W & J Wines & Spirits — Attraction in New York

Where do I begin, my most recent visit, today 7/4/23 was my last. I came across W&J sometime around Fall of last year. It was very close to While Foods, and I figured it would be convenient, although limited in variety. From the first time I stepped foot into the establishment, it wasn't the most welcoming atmosphere, nevertheless I'm usually in and out of any wine shop within 5 minutes, as I know what I want, I buy it and leave. On every occasion as I go into the shop, I am stared at and someone usually stops whatever it is they're doing, to come "fix" something in the part of the shop I'm in. I've noticed that other customers "non-Black" aren't followed around, and their interactions while checking out are very "friendly'. While with me, it's usually very abrupt, not even a "thank you" and very rushed, as if to not want someone Black to be seen patronizing their business. Today was one of those days, not only was I followed, but also the woman behind the counter contorted herself to look at me while I was picking out a bottle of Plum wine, she didn't even try to hide it. Then, when checking out, as per usual, the same rushed, cold, abrupt transaction. And when I requested my receipt, both she and the man next to her behind the counter seemed annoyed as she aggressively placed it on the counter. I won't be back. And I'd advise other POC to be wary...

Beware of this place. My boyfriend and I live in the neighborhood and have been here a few times. Our initial experience was a positive one. But then, most recently, we stopped in to grab some seltzers and the guy working the counter tried to scam us. My boyfriend was checking out separately - just grabbing a 4 pack, and the cashier told him the total was 50 something bucks. We looked at each other completely dumbfounded. We repeated the price back to him to confirm we’d heard correctly, and to confirm he wasn’t mistakenly including my items in the total. He confirmed that he had not included my items, and gestured at the computer screen to indicate that the computer was what was dictating this ridiculous price. When my boyfriend refused to pay that amount (realizing this guy was trying to bamboozle us) — told him never mind — suddenly the cashier says, “$30”, as if nothing had just happened… Unreal. This was a couple months ago. We haven’t returned and...

I ordered the Zodiac Emperor Napoleon Brandy XO on 4/23. It came on 5/2. Upon opening the item, the inside of the case is damaged and one of the bottle is broken. I can tell that the damage was done because the box was upside down causing the bottles to puncture the case. The cardboard box has 2 stickers indicating that both side is "up" so I cannot blame the shipping company for not knowing which side to face up. I immediately emailed about the damage on 5/2. Didn't get a response til 5/5 asking for pictures which I sent. I have followed up several times since then and as of today 5/12, have not gotten a reply. This was bought to be my mom's Mother's Day gift. I spent almost $200 and do not have a gift for her. I am greatly disappointed with W & J's customer service. I do not recommend buying fragile alcohol...