 2005, this page is for archival purposes only.
Good and Bad
Siren has both
it's good points and it's bad points, and only it seems in extremes.
The selection is varied, changes fairly often, and a lot of the
clothing can't be found at other stores. The jewelry is usually pretty good and
again, has a wide variety.
The stores biggest problem is it's sales
staff. I'd call it disappointing but in order to be disappointing there would
have had to be have been someone to be disappointed in. All of my visits to the
store have been punctuated by the curious feeling of entering an abandoned
building filled with clothes. The one time that there was actually someone
noticably in the store they talked on the phone for at least half an hour while
I browsed. Then when I tried to obtain help with something I was pointedly
ignored. I left the store, but returned later that day because I just couldn't
find what I was looking for in another store. The saleswoman was on the phone
again, and didn't appreciate my interrupting her much.
In short, the
store and merchandise itself are fantastic, but bringing in new sales staff
would help a lot toward getting rid of the snobbish feel of the store, and
bringing in customers who are new to the scene, and likely easily intimidated.
PS. To all the people telling others not to bitch about prices, really,
relax. This is a review section. You shouldn't be so shocked as to get bent out
of shape when someone gives a different opinion of the store than you do. This
section is meant for the opinions (whatever they may be!) of as wide and varied
a group of people as care to respond. Just because someone didn't like the
prices, or had a problem with the sales staff is no reason to go flinging
childish insults around and playing 'my dad can beat up your dad' (which is
exactly the same as 'I've been here longer and therefore you must be lying').
Let's all try to keep things friendly, or at least civil.
Well...
I was excited to finally be
able to visit this most revered of shops when I arrived in town, but after
having experienced their malformed version of courtesy, I have awarded Siren
the title of "Most Pretentious Shop in Toronto". The staff were curt and
snooty, looking down their noses, I suppose, at the disheveled appearance of my
fiance and I as we entered the store, as if there were any way we were able to
remedy the effects of the weather on our makeup and vestements. No "Hello," or,
"Can I help you find anything?" managed to force its way past the peals of
vapid gossip dancing along their tongues, and although the clothing seemed to
be of good quality, I hardly consider a simple black velvet skirt worthy of a
price tag of $300. If the employees of Siren are the standard by which the
residents of Toronto judge goths, I can see where we have gotten such a
negative reputation. A hint to the owners of Siren: When your workers begin to
remind you of Anne Gwish, it! 's time to fire them.
Bitchy
girls
Siren......... Well the girls there are pretty bitchy, it seems
like they are really only in it for the money. I went to "Borderline" the other
day and the "Nipple T-shirt Guy" told me that Siren is the worst place to buy
footware. As quotes "My friend bought a pair of boots a couple weeks ago and
the buckle fell off on the left side of the boot. He tried to take it back to
see if Siren would repair or exchange the boot but they didn't do one fuckin
thing" I am dissapointed with Siren's service because they really don't care
about there customers which are acually keeping them in buissness. If you want
to buy gothic apparel that will last go to Borderline!!!!!!! Thanx for reading
this long review! -DarqChild
In the flesh
Well, I was real
excited to see this store in the flesh for the first time!
i was looking
for a few things and I actually found some things that i liked. some of the
boots and tshirts were real cool..... its just too bad i went at a bad time, as
my size was not available. im just wondering when all Siren merchandise will be
online, ive been following it online and its taking quite a longgggg time! :-)
the redhaired one that works there is hot *EG*
Siren Hits a Sour Note
If I hadn't
just moved to Toronto, I probably wouldn't be writing this review. It's
terrible, but I feel more apt to air my opinions when I'll be around to feel
their reverberations (if any).
Siren.
Just about everyone and their
cat knows the name of the store, and it's rough location if not the exact
geographic coordinates to the nearest square inch. Perhaps because it's been
around since '88, it's become nearly a cornerstone for the 'shiny black things
I can wear' club.
Unfortunately, while their merchandise is
spectacular, their sales staff is anything but. Don't get me wrong, I'm no
Wal-Mart greeter either, but I have no had one good experience there
yet.
Last summer, my boyfriend and I made the tiring journey from
Windsor to Toronto to see one of his friend's play a club. Feeling it wouldn't
be dignified to arrive in anything LESS than a new pair of boots we made a
stopover at Siren. The woman standing at the counter gave our 'hello' no
response. She did not ask us if we needed help, if we wanted to try anything
on, if we were looking for anything in particular... and we were the only
people in the store.
All tolled, we spent a good $600 dollars between
us... and not even a thank-you. And she smacked her gum (sorry kiddies, it's a
pet peeve).
