40 South St. Vintage- formerly Gumshoe — Attraction in Boston

TLDR: The owner removed that tag of a product, lied and over charged me, don’t be a sucker, boycott this dishonest business. I hope the $3 is worth the 1 star review. I went in today to grab some stuff for the 4th of July, staying in central Boston I’d made the effort to come out to the store as I passed it in the week when it was closed but thought it looked great. The stock is great, they have a lot of nice vintage stuff, a bit out of my price range unfortunately, but it is nice stuff and I get that quality isn’t cheap so I don’t have a problem with that. I was hoping for a thrift store but it’s more boutique so naturally the prices are higher. The problem was, when I asked to buy a bandana from the window the woman in the store overcharged me on purpose. The bandana had a price tag with $12 written on it, it was nice quality and in good condition. Now, there was a clothes rail in front of the window so it was quite hard to see the price tag, but I made an effort to check the price before asking to buy, the tag said said $12. I asked to buy the piece, not mentioning that I’d seen the price, i had more of a look around whilst she retrieved the piece from the window. Then when I’m at the till, she say’s “that’ll be $15”, i look at the bandana and the tag had been removed. I’m assuming she pulled it off when i was out of sight browsing. Ironically, another customer asks for the price of something they’re looking at and the owner impatiently insists “everything is labeled”, which may have been true moments before, but unfortunately for me and her, it was now a lie. I didn’t want to argue with her as her attitude towards me already seemed off since I walked in. I also had no evidence that i’d seen the tag in the first place so I bit my lip and paid the $15 like a sucker. So I repeat, don’t be a sucker, boycott this dishonest business. It’s not about the money, it’s about the principle, the owner should realise actions have consiquences.

P.S. in response to her response. Bullshit, if I could read the label from an awkward angle, the other side of a window on a blinding 100 degree day wearing sunglasses and with a huge clothes rail in the way. I think you can read it when it’s in hand. Why did you pull the tag off before taking it to the till? I know why and I don’t accept your empty apology. You speak very sweetly on here, i can only hope people will heed my warning and not fall for your...

The selection is incredible and the owner, Hilken, is very knowledgeable, but fair warning she is incredibly rude. The other employee that works there on Thursday’s and Sunday’s, Angela, is a true delight and so kind. Angela put some things on hold for me on Thursday and when I went back today to pick them up, Hilken coldly told me that they don’t do holds and the items were put back on the floor. It seems like common retail sense to communicate that fact with your employee so that a customer who loves the gems they found won’t potentially be disappointed to find their treasures have already sold. And it is certainly unprofessional to be so rude, unpleasant and cold when communicating that to a customer.

I give this place 3 stars for the selection and for Angela’s fantastic customer service, and the minus two stars for Hilken’s disappointing unfriendliness. Angela works on Thursday’s and Sunday’s - I highly recommend only going to this shop...

I shop at 40 South more than anywhere else. The prices are amazing (way less than you'd spend at corporate retail stores), and it's more than just a cool local business- it's an experience! Hilken (the owner) can seem a little brusk at first, but once you get to know her, she's really wonderful. She and Angela give me honest opinions when I try things on (because I always ask them what they think!), and I've found some of my most unique and flattering pieces there over the years. Whenever I wear clothes that I've gotten there, I get so many compliments. Hilken has an incredible eye and works so hard on sourcing amazing vintage clothing and jewelry. I feel like I enter another world when I step through the threshold of 40 South, and the music is ALWAYS good. Whenever I want a pick me up, I stop in and look through the racks. Even if I don't buy anything, I always leave...