While patronizing this business on 5/11 to purchase a Mother’s Day gift, I witnessed an unfortunate and harmful microaggression against a fellow shopper. I watched an employee stop what they were doing behind the counter to approach the only man of color in the store. The man was looking around shopping just like myself and the others in the store. He was asked if he needed any help, the man politely declined. The employee walked away but continued to watch the only man of color in the store. It was blatantly obvious that he had been racially profiled. I suspected by his visually uncomfortable demeanor and laugh of disbelief that that he had realized why he was the only person approached. The man soon left the store. When I asked to speak to a manager I found out that the person in question turned out to be the owner of Hazel, so I disclosed to an employee what I had observed. Her response was as unsettling as the event itself. She suggested that the man was approached because he might have been “a neighborhood person” that the store was having trouble with. This confirmed my suspicion that the man was racially profiled, as well as how staff are trained to handle a situation like this – by approaching a customer and asking if they need assistance. My concern was further brushed off because the employee insisted the owner is the nicest man she knows. While I realize that he is probably a very nice man, this does not excuse unintentional racist behavior. I would like to continue supporting this business but will not be able unless they develop a better practice dealing with unconscious bias. I deeply regret not standing up for this man while he was still in the store but hope Hazel will take action to confront unconscious bias to prevent a situation like this from happening...
Read moreOMG, such a cute place with the cutest and most unique Gifts! The prices are not astronomical (which is what I was expecting from a store gift shop) but they were completely reasonable (The same as amazon or any where on the Internet) and they had the cutest stuff!! I got my sister a 'Dr. Fauci' ornament that she is going to love! Old timey candy for parents, and little knick knacks that are high quality, funny, and reasonablely priced. The other thing that blew me away with this place was the customer service, and friendliness! I work at a high end michelin star restaurant in Chicago, so I am used to being let down by most other businesses and places when it comes to doing the right thing. This place has it down. They had boxes for the ornamnets, tissue, offered gift wrappping, and gift reciepts for everything... one woman actually came and saw me carrying things around and offered to hold them for me at the counter. Walt Disney said "If you don't take care of your guests, somebody else will" . This place does, they were all respectful, helpful, appreciative, and kind. Screw amazon, next year, it's...
Read moreThis is one of my favorite spots for shopping whenever I'm in Chicago. It's my go-to place for finding one-of-a-kind clothes and presents. This store carries a large selection of different kinds of gift items. They sell a wide variety of distinctive items, including puzzles, jewelry, and greeting cards suited to a diverse range of personalities, among other things. The shop may not be very large, but it is jam-packed with a wide variety of products, any of which could be used as a starting point for a creative gift idea. Every item in this store has its own unique quality, and the customer service that they offer is unmatched. The people working in customer service are always understanding, precise, and friendly. Over the course of the past few years, I've been there quite a few times, and each and every time, I've found the staff to be so helpful and accommodating in any way! A wonderful place to shop for presents for those you care about, as well as for something unique for yourself. You guys might want to give it a...
Read more