I have visited Artsy several times over the last year. Each time, I bought approximately $50 worth…read moreof art supplies. At each visit, I experienced the staff as rude and cliquish. My last visit, approximately 3 months ago, was especially bad. When I entered the store, I was one of two customers. The owner (Patsy?) was busy with the other customer, so I looked around. To her credit, she did ask how I was doing, but mainly spent her time talking to the other customer, who apparently had taken or was taking a class there. I have no problem with that - the other customer clearly knew her and had been there for a while.
However, when I went to check out, things went off the rails. Artsy says that they accept credit cards, but when I went to pay using my card, I was asked point-blank if I could use another method, because they didn't like to accept cards. Ok, I could (and did). The owner went on to tersely explain that every time someone used their card, it cost them money. Here's where I have the problem - if you're going to accept cards, accept them. Don't browbeat your customers and bully them into using another method. Or, simply don't accept cards. The next problem occurred when I was attempting to buy several pieces of ephemera. The owner rudely told me I had "done it wrong" and that I should have filled out a form with the product number on it, so that she wouldn't have to look it up. Huh?? Ok - again, I'm willing to help out, but really - it's too much work to run your business? She did look up the numbers, and I checked out. On my way out, I went to the table where the ephemera were, and tried to find the form she mentioned. I finally did find it - underneath a basket and completely out of sight. Additionally, there was NO indication that this form should be used - the only way anyone would know is if they looked under the baskets or knew ahead of time.
My older son came in while I was checking out. His first comment to me after we walked out the door was how rude the owner was, and that he was surprised she was able to stay in business. Hint? Don't bully your customers, be clear about your policies, and provide good customer service! I've given this store many chances, and each experience has been progressively worse. I will not return, and I would not recommend this store to anyone. Even the big box stores are better!