The latest time I've been, it was much busier, though that
didn't seem to dissuade the primped poodle behind the counter from chatting
LOUDLY to her friend about the state of another friend's relationship. Whoever
Tammy is, I say, dump the jerk. Again, my party spent a good $300 dollars
between us, and the help actually rolled her eyes at us when we asked to see a
ring!
Fuck me sideways if that isn't a FAIRLY large salesmen
'no-no'.
And the website... well, let's say that I couldn't even get
their email to work. That email address doesn't even exist apparently.
All told, I've learned my lesson. Shop -small-. Now, I order boots through a
friend, and have become a patron of small 'out of their apartment' corset
makers as have many of my friends.
If you want to look good, you have
to jump through a few hoops, it's true. But that doesn't mean I don't want to
see the people who's salary MY purchase is paying jump through a few hoops of
their own.
Loving It
I think it has awsome clothing, boots and
Assersries. I love to shop there.
Fidler
June 18, 2003
okay..
it was ok but wayyyyyyy too expensive
melankolie
June 8, 2003
Absolute Favrourite
Siren is my absolute favourite place to
shop. Not only do they carry so much wicked merchandise, but the people there
are the nicest I've ever met. And they are always smiling!! It's better than
the normal odd stares. Gotta love Siren. =D
Take it Easy !
Hei people, take it
easy. After i read all comments about siren, and having some experiences at the
store. I think siren is a great store. If I need something and I find it there
and if I can afford it I'll buy it. Ofcourse they don't always have what I'm
looking for. But I have to admit that they have a lot of unique stuff that
others don't have. I used to worked in a retail shop, and I always greeted
people who came in but I didn't get response all the time. It makes me so
upset. So I think the staffs are friendly and helpful but maybe there are days
when they feel tired for being there so long and sometimes it's boring to be
working in retail.So please be considerate and thoughtful
blackfire
May 16, 2003
Snobbish?
After having read so many negative reviews of
Siren in the past and having shopped there regularly now, I thought I'd say a
few words on their behalf. Now, the prices are reasonable, considering what
they have to pay for lip service merch, shipping, taxes etc. for example. The
sales people have been nothing but nice to me, sometimes mazing considering how
busy Siren sometimes gets these days. As for the supposed snobbish attitude, I
dare anyone to compare the attitudes of anyone who works at a "gothic" shoppe
to any other saleperson and tell me just how snobbish they really are in
comparison. The selection is the only point I could pick at, but, who wouldn't
want a huge room full of clothing to shop in?
Meh
Yes the clothing is a little
expensive.
But the prices are not crazy. If you don't like the prices of
most of the stuf just check the sale rack.
My biggest complaint is that
they have less selection of dresses than they used to ditto tights.
It's
still an amazingly nice store (even though i prefered Kathouse.)
I actually
like the boots they have now better then the ones they used to have even though
alot of people say the shoes are not pointy enough (I personally like round
clunky shoes.)
One thing i do miss though is their former wide selection
of t-shirts. The staff can be very nice or cold, snobby and bitchy it really
varries from person to person. I have had some horrible staff encounters with
salse people who are "so much more goth than you". And yeah i have envied some
of them (because they have i great job and wear awasome clothes.) But I have
also met some very nice and funny staff members as well.
I'd still say it's
worth a look.
Meh
I was reading the reviews and I'm
honestly very disappointed in what some people have to say. What do you expect
from the prices? Yes, I'm young and yes, sometimes I wish I could afford half
of the stuff in the store, but get real! They ship clothes from different
countries, and with a such good quality, I wouldn't expect any less! Secondly,
what's all this about the people being snobby? Leave them alone, for God's
sakes. They're trying to do their job. Nobody's perfect. I'm sure you all had a
bad day. I was always treated with respect in that store. A lot of people have
nothing better to do than complain. If you don't like the store, go to another
one! Or make yer own clothes! Simple as that.
Siren
This is in response to
ferretboi's review of Siren. The store does carry local designer clothing. For
example, Desire Clothing - which used to be in Toronto(many, many moons ago)
but is now located in Hamilton. To Die for Designs - they have had many fashion
shows around town. Yes it is sad that there are many stores in Toronto that
sell Lip Service clothing, but...if you're into supporting one local shop, then
shouldn't it cater to ALL your Gothic needs? Out of the past 7 years, I'd say
this past Fall/Winter has been the best for Siren in terms of clothing and
loads of selection.
Mild improvments but still
disapointment
I've been going to Siren for some time, as I return I've
noted a lot of improvments. There was a time when I'd go and I'd feel my money
was not black enough or I had a Back Street boy perched on my head or some such
thing but in the last year or two of going from time to time, the service has
improved immesurably.
