Hats In The Belfry

BEWARE THEIR RETURN POLICY
I am compelled to write this review after my disappointing experience last Saturday. I came to return a hat that I changed my mind on. I had purchased it exactly 20 days ago, whereupon returning home I decided it looked weird on my head. So, for 20 days, it sat untouched in its bag, waiting for me to return it. Because I live relatively far away, it took me 20 days to make it back to the shop. (I keep repeating 20; stick with me, it’s part of the theme of this review.)
I admit that on my visit to the shop, I was charmed at all the hats, each one seeming to represent its own possibility. It was a rainy day and I was the only customer who ventured into the store. The lady working there went out of her way (kudos to her) to help me figure out my head size and allowed me to try on as many hats as I liked. Enchanted by this experience, I walked out with two hats. One was a keeper and, as I mentioned before, the other was destined for return.
You know what happens when you assume… I assumed that like most retailers, this one would allow me to return a purchase for a full refund within 30 days. I had the original receipt and the tags were still attached to the hat. This did not work in my favor at all because of their unusual return policy.
Apparently, a full refund will be made within 10 days of purchase. A store credit can be granted within 20 days of purchase. After 21 days, you, the customer, are out of luck.
But wait. Surely this policy, because of its uniqueness, is displayed prominently throughout the store. Surely, sales associates are trained to point it out to customers. Surely, this policy is printed on receipts. No, no, and no. This policy is printed in 12 point Times New Roman on half a sheet of paper and taped to the back their register. Didn’t see it your first visit? Sorry!
I did get issued a store credit. But you win, Hats in the Belfry, because my recent disappointing experience means I won’t be back to redeem it.

After contacting the head offices via Facebook, the management staff was receptive and apologetic for the poor service I had received in store. Their response has made me a customer for life. I will be going back to them to find a spring hat in a few months.

Walked into the store today while I was doing a little window shopping. I will be returning to make a purchase or two. They have just about every kind of hat you can imagine though as Clarence J mentioned, they do focus on current styles.

Wall-​to-​wall and floor-​to-​ceiling hats of all shapes and sizes in a smallish but bright and airy store. They carry everything from baseball hats (‘stylish-​casual,’ not sports teams) to top hats, although the focus is on current, commonly-​worn styles. The hats are expensive (based on my recent visit) but great quality (based on hats I bought more than a decade ago at the Hats In The Belfry in Georgetown still looking good and feeling comfortable). And the staff is friendly and helpful.
This is a fun additional to National Harbor’s shopping options.

3.5 Stars
I think if I were more a fan of hats I might rate this place a little higher. But for not being a hat person, I was actually quite impressed by this store.
It’s fun to go in and try on all the different hats. If the shop owner was annoyed by us trying on different hats and posing for pictures, he didn’t show it. The hats are actually very reasonably priced (except the one I fell madly in love with wasn’t… of course it works out that way…)
Still… if you’re looking for a hat I can’t think of a better place to visit.