Market with a B. — Attraction in Marietta

Today, we walked into the store, and I saw a picture I wanted to purchase for my sister, who was with me. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing due to the behavior of one of the saleswomen. From the start, her tone was dismissive and unkind.

When we approached the E. Newton jewelry section, she remarked that we were welcome to try on the jewelry, but we “couldn’t walk around with it”—implying, quite directly, that we might steal it. When we responded, “Ma’am, we’re not going to steal anything,” she defensively replied, “This is the season when people steal.”

What was even more troubling was her lack of any apology and her clear pride in how she treated us. Her tone made it clear that we weren’t welcome.

In this day and age, it’s disheartening that we still encounter this kind of treatment. I truly hope people learn the importance of kindness, respect, and treating every person with dignity—regardless of who they are or how they look. Response to the Owner:

I want to clarify that we were not upset about the lack of gift wrap. My sister, who was with me, even offered to drive around and pick it up. The issue was never about policy—it was about how we were spoken to and treated.

The employee made an offensive and unfounded accusation. While we were standing near the bracelet display—without moving around the store—she said, “Hey, you can’t walk around with the E. Newton bracelet.” We responded that we weren’t walking around and certainly had no intention of stealing. Her reply: “Well, this is the season for you to steal.”

That comment, said aloud in front of other shoppers and without apology, was not only inappropriate but deeply offensive. We had already walked the store, selected items, and handed her artwork we wished to purchase. There was no behavior that would warrant suspicion.

This was not a misunderstanding. It was a direct and hurtful assumption. If she had concerns, there were many ways she could have communicated them respectfully or offered a solution. Instead, she made a blanket accusation rooted in prejudice.

As women of color, the experience was upsetting, and unfortunately, we’ve learned that others have had similar encounters. Her words and tone were intentional, not accidental. While you may want to offer excuses, the impact of her behavior cannot...

I bought some items two days ago for someone who homebound, and they did not like them, so I tried to return them this morning, when the shop opened at ten. I waited outside the front door, knocked several times and called the store phone three times (but couldn't leave a voicemail as the box was full) as well as sending Facebook messages to the store page, and finally had to leave when I saw no one in the store and had no response by 10:15. I stopped back by this afternoon to return the items, which, is allowed, per the website, within 10 days. I was informed that returns are not allowed in the store, because of a small, barely visible sign that hangs around knee level tucked into some garland that says All Sales Final, and given a store credit. I'm a big supporter of small, locally owned business, but I will never patronize this store again after I've spent that store credit. The last time I tried to come in, on a weekend afternoon, the store was closed up with a sign saying "be back soon, next door". This time, when I mentioned to the clerk that I had been here at ten, she essentially called me a liar and said that was impossible because she was here by ten. Also, my "store credit" is handwritten note on a receipt. I get that you're a small business, but some consistency and professionalism would...

Market with a B is a really lovely store offering a lot of unique gifts. I love that they carry a lot of local items. Its a great place to find a gifts for various kinds of occasions: baby showers, housewarming gifts, birthdays, etc.

I'm only giving it three stars because I don't think that the employees are very welcoming. The first time I went to the store, no one acknowledged me or said hello. I thought maybe that was just a fluke, but when I returned yesterday, I had the same experience. No one else was in the store except for the two employees working. They were both standing by the front door, discussing an item, and barely looked at me when I entered room. I felt like I was interrupting them by walking into their business. I eventually said "hello" to make it a little less awkward. Also, I thought it was very irresponsible that neither employee was wearing a mask. I can maybe understand if they don't want to wear one when they are alone, but at least have them available to easily slip on when customers are in the store in an effort to keep...