Since the sad closing of it's sister store
Kathouse, I've noticed a marked improvment in the attitudes of employees at
Siren. Further, the prices (while still high compared to other shops) are
fairly reasonable. My only serious complaint is the lack of truly original
fasion options. If I want to have the same lipservice Bondage pants (which I
admitedly DID buy there) or PVC corset or frilly pirate shirt I can safely bet
that Siren is my answer but with it's other competition closing or moving shop
it's quickly becoming the only game in town.
It's a shame as it's such
a great potential outlet for local and unknown designers to feature their
clothes and has not done anything to take advantage of this. Oppertunity lost.
Yes Groovela does sell some of her own designs there but 90% of what I can get
there, I can also order from Lipservice directly or Hot Topic online.
I think they really should consider bringing in more local designers products
and maybe consider more fashion related events throught the city (and no I
don't mean yet another fashion show at yet another fetish night with all the
boys and girls in their fishnet shirts, pvc trousers, corsets, goggles and
platform buckle boots!) All in all, good work, keep up the improvments and good
work but I hope you start brancing out in other directions.
ferretboi
March 7, 2003
sickest
siren is the sickest goth store
i've ever been to i just started being gothic and these people gave me
sooooooooooo many ideaz later
satan
November 23, 2002
new to the scene
I've new to the
Toronto goth scene, and after some searching on the Net read about Siren and
checked it out. They had exactly what I was looking for, and even though my
credit card got dinged pretty bad (my own fault), the quality and design of
what I bought far exceeded my expectations. You may/or may not find similar
stuff cheaper. But quality always gets noticed. I'd gladly trade in my closet
of discounted/end-of-the line mainstream crap for a few nice pieces from Siren
that I'll want to wear all the time.
romanko
November 11, 2002
title
I just recently finished reading
a review about the store Siren, posted September the 17th. I would like to
expand that just a bit...
First off, I agree that Siren's prices are
just fine, since their clothing is top notch quality. It's none of that hot
topic garbage, nor le chateau junk. Besides, you will NEVER EVER find really
good quality clothing for a cheap price, unless you use the pathetic "5 finger
discount" method. (LAME) The point here is that Siren's prices are decent for
the clothing they sell.
As well, if money is an issue- Siren
usually has Christmas sales and new year sales .Head there then, and you'll
probably find an amazing steal for a lower price! It's time to use your
brain's, stop complaining and start thinking!
------------------------------------
Siren overall, is a great store. They
sell some of the best gothic attire, and have many different choices of
clothing, sizes and shapes. The shoes, purses, gloves, etc. are also top notch
in quality and choice. If you want to look unique, yet respectful to the gothic
lifestyle (unlike that whole "goth" trend le chateau tried to pull a while
back), visit Siren- (if you're low budget, try the sales) and get yourself
something nice! You'll feel 100% better, and those mouths won't need to
complain and bitch no more.
Angelicka
November 1, 2002
no attitude
To all you idiots that keep
writing in about the "attitude" you receive from the Siren staff, i just want
to say you're a bunch of jealous, insecure losers who can only dream about
working there! (Not that I would dream about working there.) I've been shopping
there for over ten years now and i've NEVER walked in there gothed out. I'm
always in street clothing when i shop and i've never encountered any attitude
from the staff and i don't believe any of you have either unless you gave it
first. Even then they're way too shy and nice to give it back.
Now as
for the clothing, I do think the store is beginning to slack a little. For one
thing, big cement looking platforms are so not goth. The store definitely needs
to get more into pointier shoes with stilleto heels and sexier dresses with
boning, not just velvet drapes for dresses.
As for the staff's style,
I think for the most part they look good, except when I see some of them
wearing big goofy pig tails. I mean that was fine at Kathouse, but it
definitely doesn't work at Siren.
Count Chocula
October 21, 2002
What's all the fuss?
What exactly is
the problem with Siren? I don't get it. If you don't like the shop, don't go
there. Simple as that. You will find the better items in the shop to be
expensive, but what do you want, cheap prices and poor quality, or a higher
price and a garment that will last a good long time? I have clothing I bought
there 10 years ago and it still holds up. Get serious. The materials cost and
if it isn't an original Siren article, the shipping and purchasing costs from
an outside distributor will be pricey. I don't think they do this for free
anywhere. Got a problem with the staff? I don't know why. They've been
consistently polite and affable to me, and no, it's not because I'm a regular
customer. The staff has changed over the years and they've all been polite and
never pushy. Don't like something in their appearance, don't be so damn
shallow.
Or jealous.
Let's face it, Siren is something of a
touchstone for all of us on the darker side. Support the place, don't slag it!
ratt
October 11, 2002
Attack of the Clones!
Yes, it's a bit
on the pricey side, but that's the nature of niche' stores.
My comment,
which is not a complaint, is more for humour value.
One of my first times
going into Siren, there was this beautiful female figure in there. She was
tall, thin, exquisitely made up and dressed, and quite a specimen. But she
wasn't moving. She was still and quiet.
