Down to Earth | Home, Garden & Gift — Attraction in Eugene

I want to preface this review by telling folks that I'm an avid shopper here, I have recommend the store to my friends, and I have literally spent thousands over the years on plants, soil, tools, compost bins, and gifts. I am a multiracial person, and generally have not experienced much discrimination in local stores. The incident I am about to describe has happen to me numerous times, all in the same section of the store.

Multiple times when I've gone into the indoor plant section of this store I am basically snubbed by the older white woman who works in this section. I wouldn't consider it being ignored, except she greets and asks literally EVERY other customer in the section if they want or need help, only to look at me and then walk away. I understand that her prejudice is her own and not a reflection of the store, but I can say that when I go in to purchase a couple large plants or trees, soil, and new pots for the large trees, her rudeness is the reason why Down to Earth is then losing a couple hundred dollars.

Many people of color and young people deal with being treated like this in situations where staff is making the assumption we don't have money or won't purchase anything, but you're guaranteeing that we aren't spending money in your store by acting this way. Plus, regardless of what we are spending or what we look like you should give the same service to everyone. Anyways, I'm sure this person doesn't even notice her own behavior but it's disappointing to walk in expecting to make a big purchase and to leave feeling like I am not a valued customer.

I still bought a couple plants but will spend my money at nurseries where I am treated with respect and given the same service as other customers. Although I usually get better service (which is unexpected) than other customers elsewhere because most staff seem to remember that I love to spend money on dirt and plants. :P Honestly I would give a lower rating but there is some excellent staff in the other sections...

I just love this shop!!! One of my favorite places to stop on every trip into the Northwest, sometimes change my route just to go there.

This is a place that combines a fine kitchen store, gift boutique, garden/nursery and a feed store. I love to wander through the different rooms throughout the building and find all sorts of unique and pretty treasures.

I have never failed to find things I love here as well as gifts for people in my life of all ages and things for all over your home are here too

The list of what they carry is amazing from reusable shopping bags to candles, lotions, and jewelry. They carry wool and decorative socks, garden hats, books, cards, toys and yard tools. Bird houses, hand built garden work stations, and tons of great kitchen ware. Fiesta dishes, utensils, sushi plates, kettles, towels and mats. Live plants and pottery too.

So, so much more. Their prices are quite reasonable and the quality is great of their brands.

I have always had excellent customer service, greeted with a friendly hello and offers to assist.

Convenient parking in their lot. Restroom just across the lane in the coffee shop.

A unique store that's well worth the trip as it's filled with treasures...

This place is incredible. Huge selection of indoor, and outdoor plants, housewares, you name it! The building itself is awesome, clean, and full of old machinery. Just a cool place to wander around and look at everything.

I came in today (04-05-2024) looking at bee hives, and one of the employees (I didn't get her name, sorry!) came over and answered my countless questions about the hives/boxes, how to assemble frames, helpful fixtures for frame assembly, and her own hives (she has 3). I've never kept bees, and it was very helpful having someone around who had an answer for all of my questions! I'm sorry I didn't get the employees name, but she was great, and is an asset to Down to Earth! Thank you so much!

They have pre assembled boxes and frames, or boxes and frames you build yourself, wax foundation, plastic foundation, bee suits, literally everything you need to start keeping bees.

I didn't purchase hives today (wanted to think about how I wanted to configure a hive), but I did purchase 2 ramen bowls, 2 mugs, and several indoor plants. I AM coming back on Sunday to buy all the stuff to start a hive.

I could wander around in this place all day, and I will continue to come here for...