This is a good antique store, with a large selection of interesting, beautiful pieces. My husband and I like this store because we’ve found some great items. Even though it’s 45 miles away, we were pleased enough to be repeat customers.
After the experience we had yesterday, however, I don’t think that we will ever be going back to Sandwich.
My husband and I were interested in a love seat that was 50% off. There were considerable repairs that needed to be made but we were still interested. A sales clerk was passing by, so we asked her if another reduction would be considered. She was very friendly and said that she would call the seller and get back to us shortly.
Moments later, a different sales clerk came running – yes, running – down the stairs, loudly asking who wanted to know about the love seat. I raised my hand and was told, in an angry voice, “This is already 50% off. There is no way that I’m going to call the seller. That’s completely out of line and unacceptable. Totally unreasonable! Which item is this tag from?” (You might be wondering if this is truly an accurate quote – it is. Her sharp words are still in my ears.)
I asked what it mattered (thinking that maybe she was reconsidering whether to call the seller, rather than the reality, which was that she just wanted to replace the tag). My husband realized correctly and pointed out the item. We walked around for a few more minutes, stunned. Another customer came up to me and commented on how rude and inappropriate the sales clerk was.
Agreeing, my husband and I decided to leave. As soon as I was in the car, I started to cry over the humiliation, a delayed reaction to the shock.
My husband and I drove around for an hour or so before deciding to have a word with the manager. We went back and while my husband was describing the incident, the sales clerk decided to interrupt and defend her behavior by saying that I was rude to her (I guess she meant my confused response when I had just been yelled at by a complete stranger). To be fair, the manager apologized.
Also, we did buy the love seat in the end with no further discount. It is a pretty little piece of furniture.
So, if you want to shop at place that has typically been a pretty fair resource for interesting goods, BUT comes with a slight chance of being reduced to tears by a belligerent employee, then this is the place for you.