So here I am, this beautiful
mannequin that was stood in a corner, showing off some of their handsome
clothing, when IT MOVED!
I about had a heart attack! Minding my own
business, when suddenly the "mannequin" says politely, "May I help you?" As
soon as I swallowed my innards once again, I politely declined and went about
quietly browsing.
Ever since then, I and a friend of mine have called some
of the ladies working there, "sales-mannequins", but not in a derogatory sense.
I'm just not used to seeing salespeople so unearthly beautiful and dressed
so exquisitely in the style of what is sold in the store. ;D
Bishounen_Hideto
September 29, 2002
Now now!
Ok, I just read the majority
of the page on Siren reviews, and I must say I think they're getting a raw
deal.
First of all, stop bitching about the prices. It's been well
established that there are reasons why their merchandise costs so much, and
it's not because they're greedy or trying to swindle you. They actually make
quality clothing, so don't compare their stuff with the cheapo third world rags
that Le Chateau has to offer, which fall apart after 3 times worn. What's the
point in whining about their prices? You're not forced to buy anything there.
If it bothers you that much, then spend your money elsewhere. And if you really
want the clothes that badly then save your godamn money instead of blowing it
on useless, fleeting, temporary pleasures like smokes, drugs and booze while
simultaneously complaining about Siren's prices.
Besides, one of the
advantages of having expensive items of clothing is that you'll likely be
unique when in public. If that sounds "elitist" to you, then you're probably
better off sticking to Value Village than Siren in the first place.
As for
the staff, I think they're great. I'm baffled by this arrogant image that so
many people seem to think they have...why is that? Because they don't grovel at
your feet for you to buy something, or because they don't make useless idle
chit chat? They act appropriately reserved and low key, the way they should.
They respect your space. They are never an intrusion or a distraction. I really
appreciate those qualities because they are so rarely found anywhere else in
retail. I've often frequented Siren over the last 6 years, and not once have I
had the slightest problem with any of the staff there, and I've never seen this
imaginary "attitude" I keep hearing about. They've always been friendly to me,
smiling and saying "hello" when I enter, politely offer assistance ONCE, which
is all that's needed, and say "goodbye" when I leave, and I've hardly ever
bought anything there, so it's not like I've earned brownie points in their
book by being a regular customer.
So, get your jealous heads out of your
asses and be glad that we even have such a fine store in our city.
Leave Siren alone.
Leave Siren alone.
It's a shop. I haven't been there in years, but come on, why get your titties
in such a twist over a clothing store?
If you find the girls to be snobby,
just remember that some of them have been working there a very, very long time.
Wouldn't you develop an attitude after working for years and years at the same
retail job? Cut them some slack.
As for the "tall and skinny" thing, I
think this comment really only applies to one or two (at most) girls in the
store. And who cares if they are (the one and two, that is) tall and skinny.
They move the clothes. If you owned a gothic clothing store, who would you want
working in your store? Now for the prices. I agree with a previous poster who
said "how much would you like us to charge." You can make the expense argument
with any retailer, clothing, niche market or not. If you can't afford to buy
the clothes, make your own, do without, or pull a double shift at Food City.
Cyber junky needs new clothing
I
like Siren always have.
However I've got to say; "Not enough cyber
clothing." It's apparent to me that the 'cyber gothic' culture began to over
run all those velvet clad old timers years ago in the U.K. and Germany. But
here we are stuck in last year. Don't get me wrong I love my velvet, but f---
how much more can I take. I'm impressed that Siren has been one of the first
shops to carry New Rock and BUG but it leaves me wanting MORE! Oh sure you can
get P.V.C. anywhere in T.O but that?s not what I speak of. I need Cyber Dog
clothing and bizarreo stuff from other countries that make me look as if I need
to be plugged in. You know "funky anime chicks wearing a hard drive". I hate to
say it but lately I've been bypassing Siren to go to Odyssey so I can get me
some Plastik Wrap.
I'm putting my review on Sirens because they're the
most likely to be the first on the block to get some new stuff. I think we can
all agree to that no matter how you feel about the place they've been around
for over 10 years for a reason.
