Chapel Street Bazaar — Attraction in Melbourne

Since moving to Melbourne just over 5 years ago, I’ve been a regular at this place. I remember buying nice vintage furniture, mirrors and random things to put throughout the house and as the years went on, every couple of months I’d find myself back in to either buy something or just to browse as I like vintage things. Today sadly marks the end of my time with them and the many friends I’ve recommended to go there. I made a purchase for something that I honestly didn’t have my heart set on and wanted a refund. Now I do take ownership for the fact that I made a mistake in even going through with the purchase in the first place without thinking it through. However, I did feel I was forced and led to purchase the product even though she gave me a good price. (Wondering if it was even a good price as there were several of the same items all scattered throughout their stock).

Most notably was the man behind the counter (Tall, Bald with glasses). Every time I have shopped there, not once has he ever given good service. Always short with customers and when observing everyone he serves it seems that they’re just a waste of time or are a hassle, even though they are literally PAYING HIS WAGE! So, in the years I’ve been here not once has he looked me in the eye or acknowledged me until I politely addressed him and asked for a refund on the product I purchased in front of him 5 minutes ago, with the receipt. He scoffed and said “No. I mean why would you do that? You can exchange for another item if you like.” I understood that, but did not want anything else in the store, I told him my circumstance and how I felt about being sold this item which I was unhappy with. He refused to spend anymore time with me and kept to his stapling of blank paper and pointed to a sign behind him (Away and out of view from Point of sale) amongst a mess of other things saying no refunds. I said “I guess I’m gonna have to deal with it then aren’t I sir?” He replied “Mhmm”

It’s safe to say I’m quite unhappy. Not because I didn’t get the outcome I wanted, but without a doubt the poorest service I’ve had. It’s always good to have the effort that I put in to acknowledging you and ask how your day is going to at the very least have that reciprocated. As a great leader in Aussie retail once said, it’s the people that make...

So disappointed in this place I was dying to go for a look and to purchase something I collect so we went in on Saturday 28 th July 2018 it was an absolute circus from the get go staff didn't really seem to know what was happening looking for keys to cabinets all looking pretty grumpy I found what I was after and it was in a locked cabinet asked if we could look at it so she went looking for a key I asked the grumpy old man was he negotiable he said only if paying cash so then we asked where the ATM was to get some cash out he said just outside well I could see hubby out side looking for ATM I said to the grumpy one well I don't think he can find it he said t was up the road so I then walked out to inform hubby it was further up the road he toddled off I waited in the meantime the lady had got the glass bottle with the top out of the cabinet and wrapped it up before hubby got back in the store to pay for it on our trip home hubby said you did look at the bottle properly I said no I thought you did when you paid for it he said no the lady already had it wrapped up well we got home I unwrapped it and the top of the bottle was broken in two places now why was we not told or shown this ? They would have known they would have to it was clearly an old breakage I was devastated please to all the staff in this shop you made must be honest with your customers and inform them if not perfect because it was locked in the cabinet we didn't have a chance to view it before being wrapped I will never return to this store again I don't have the money to buy broken treasures and I'm devastated and we didn't get a receipt because we payed...

Interesting place full of fun knickknacks, this used to be the place I look forward to visit on Chapel Street, however the poor attitude from a particular manager (bald man with glasses) makes me hesitant to visit again, my interaction with him really left a bad taste in my mouth. I was trying to buy a $2 scarf and unfortunately didn’t have cash on me, instead of saying “$10 minimum (there was no sign at the counter)” or telling me that I can get money from ATM outside, he said in a mocking voice “oh it is ridiculous to use card on a $2 item!” I was extremely shocked by his tone. It is absolutely not the right way to speak to a customer! When I tried to explain to him that I did not appreciate his snappy attitude, he continues to lecture me about “the importance of carrying a bit of cash around” and how businesses work (I am more than aware as my family owns a small business too) I understood the store policy, however his attitude is quite poor - it does not take more effort for someone to speak with kindness! He doubles down and started to speak to me in a sarcastic and extremely rude tone, both my friend and I was appalled. According to the reviews here, most of the negative reviews were directed at this person, so it is definitely not a first time occurrence either. I have never encountered a ruder person than this manager! I am not saying that people should stop visiting this shop, but please be aware of this staff member as his attitude can be driving customers away! Friendly service goes a long way, but I’m not sure if he is aware...