Remember When Antiques — Attraction in Dayton

You know how sometimes someone “apologizes” but the tone of their voice is disingenuous so you know they’re insincere? That’s what happened when I returned less than 24 hours after my first (and last) visit to Remember When Antiques. I’d bought nearly $200 worth of merchandise, but when I got home I found almost the exact same silver plated sugar bowl online for $43 less than I’d paid!

Unfortunately, Cheryl told me she “couldn’t” do anything for me because it was The Policy and she “had” to follow it. I was surprised that she was being so short sighted but didn’t bother to point out that if I wasn’t satisfied that I wouldn’t return, because I didn’t want to sound like I was threatening or making ultimatums. However, I did state my beliefs which were (a) as the store owner she could make any decision she wanted and (b) it was a policy, not a law. But Cheryl didn’t budge. To add insult to injury, even though she knew I was upset she started trying to make chit chat--like about my purse, which she reached out and touched uninvited!

The errors I made during my visit included that I didn’t:

Make more of Cheryl's attitude. For example, when I told Cheryl that I had difficulty determining which sidewalk to use she dismissed me saying, "I guess I don't understand that." Further, she bragged repeatedly about her store, her prices, and the fact that she'd been open 27 years. Immediately leave because it was a disability unfriendly environment. Look all the way up the wall—almost to the ceiling—to see the No Return sign, nor inquire about her return policy. Stand in the store and price check online before purchasing.

Mobility issues in this store are significant and included by these factors:

The very attractive sidewalk was made by what appeared to be handmade bricks, some of them which were marked 1776. However, like most old/handmade bricks they were quite uneven and thus presented a trip hazard. That same sidewalk was reduced to a very narrow path because it was cluttered by large garbage cans and items (like cast iron fences). Leaving the store with packages made egress even more difficult—I had to actually sidestep in parts. This is a two-story building with at least half of the store upstairs. If you can’t navigate stairs independently you’ll be out of luck. The stairway inside and leading upstairs is divided into three parts—only one of which offered a handrail. The initial one third also has quilts on the wall that drape onto the steps. I noticed that even the proprietor had difficulty—placing her hand on the wall and reaching up to grab a spindle from the other staircase when she could reach it. There was lots of merchandise on the floors—and even in the narrow hallway upstairs. However, the worst offender by far in regard to merchandise on the floor was the row of black sad irons on the floor directly in front of the cash register. I don’t know how I noticed them, but luckily was able to avoid this significant trip hazard. As a person with disability, falling could have been catastrophic!

For those reasons I will not be returning this store, and hope that if you choose to return you’ll be attentive to both prices and the environment for trip hazards

p.s. I've attached pictures of the outside of the store showing the narrow and cluttered pathway, and the directions to the entrance that I had...

I just visited Remember When Antiques for the first time. I brought some china that had been given to me to which Cheryl told me they couldn’t take due to a complete set policy (I think?) and a “only 1950’s” china. I could be remembering her wording wrong but she was knowledgeable. I’ve never met a store owner that turned away anything (one plate) that had 22k gold in it. Maybe it wasn’t enough gold? Other than that, beautiful store and clean and whoever the lady that reviewed this place 3 years ago is - she sucks - because I just read her review and it’s not accurate at all. You’re...

I loved this place! Everything was beautifully displayed and easy to view. There were so many beautiful antique crochet pieces and wonderful Vaseline glass. The owner was just so warm and personable....