All they need now is Cyber-gothic clothing
and they'll be here forever, Ha Ha!
venomm22
September 7, 2002
siren
Most of the time I have visited
siren the staff has been fine, but I went there about 9 months ago to buy a
pair of storm boots. A girl greeted me at the door and asked if I needed any
help. I said yes Im looking to buy a pair of boots but I'm going to look around
for bit. So after I was done browsing the clothing i kinda stood there trying
to get her attention. I wasnt sure if maybe they worked on commison or somthing
and didnt want to give away the sale to someone else so I finally asked her
"are you going to help me''? I think she kinda took it the wrong way and maybe
thought i was saying it in a demanding way which I didnt mean at all. anyways i
try on a few pairs and end up picking out a pair that cost me at least 300
dollars. she rung me though without saying a word to me and then handed me the
bag. she made no eye contact at all and did not even say thank you. Im sure I
thanked her.I work in retail and the least you can do is thank the customer or
smile or s! ay have a good day.Especially if they are dropping a few hundred
dollars in your store!! i dont think I have ever spent that much money on a
piece of clothing or footwear and I guess I just expected a little more
"service" considering the amount of money I was spending.
venomm22
September 5, 2002
siren
i just wanted to say that sirens
is a beautiful store. the staff are very nice. when ive shopped there, the
staff are not pushy, they don't follow you around, most clothing stores do
that, they are on commission. i dont know if the staff at sirens is, but they
are there if you need help. those who are complaining have probly never worked
in retail. clothes are expensive. have you ever gone to fabric land? wal mart?
and looked at the prices. velvet goes anywhere from $20 a metre and up. they
have to pay for the labour, buttons, beads etc.
have you been the usa?
exchange rate is around 1.5%, meaning 100can=50usd britian? about
2.25pds=1.00can
do your research before you complain.
anon
September 3, 2002
Siren
Siren may be on the pricey side,
but one can not honestly expect to find a well made garment in quality fabric,
with tremendous attention to detail for $20. I have dresses from Siren which I
have owned and worn regularly since 1995, which are still in brand new
condition. You get what you pay for.
I understand that most young
people do not have the resources to spend hundreds of dollars on clothing.
However, SIren does have a layaway policy, and there is always quite a
selection of sale items.
As for the so-called rude/incompetent staff,
I have found them to be quite the opposite. Staff have always been friendly yet
not pushy, and have treated my non-goth friends as well as my parents and other
relatives (I've dragged everyone there!) in the same fashion.
I think
the issue at hand would be teenage girls who are broke and/or insecure
projecting their frustrations on the salespeople, for lack of anything better
to think about.
My only complaint is the decline of Siren label items
available. Back in '95-'98 (approx), there were always beautiful new items
every time I went shopping. I find their own designs to be of much better
quality than the ordered brands.
M.
September 3, 2002
Siren
I would like to agree with the
review I just read on Siren. Not all the girls there are tall and thin, and
even if they were, it's not something that should need to be pointed out. Also,
I remember the first time I went into Siren, I had been brainwashed into
thinking the staff was snobby. When I went in, I found the staff slightly
aloof. Now, while at ReJUVE, I went in and saw everyone interacting, I chatted
up some of the girls, and made a purchase or two, quite happy with their
attitude. The next time I went into Siren, I said hello, chatted them up a bit,
smiled in their direction, and was generally friendlier. The girls will only
become introverted if you yourself holds a belief that they will act
"gothier-than-thou". If you smile in their direction, and make an effort to
talk to them, they will respond much more positively.
Also, the
prices - everything has become expensive. I pay a good $30 for a CD that I
like, if it's not mainstream. I'm willing to dish out that cash. I don't find
the prices terribly extravagant or odd, I find them quite reasonable
considering what they have to ship in. Their t-shirts are normal prices, if we
get down to it, their skirts are too. The material is good, the quality is
excellent... you are paying for a quality item that is worth that money! I am a
student, and can not afford all of it, but I see where they are coming from.
And I respect that.
All in all, Siren is a joy to shop at, I find the
staff sweet and accomadating, and the prices quite reasonable.
Siren makes me happy
I am living
in Halifax at this time and occasionally come to Toronto to visit friends and
family. I was pleasantly surprised to discover on my last visit that a high
school friend of my younger sister's worked at Siren and has for the last few
years while she finishes her animation studies.
When I entered the
store, I didn't recognize her but she said hi nonetheless and after a few
minutes asked me if she could help me with anything. It was then that I
recognized her and she recognized me. Before _and_ after she figured out that
she knew me through my sister, this young woman was friendly, polite and seemed
genuinly interested in helping me as a customer. I highly doubt it was because
she was trying to sell me anything - the last time she saw either myself or my
sister we had very little money.
I think that too many people judge
and berate the women who run Siren. Whether it's that they are too quiet or too
thin, LAY OFF ALREADY. Any time I've been in the shop, no matter who is working
there, I have been treated with more respect then I would get in most shops
regardless of what I wear as I shop. Some of the girls are thin, some are
volumptious, some wear lots of make up, others do not. Who are we to judge them
for what they look like or the way they approach people who enter their shop?
Besides that, what about the shop itself? Are these people there to shop or to
judge? It's clean, has a good selection of clothing that won't fall apart and
looks amazing; my last hefty purchase there has lasted two years of consistant
wear. I can't say that for any other store regardless of what the staff is
like.
