This shop is so aesthetically-pleasing, it is unfortunate the customer service is lacking and the inventory is very high brow. I visited here after wanting to come here for months, because it in the Patterson Avenue area, one that is known (or becoming known) for its design, home goods, and gifting focus. Stores in the area range from economically-sound to splurgeworthy, and Gild and Ash definitely falls into the spendy category.
Side comment - Is it Gild and Ash or Gilt and Ash? It bugs me to no end that the outdoor sign on the building does not match the business's name elsewhere.
Anyway, I walked in one afternoon and was met with many colorful items for personal use - think bath items and jewelry. The fragrance was strong, and when I spent some time smelling individual items, I was not impressed with the candles or creams. Given the candle brands are well-known among the rich, I was disappointed in the aromas. Then the jewelry display - Yikes! The pieces were beautiful, but I would find one pair of earrings at $70 and the one placed next to it is $200+. These pieces weren't even that innovative or original to warrant spending that, so not sure if that fault goes to Gild and Ash or the designer.
As I continued to walk through the store, the woman working there acknowledged me once and allowed me to browse. I did like that she wasn't overly pushy about me making a purchase, but at the same time, it felt a little cold and like she assumed I wouldn't buy anything. I happened to find a winter hat that I really liked, and at $38, it was quite reasonable (and probably the cheapest thing in the store besides a key chain at the register). I asked her if she had a non-display model, and with an attitude, she said "I can check, but probably not. I will check anyway." She sighed and went to the back room for less than 30 seconds to no avail. I bought the store model, and as I was checking out, a friend of hers walked in. She forgot about me and instead started chatting with this other woman. She didn't smile as she handed me my bag, and even when I said "Have a nice day!" she glanced my way and said "Thanks" in the most disinterested way to only quickly return to talking to her friend. It was rude.
Bottom line: I won't be back. While the shop is obviously better curated than some others in the area, the customer service is unfriendly and absent-minded unless you are a frequent customer or know the personnel. read more