I visited Bellini Baby in Boca Raton with the intention of making a significant purchase--a double…read morestroller and crib set--for my third baby arriving later this year. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing and left me frustrated enough to walk away from what could have been a $2,000+ sale.
There were two older women working during my visit. The associate assisting me was friendly, but unfortunately, she lacked knowledge about the products I was interested in--strollers, car seats, and crib promotions. She constantly had to check the computer for basic information, which made the process drag on for over an hour. Meanwhile, the other employee, who seemed more knowledgeable, was busy with another customer.
To make matters worse, the store didn't have the necessary adapters available to try out the double stroller configurations, and the floor model of the stroller I was most excited about had been sold. They didn't have a replacement yet, which completely eliminated that option for me--very frustrating for a store that specializes in baby gear.
I also found a crib promotion that included a dresser and changing pad, but when it came to selecting the included items, the associate was unnecessarily petty. Despite the crib sheets all being the same price, she made an issue about which ones we could choose. She also pointed out that the white mattress was more expensive than the blue, which felt very nitpicky and unhelpful. My mom and I decided to hold off and look elsewhere.
But what upset me most--and ultimately led to me walking out--is how my 6-year-old daughter was treated. She had been quietly and gently playing with some baby dolls and stuffed animals on display to purchase while we shopped. As we were getting ready to leave, the employee rudely insisted she take the toys from my daughter, despite me calmly explaining that my daughter was in the process of putting them back herself. She dismissed me and harshly told my daughter she would do it, causing my daughter to cry--something she rarely does. The way she was spoken to was completely uncalled for, especially in a children's store.
It's incredibly disappointing to be treated this way at a store that should be welcoming and helpful to families. I hope this review reaches the owner, because their staff not only lacked product knowledge and professionalism, but also showed an unfortunate lack of kindness and basic decency toward a child. Needless to say, we'll be shopping elsewhere.
