Mason Jar — Attraction in Point Pleasant

Three friends and I walked in while attending the Mothman festival and we were watched like a HAWK by this one particular older lady in a blue-purplish shirt and white pants with blonde-ish hair. We were carrying bags, but were never asked to check them or leave them at the front (which we would have been fine doing). Instead, she veeery obviously followed us around the entire shop and would stare directly at us. A friend overheard this woman (who did not see my friend standing there) calling us suspicious for going back to a certain area. It's a large store and we were interested in seeing what was being sold at each booth, of course we'd go back to a certain booth to see again.

She approached us several times and was asking to take items from us to leave at the counter, as if she didn't trust us with them, but never asked to see our bags. Then, would lurk behind us again. It made all four of us very uncomfortable. We also heard another, older male employee being rude to some customers around the same time.

When we went upstairs, there were four young boys completely unattended who were pulling clothing items off of racks and SPRINTING around tables with glass. While the four of us were looking at some luggage, they approached us and constantly asked about the clothing items they had pulled out and were playing with. No staff ever came to see what the running and ruckus was, but the second we came downstairs the same older lady was following us so closely.

By time we finally were ready to check out (and incredibly uncomfortable already), the older woman was walking and staring at her phone while watching one of my friends. Lo and behold, I see her open her camera and START TAKING PHOTOS. While I was in line for the checkout, she was so obviously taking photos of my three friends who were waiting on me that I asked the woman who was cashing me out about it. She apologized if we were uncomfortable and all four of us shopping offered to have our bags checked if it would make the shop feel better. They mentioned that they really didn't know anything about photos but kind of switched the topic.

I get having someone keep an eye out on the floor but this woman didn't really look at a single other person in that shop, only followed us. The only time she wasn't tailing us was when we were upstairs with the young boys. Admittedly, we were kind of vocal about her following us because it was so obvious and mentioned several times amongst ourselves that they could search our bags (and only two of us ever held merchandise, a friend with a checkered shirt and me with a salt and pepper shaker set, which I kept FAR from my bag in case this woman came to say something to me).

To top it all off, as we were leaving with our paid items, she followed us all the way to the door. If I'd have known the four of us would be treated as borderline criminals, we never would've went in. All four of us were rather upset and uncomfortable, especially about the photos. If you're going to be so strict about it, have people leave their bags up front. Most people will understand and would prefer that than being followed and watched from around corners.

Edit: I did add her description a little more clearly because the owners/managers should really talk to her about this, especially the...

This is a charming little antique shop that also offers a variety of non-antique gifts, like handmade items, giving it a unique mix. While other reviews mention friendly staff, they seemed a bit cranky during our visit, so maybe it was just an off day. One of the highlights is their large collection of novelty drinking glasses, especially the Smurfs collection, which is always a fun find. The handmade Mothman items, like Christmas ornaments and bags, were a nice touch and added a local, personal vibe to the shop. A nice trio combination with this store, the Mothman Museum, and the Point Pleasant...

About a year ago I was accepted to be in a vendor in this store. I prepped for about 3 weeks making products worth approximately $800+. I tried contacting the owner numerous times about if she was ready for me to set up. She ignored my many messages. It was so discouraging spending that much time, money, and energy on products for this store. Just a simple hey we went another direction or we aren't interested anymore would have been sufficient. I would have been disappointed, but I wouldn't have been out time and money. I use to absolutely love this store, unfortunately now I...