Can you imagine what it must be like to make your living
selling to a customer base who seems to harbour such hatred against you while
judging you on your appearance?
I don't think that you could pay me
enough to deal with that every shift.
Perhaps we should all spend
more time taking care of our own bodies, appearances and personalities before
judging someone else for theirs.
lush
August 27, 2002
To those badmouthing the sales clerks at Sirens
Are you people on crack? The girls working there have NEVER been
snobby! They're always helpful and they don't try to SELL SELL SELL and push
you to buy their expensive but quality items. Maybe you fuckheads should stop
judging people so quickly. Maybe if you actually bothered to ask them for help
instead of assuming they're snobs (like helloooooo! Most goths LOOK like
they're snobs but many are SOOO not), then you'd find out what great service
they provide. So for those idiots who complain so much, just shut the fuck up.
F_CKnuT
August 26, 2002
dressy clothes and knee highs!
i like
the store overall. what really spiked my interest though was their good
selection of velvet, dresswear! they had a lovely tail dress with large bell
sleeves that i really liked and a similar shirt to this. they also had a PVC
tie, but it was unreasonably priced at $42.00. i was not impressed with that,
for good reasons. as for the service and selection i felt they had a fairly
good selection and the service was substantial. as for someone mentioning that
the clerks were all tall and skinny, well the clerk i got looked to be about
5'6 or so and a little bit "plump", so i can't share that opinion with yah,
sorry! anyways, overall the store was good enough, i liked the looks of the
changerooms and i would go back again. the only thing i purchased there was a
pair of fishnet knee highs which i must say i am pleased with. i'd give this
store a B or a B+!
Siren...again
I for one cannot
believe this store is still open, with their straight-from-the-reject
bin-in-london-clothing , skanky sales clerks and shite prices I'm truly amazed
that anyone would even shop there. I for one have made the decision not to, I
can get far better service from other stores, and far better prices elsewhere.
LoLa
August 22, 2002
get real people
okay, i've been
shopping at siren along for a few years now and i have no complaints. everyone
is entitled to the their own opinion but some of you just have to stop and
think before you write things down. its true that items in the store aren't at
prices that everyone can afford, i don't object to that, but you have to
realize why. shipping and handling costs to import the variety of
clothes/labels they offer aren't cheap, especially when most things are in US
dollars. its not because there aren't many stores to compete with or the fact
that they are known as 'the store' for gothic clothing. if any of you have been
in the similar stores in the city you would notice that the prices are the same
no matter where you go. as for the people that work there, i don't know why you
guys are giving them such heat. they have all been nice to me and i haven't
seen them cut attitude to anyone else. maybe its just the way you come
off...entering with the 'you think their better than me but your wrong'
attitude. if your nice to them, their nice to you....its as simple as that. say
a friendly hello when you go in and i garauntee you will get one back. all you
people with the 'their snobby bitchs' attitude are actly like what your
accussing them of doing.
not too snobby
I have found that a lot
of people comment on how snobbish the girls at Siren seem to be. Yet these same
people go on to comment that they are all tall and skinny, which has nothing to
do with snobby attitudes so why mention it? They claim that the Siren girls are
being superficial when in fact they themselves appear to be making judgement on
these girls simply because they are built like supermodels. I feel that anyone
who makes these type of comments are just jealous of these great looking girls.
Not only that, but not every single girl at Siren fits this description. I have
seen girls with more filled out figures and shorter girls working there. And I
have also seen many people shopping there that don't even remotely have the
Goth look, yet the girls there are still accomodating towards them. The girls
there have always been friendly towards me and help me out no matter what I
happen to be wearing. They also are 100% willing to do little favours for me as
well. For example, last time I was there, I requested that they hang on to my
purchases for me at the store after I paid for them so I could go shopping to
other stores and I wouldn't have to carry my bags around. They were more than
happy to look after my stuff. I find they are all very patient no matter how
many things I am trying on. Have any of the people that make negative comments
ever thought that maybe these girls are a little shy and maybe even
introverted? I find they ARE quiet, but when they do speak they are very sweet.
Many goths that may seem snobby are actually really shy! They are all just
little softies at heart.
Siren welcomes anyone to their store and people
should go easier on the poor girls there. I work in retail as well, and it's
not always easy dealing with the public every day. Especially when jealous
girls come in and make false assumptions!
As far as the clothes go,
everything is beautiful and I'd buy the whole store if I could! Lip Service is
my favourite clothing label for look as well as quality. I've never had
anything of theirs fall apart on me (unlike many things from chain stores like
Le Chateau). So the stuff may be a little more expensive but it's worth it.
Also lately I've found that the stuff there doesn't seem to be quite so
expensive as it used to be. Maybe that's my imagination though...
