Sheila (@sheila_hdzz), a Cuban woman living in the United States, recently shared her frustration with Zara in a candid TikTok video. "When did Zara become a store for millionaires?" she questions at the start of the clip, which has already garnered over 7,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
Still in disbelief, Sheila recounts how she bought a sweater for $70 without initially realizing the price. "When I checked the receipt, I was like: excuse me?" she exclaimed. What struck her most wasn't just the cost, but the sweater's quality. While some suggested returning it, Sheila decided to keep it for a Christmas photo, though she made it clear she won't be shopping at Zara again anytime soon.
The responses to her post indicate she's not alone in her dissatisfaction. Many users sympathized with her complaint, while others took the opportunity to suggest more affordable alternatives. "With $170 at Shein, you could bring home the whole store," joked one commenter. Some noted that in Europe, Zara is a more commonplace and affordable brand. "In Spain, that sweater would cost you $30 or less," one user remarked, while another stated, "Here, Zara is like flea market clothes."
However, there were those who questioned her outrage. Comments like, "Why buy it if you saw it was expensive?" or "Zara has never been cheap," were common criticisms. Sheila quickly responded, "I didn't notice, but I never thought it would be this much."
Debate Over Fashion Choices
The comparison between Zara and Shein was a recurring theme, with many users claiming they could find similar, if not better-quality clothing, at more budget-friendly stores. "I prefer Marshalls or TJ Maxx; with $70, you could get three sweaters, and nicer ones," another user suggested. Some even humorously recommended using the sweater for the photo and then returning it, sparking laughter in the comment section.
What began as a gripe about prices evolved into a broader conversation about brand perception. While some defend Zara as a benchmark brand, others argue it no longer offers value for money. So, where do you stand—are you with Sheila or on Zara's side?