I have been inspired to write this review based on my visit to this store this morning. There is definitely no question that this store is absolutely amazing when it comes to design and product, but I am writing because I left the store today feeling so annoyed and let down by my experience.
When I arrived, the store was basically empty. I scanned the room and right away saw three employees throughout the store and one at the cash. Not one looked my way or said hello. I have a toddler and he is full of curiosity and loves book so of course he was delighted and enjoying all the sights, and was surprisingly well behaved and not once pulled a book off the shelf. He does love to zig zag through the store at a good pace however (not running), and made his way into one room that connects to the main cash which is accessed by a doorway (without a door). He walked into the back cash, and I being right behind him (attentive as I always am) was there to pick him up almost instantly and remove him from the behind the counter area. The girl behind the counter acted as if she had never seen a child before, reaching out her arms and saying something to the affect of "no no, you can't be here." No "hi little guy", "sorry but this isn't a place for little ones" or something like that. Just straight up looked startled, I mean, this is a kids bookstore, right? I actually said to her at this point, "not much experience with kids, eh?"
So, we are out in the store again, and I am very obviously looking for a particular book and have now been here about 10 minutes without ever being approached, and I can't seem to get anyone to make eye contact with me. Not only that, if they glance in my general direction they have this sort of expression that seems to be a mixture of unhappiness and contempt. Finally, someone looks at me and asks if I need any help. I say "yes please" and tell them what I've come looking for and I'm led to a section and given a few words about these being all the books on the subject I'm looking for. No suggestions or anything like that then they are gone. I grab a book that looks good enough because my boy is already walking off to another section. So now, I'm actually still looking for another book. I arrived at the store knowing I wanted one book related to a particular theme, and another book I actually had the title for. One book in hand, my son and I wander around for 10 more minutes and I'm carrying the one book I've found and not once does anyone ask me if I need more help...I see someone stocking shelves, another on the store reference computer and no one offers a word or some eye contact. I have to follow my son until he loops around near someone who's working and ask about the book I'm looking for and she points it out to me. I spent $40.00 on two books and have purchased books from this store in the past.
I'm a youngish mother alone with a toddler 5 days a week and I'm so sick of being treated with contempt wherever I go. Like he or I are somehow doing something wrong or not welcome in public spaces because he is just over 2 years old. I thought this would be a safe and friendly space to visit with my son, to get out of the house and find some books we could enjoy together. I am super observant, considerate, friendly and keep a keen watch on the actions of my child. I have never written a review in my life and may never again, but I actually felt so alone and frustrated by my experience I was compelled to write this post.
I will never buy a book from this store again and will go the extra few blocks to go to Chapters, where I have always been greeted with a smile and a helpful employee to make my life a little easier as I maneuver around the city with my toddler on foot and by bus. We are entitled to be in the world as we are and be treated with respect. read more