And one
last thing: I must make comment on the changerooms! They are so wonderful
simply for the fact that they have good lighting! Sure, it's a little dim, but
it's way better than the flourescent light they shine on you in the mall
changerooms that make anything you put on look like shit! So
unflattering...Siren makes girls feel like the beautiful creatures they are,
not like freaks with lumpy thighs!
What is this????
I've read all the
reviews about Siren both negative and some postive and i'm appalled about what
i've read. I've been working at the store for many years and i'm not going to
sit back and let people bad mouth Siren.
For all of those who are
complaining about the prices being too high, I just want to ask...How much
would you like us to sell our items??? We get stuff from all over the USA,
Canada and England and it cost money to ship items to us (as well as duty and
taxes) We try to carry items that are unique and special than that of the other
goth shops. I guess we're sorry for trying to have different items that people
would find cool and fun to own! We don't mark our stuff up any more than the
other stores do and the reason the Siren label is so much is because it is very
well made and we have to pay the people who do the patterns and sew it together
for us.
As for the staff...I think people are going to think what they want
to think even if the staff is the nicest around. What people don't understand
is that most of the attitude is from the people walking in, not the staff. I
can't even count the times we say HI to someone and get no response. We try to
be nice to everyone who walks through the door and everyone is treated the same
(unless its some crazy guy from the mental hospital yelling obscenities at us).
I think everyone wants us to be bitchy and have the gothier than thou attitude
or else they wouldn't be making it all up. We've also encountered attitude
while trying to say hello to people on the street and we just get cut eye and
no response from some. It also happens out at the clubs...if anyone approached
us to try to talk, I can garantee you wont get the attitude I keep hearing
about. I think we're all pretty shy with people we don''t know (like i'm sure
most are), so maybe that's where this attitude thing is coming from?
Before
living in Toronto, I used to do my clubbing in Buffalo and would come here once
a week to out to Velvet. I loved it so much that I wanted to live and work in
Toronto. I found the people were really well dressed and looked good and the
music was great and I wanted to be part of it. I thought that working in a
store that was part of the scene I would get to meet lots of different people
and make some great friendships. I did both but not to the extent I thought. I
didn't realize that by working at Siren I would be looked down upon and cast
out of the community. I didn't know there was such a hatred for us...i've been
reading stuff on the news group and can't believe it's been going on for years.
It makes me wonder why I came to Toronto in the first place!
I just want
people to read from a staff's point of view. Hopefully I've changed a few minds
about Siren's reputation and also the staff's.
review by Staff
August 2, 2002
I completely agree with all the reviews that
complain about high prices and snobbish staff at Siren. I am in love with this
store, and wouldn't wear anything but their clothing....if I could afford it
(okay, maybe I wouldn't wear it exculsively, but you get my point!). If they
would lower their prices, it would be absolutely amazing. As for the
staff...that's a tough call. I do think that some attitude is required, because
they would seem out of place without it, but they are SUPPOSED to be TRYING to
make a profit and KEEP customers. I think they need to find more of a balance
between better-than-thou bitchy and in-your-face (god forbid!) perky to keep
everyone satisfied. It would be such a shame to see them losing business, as
they have such gorgeous clothing and accessories and they have a wonderful
selection. Hopefully we'll see some prices going down soon!!!!!! OH! As for the
room in the back...personally, I like it! It may not be extremely useful, but I
still love it anyways!
review by Ashley
July 14, 2002
not so bad
I think the people that
have been giving Siren a bad name have no idea what they are talking about!
I've been shopping there for years and know all the staff and owner for that
matter and I think they are all really nice. Maybe you should actually talk to
staff instead of making accusations. Being friends with one of the newer girls
(who no longer works there), told me that she thought the Siren girls were
snooty before she worked there and after she met them all, felt really bad
about thinking that since they were all really great. I think people put up a
front and already have their decision made even before they walk thru the door
and it dosen't really matter if the staff is nice or not. For the people how
haven't been to the store, don't let the negative ones discourage you from
visiting.
review by bloodydollface
July 12, 2002
Siren: Spicy, yet pricey.
I have been
shopping at Siren for a while now, and, of course, I am very pleased with the
merchandise I have purchased in the past. However, like many other reviews have
stated, the clothes are just TOO damned expensive. Not everyone in this
fast-paced and imperfect world can fork out hundreds of bucks for a simple
corset or skirt. Don't get me wrong - the clothing here is absolutely
gothgeous, but I'm sure there will be less and less customers that will visit
the boutique if the prices stay the same. Every single time I walk out of the
store, I definitely blow a lot of money. And although the clothes are great, I
would love for them to be teeny bit less expensive (so that I can buy more
things in the future).
