The Apothecary in Inglewood — Attraction in Calgary

Update: After several subpar experiences at the apothecary in 2020, I've had several recent experiences that have been much improved.

The staff have greeted me upon entering and have been helpful and not overly pushy or rude.

I am used to going to bulk barn to select bulk goods, so it was different for me when the staff took and filled my containers for me, allowing me to continue shopping. The staff let me know my options then asked how full I wanted my containers. My containers were then waiting for me at the till.

Overall a fine experience! :)

--- Original Post ---

Abhorrent customer service. The customer service has always been subpar, but with the expansion, it seems to be worse.

Three staff were working during our 30 minute visit at 3:30pm on January 26, 2020 . The only time any of them stopped chatting with each other and stepped out from behind the counter was when two of the workers were busy cashing out customers and there was no one else to chat with. So the third, came out and approached us (we were within a few feet of the counter) The interaction was awkward at best, they didn't try to sell us anything, rather assumed that we didn't know anything about herbs and told us not to buy them if we didn't need them. But sure enough, when there was a co-worker to talk to, the third staff bee-lined back behind the counter and continued their conversation.

Were we greeted when we entered the store? No. Were we approached within 3-5 minutes of entering the store? No. Were we approached during our visit? Yes, only when there wasn't a co-worker to chat with. Were we asked what brought us into the store, or if we were familiar with 'bring your own container' protocol? No, in fact they were quite rude when I didn't get it 'right'. Were we told to not buy herbs? Yes.

It was an annoying visit. Two stars are for the products and the direction that the company is moving - zero waste.

Zero stars for the sales team who aren't interested in selling products to customers.

Bottom Line: If you know what you want and what the protocol is, you're fine. Shop away. But if you're looking for an experience or some expertise, be prepared to feel small and like you're an annoyance and an...

Not happy! Better customer service needed... I have not tried any of their products or services yet. But so far my experience has not been positive or good. I've been waiting for months to take one of their workshops and finally i was able to register for one... or so I thought. The class was today but something told me to call ahead to make sure i was registered. Sure enough i was not. It looks like i did not purchase the class i purchased a gift card! When i spoke to one of the workers I what was implied is that it was my fault because there are two separate pages - the workshop page and gift card page (?). But I am not an idiot and I know I registered on the workshop page but ended up purchasing a gift card and having to still register for a class. Now i need to wait until the fall for another class. It was annoying to deal with the store. Maybe there was or a clitch on their end or there is room to improve the user exerperience on their website. What about that possibility, instead of blaming it on the customer? Now i feel like i paid for a product that i did not get. Perhaps a message on the workshop page should appear if there are no classes available or one shouldn't be able to make a transaction on the page if there are no classes available for X month. Or something that says "the next class won't be untill xxx..." So at least you are making an informed decision to purchase or not to purchase. I'm really dissappointed with my experience with this store. I was excited to take their workshops but now i'm worried it's going to be as shotty as their customer service and website...

My experiences at this store are super inconsistent. It's a high contrast of either super helpful and friendly service or not feeling welcome/I am asking all the wrong questions. I asked questions about my last purchase in store and they were answered wrong so I don't have the proper supplies to utilize what I purchased and have unfortunately wasted product. An ironic issue. I love that this is a low waste staple in Calgary but it would be awesome if it felt more welcoming and staff was willing to educate customers on the products in store and how to become more efficient in a low waste lifestyle as they seem to have just about everything you need to accomplish that or to get a great start.

Review Update *

A bit late to update but I was in the shop a few months ago. I needed some birthing aftercare for my bestie after having her first baby. The afterbirth care is amazing and I have recommended the Peas in a Pod line and especially the "Sittin Pretty Perineal" spray to many friends and clients over the years. Even though I didn't really need help that day, I noticed a huge improvement in the customer service and a more welcoming energy. The staff we're friendly and all offered me help. I really appreciate the noticeable improvement from my previous review. I did try to purchase the spray at other stores that carry the Peas in a Pod line but none of them had the Spray. Would be nice to see it in other stores just for ease...