The Closet — Attraction in Herndon

I had a very negative experience here and although I think it was a misunderstanding, I don't think staff responded properly.

I went here with my fiance. While in the store, there was a spider crawling up my hair and my fiance swatted it out of my hair. To staff and other customers, it must have looked like he hit me. It probably didn't help that I looked shocked bc I have an insect phobia. My fiance is also a darker skin tone than me, so racial bias was probably a factor. I can't help but think that staff would have believed me if my fiance was white. Maybe I'm wrong.

In my work, I help people in domestic violence situations a lot, so I understand that some survivors of domestic violence will deny that domestic violence occured, even if it was blatant, in order to protect the abuser or themselves from further abuse. I would completely understand if staff was concerned and asked if I was okay, but that didn't happen.

Instead of asking me if I was alright, I'm pretty sure the staff threatened to call the cops. After my fiance and I explained that he was swatting at a spider, I couldn't really understand what staff was saying bc of the mask, but she said something about calling the cops in an angry, threatening tone.

Honestly, I felt like I was being punished. If I was a domestic violence victim, this would not help me, it would hurt me. I get being mad at someone who you think is hurting someone else, but trying to chase that couple out of the store doesn't solve the problem.

I know the there is the saying "when you see something, say something" and I'm glad that the situation wasn't irgored, but I still think we as a society can be more thoughtful when we "say/do something" to help so that we have a higher chance of actually helping and less chance of hurting.

I'm sharing this in hopes that staff can be trained on how to handle potential domestic violence situations. I know it's a difficult, nuanced situation and it can be very hard to know what's right or what would be a helpful, safe response. Maybe you can have a card with the National Domestic Violence Hotline number on hand to give to people. And also a training on how to keep racial biases in check. We all have them, whether we want to or not, but we can try to be better with racial bias training.

This is just my two cents anyways. I wish your staff and...

I would strongly advise against anyone considering a visit to this thrift store, nor should you bother donating anything to them if you genuinely want to support your community, just join your local “Buy Nothing” group. My recent experience at this establishment left me utterly appalled, and I believe it's important to share my encounter to raise awareness about their ridiculous policies.

This morning, after a pleasant trip to the farmers market, I thought I'd check out this thrift store since it was conveniently located within walking distance. Little did I know, my morning would take a sour turn at the store's entrance. I was met with a tired and moody staff member who snapped at me, "NO STROLLER." I was left utterly confused by this abrupt and unwelcoming remark. Mind you, my stroller was not even a large, cumbersome one; it was a Doona travel system. To my disbelief, I was told that if I folded it, I could carry it around like a carrier. I attempted to comply, feeling intimidated by the hostile atmosphere. However, it quickly became apparent that dragging my baby in his car seat around a dirty store was the last thing I needed, especially after a recent C-section.

What struck me most was the store's complete lack of consideration for mothers, children, and individuals with disabilities. The place seemed far from child-friendly, mother-friendly, or handicap-accessible. If you're a parent, it appears they expect you to somehow manage without any assistance, even if you're recovering from a major surgery like a C-section. And as for individuals with disabilities, it's bewildering to imagine how they are expected to navigate the store without proper accommodations.

It's evident to me that the owner and management of this place lack any understanding of the challenges faced by parents and individuals with disabilities. Their unwelcoming attitude and unreasonable policies have created an environment that is far from inclusive. Instead of subjecting yourself to such a negative experience, I encourage everyone to explore alternative ways to support their community, such as joining local "buy nothing" groups where kindness and inclusivity thrive. Let's choose to invest our time and resources in places that genuinely value and respect every member of...

TLDR: Not a friendly store for parents and young kids.

I was absolutely humiliated by an employee (possibly the manager?) in the store today who loudly confronted me about my stroller. There is no signage prohibiting strollers, and I had been in the store more than 20 minutes and walked past several other employees who did not tell me I couldn’t have my baby in the stroller.

She shouted at me, shooed me to the front of the store and repeated herself in Spanish, despite me clearly understanding her in English.

I was then told that I had to either carry my daughter or leave. There was no way I could carry my squirmy 1-year-old and the items I wanted to buy. I was forced to put the items on the floor by the front door while this woman stared me down. I then left with other patrons and employees watching this exchange.

I am not typically one to complain, especially when I may have done something wrong. However, this employees behavior was totally disproportionate to the situation and made me feel terrible and embarrassed, simply for being a mom

Please consider getting small shopping carts for use inside the store if you are going alienate parents and young children by prohibiting strollers. And please consider some customer relations training. After looking at other reviews it doesn’t seem like this negative experience is a first for this particular employee.

I am super disappointed, because I love second hand and used to like this store. But I don’t think I will ever go back or recommend it again. To echo another review, it really seemed like this employee enjoyed humiliating...