As for the staff, they, like the clothes, are
exceptionally good-looking. However, their personality doesn't match their sexy
gothy tushes. Firstly, I never know what I'm going to expect when I walk in.
There have been times where the people are helpful, kind, and not "in your
face". Other times, they're mean, rude, and either too pushy or too ignorant. I
think that the type of service you recieve in a store will really affect the
way you think about the store, and I'm starting to go there less and less...
Well, those are my two major piss-offs. The ridiculous prices and
bitchy staff. Maybe the the answer is Silver Cross and Prozac.
The only people I ever see working here are
superthin supertall women who raise their noses as they look down to you. I
love Siren's clothing, although a large portion of it IS Lip Service... and it
is FAR too costly for my minimum wage paychecks, it is one of the few places
that I can walk into and browse around without feeling bad because I didnt buy
anything. It's one of the most inviting shops in town, despite its staff. As to
the decor, who really USES that back room all too often anyways? Fill that with
racks and save a few bucks. Either way, this is all just feedback for my
buddy's evil future plans to take OVER!
in response to Ariel's review, i must admit, i'm
quite fond of the snobbish attitude people sometimes get in the store. it shows
character, damnit! angry people are good.
i think that is a great store
Siren- a gothic-shopping trip to Queen West
wouldn't be complete without it. Yes, they have the best selection but I have a
few bones to pick with this store. For one thing, their prices are absolutely
ludicrous! The thing about gothic clothing is that since it is such a niche
market they can charge insane amounts of money for their merchandise. I feel as
if they charge the costly prices simply because they know they can-they know
they are "the gothic boutique" in Toronto.) Further more, it's aggravating
because I honestly don't know that many people that can afford to outfit
themselves in their beautiful but overpriced clothing. Also, honestly not to
stereotype by any means but the majority of the gothic community are younger
(such as myself), possibly still in school and can't afford their clothes, no
matter how much I want them. I love their clothes and if it's something I
really like I don't mind paying a bit of mark-up but I feel like 80% of the
price is prob! ably to outfit the store with it's (very nice) but extravagant
bordering on wasteful décor. I'd rather lower prices for my clothes, not
Dracula' s shag room (the dressing room.)
My other problem with Siren
is with their staff. They all look very nice but they don't act accordingly.
I've found some of them to be extremely rude and stuck-up especially towards
the kinderbats. They seem to feel a sense of superiority because they are older
and have a whole "gothier-than-thou art" attitude going on. Who are they to
judge whom or what is or is not goth. Simply by a costumer being in the store
means that they must have a dark persuasion of some kind or are curious as to
what their boutique contains. The snobbery I'm sure has driven away many
potential costumer and their business.
Maybe I'm a hypocrite but like
I said, gothic fashion is a niche market so I always find myself back there
despite all my complaints. Now if Siren could make their prices a bit lower and
their staff a little bit less elitist than I truly would be one very happy
customer.
review by ariel
May 15, 2002
I have been shopping at Siren for about a decade
now, and have seen many similar shops pop up in the last few years. I think
it's great that the gothic market has expanded! I still think that Siren has
the best selection of everything goth, especially clothing and boots. Being a
comparative goth shopper, I'd have to say that Siren's prices are no more
expensive than any of the other got shops in TO, and they carry that really
cool label Lip Service, and a lot of original designs too. I recently travelled
out of the country, and searched for goth shops...and none compared to
Siren!
Siren has amazing clothes, footwear, cosmetics,
etc. But is definately TOO EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!
review by C.
March 1, 2002
This seems to now be the only store I tend to go
to. Most places (Heretic, Silver Cross, etc...) that I have either purchased
from or browsed frequently either have very little in stock... or are too damn
expensive! Believe me, it is hard to be too young to have a job (I am underage)
and want to be able to dress in my ideal way. I cannot afford a corset... or
even a dress the way all these prices go! I applaud Siren for having probabaly
the most selection... but it hurts when you can hardly afford anything!
review by darkayngel
july 17th, 2001
Siren is a classic, Siren is a legend, Siren is the best, ......?
I've
been noticing a steady decline in the service and selection at Siren. I went
recently to get some gloves, they did not have them and the girl at the desk
did not seem to have the I.Q. to assist me, so I left empty (and unclothed)
handed. Their selection is becoming meaker and less exciting, it is always the
same stuff, and their selection for men's clothing is just pathetic. They may
be the oldest and best known Gothic Emporium, but they certainly haven't been
living up to their reputation lately. I'd hate to see them go out of business
like Desire, I think they should know this so that we can soon see some
improvements.
Sincerely,
A Dissapointed Long-Time Customer
review by Rachel
june
4th, 2001
The opinions expressed in these reviews do not
necessarily reflect those of Toronto-Goth.
Don't agree with what you
just read? Have something to add? submit your own
review and make your feelings known.
|
