Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery — Attraction in Raleigh

I have shopped Cheshire Cat for about 3 years now. I’m a record collector and they’ve been one of my regular rotation stops every 2 weeks or so. They have 4 or so vinyl record vendors, and generally I’d walk out with a few new purchases. Sadly, I am writing today to share why I will never return here again. I bought a copy of Aretha Franklin’s “Young, Gifted and Black” for $10 on 9/20/23. I professionally cleaned the vinyl, it played fine until the dreaded needle skip where the needle will not advance, just plays the same two notes repeatedly. Unfortunately, that renders the copy worthless. I was fully aware they have a “no returns” policy, but rather than throw away $10, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Most used record stores have a similar policy, but in extreme cases, they’ll work with you. So I went back the next day, explained what happened to the gentleman behind the counter, and he said, “well, I guess you can leave the album here with your name and # and I’ll let the seller know. It’s up to him what to do.” Okay, I said that’s fair enough. He said, “the seller will be here tomorrow. I’ll let him know and you should hear from him tomorrow or over the weekend” “Sounds good”, I said, “thanks!” So now it’s Monday, 9/25/23, I never heard back, but was in the area so decided to drop by to check on status. There were two women behind the counter, one of whom was very kind and friendly. The other, taller, with dark brunette hair, was not. I explained I was checking on my album that I had left for consideration by the vendor for return or exchange. She kinda smacks her hand on the album laying on the counter then holds it up and says “so this your album.” It wasn’t a question, more like a challenge. So I explained I never heard back, just checking in. She said she will need to call the vendor. She calls, walks away out of hearing distance and is on the phone for several minutes. Mind you, I am calm, friendly, and above all patient throughout. I said repeatedly, hey, I understand your policy, it’s your right to have one, I respect it, I’m just asking in this case if I can get my money back or exchange it. She comes backs, sighs, and said, “he said he’ll give you a return”, then in a very corrective, condescending tone, “and we DON’T do exchanges!” Then she says, “but it’s not his decision, the owner has to approve it.” (Even though I was told earlier it was the vendor’s decision) She tells me she now needs to call the owner. Gets on the phone again, walks away, is on the call several minutes. Now I’m getting a little put off. By the rude, officious tone and the acrobats to answer what I thought was simple question. She comes back, sighs to show her annoyance, and said, “the owner said she’ll give you a refund. BUT (she holds up the album and places her hand on it) THIS, is your last album.” Completely taken aback I said, “Excuse me?” She said, “this will be your last return.” I politely replied with, “Oh, I assure you that won’t be a problem.” She gave me a full refund, and I walked out, feeling like I had been treated like utter garbage, subjected to a rude, inpatient, and discourteous tone throughout the whole encounter. Again, the other woman behind the counter could not have been nicer and more understanding. I suspect she recognized me from my repeat visits and purchases. The taller brunette I suspect was a manager of some kind, and displayed arrogance and rudeness out of the gate. So that will be my final visit there. Oh, and while I was waiting during the calls, I was informed that the vendor/seller had in fact been back in the store, had looked at my album and was informed of my inquiry, and never called me. The vendor is whoever has boxes of vinyl in front of Sugartime Books. To the right as you enter, then on the left. I would strongly advise to not buy from this vendor. In fact, if you are a record collector, stay as far from this place as possible. There are better options within a 3 mile radius of this store. I will share this information and my story wherever I go. Edit: I accept the...

Read entire review before going; four stars for selection and SOME of the staff. I first visited this shop on a Saturday. The selection was fantastic! Price points for everyone. I can not speak negatively on the items to be found. I had a pleasant experience on Saturday and spent a little over $300. I worked with Bridget and she was very professional. I spoke with her regarding an item for $585 with tax included. She placed the item on hold as I wanted to think about it. I came in the next day on Sunday to look at it again. Bridget was not in. A gentleman and two ladies were working. The man and one woman were very nice to show me again the bracelet and I asked if it were possible to do $550 with tax included. One lady volunteered to call Bridget to ask about that price. She began to call Bridget. Now. I believe whole heartedly that I was being kind and professional as well as I asked if Bridget is the only one that can make a decision on the pricing before even asking about the $35 discount. I was going to buy the item regardless of price until the second lady came over. The second lady began to berate the other two employees specifically about “can you not read this sign” and “you can’t do this to her[reference to calling Bridget]”. I chimed in with “I apologize. I by no means meant to cause any issue by asking about the price.” Reminder it is a $35 difference. I am unaware of their private business policies however the second lady acted unprofessional with her scolding of two grown adults in front of customers. She should have been more discreet with “correction” if calling to ask about a price was out of policy. I said that I will walk around to think about the item because the second lady was continuing her scolding in front of me. I walked for a few minutes. Thanked the two employees and left as I can not comfortably purchase the item after that interaction. Now. The first day I was offered a tax inclusive price, a discount of 7.5% essentially. I did NOT agree to the price as I walked away from it. I also did not even counter offer any price yesterday as I was unsure of the purchase in general. I came back today as I wanted the piece. The Second Lady while I was walking around began to say that “it is not right that she [me] agreed to a price yesterday and wanted more off” and berated the...

I will absolutely never ever shop here again. I wish I could give this place zero stars. I have never come across a ruder group of individuals running an establishment in my life. My mother and I were in today with my five year old, who is very well behaved and stayed near me the entire time making sure to keep her hands to herself. I went into a very cluttered booth, that you could barely move through, and as I came out my daughter was moving to come out after me, and tripped on a long cord attached to a very tiny light. The light came crashing down, and the woman working at the front proceeded to curse at my daughter and yell at my mother and I. There was no damage to anything in the booth, including the light. She then mumbled under her breath how my child shouldn’t be in the booth. Which, was not blocked off in anyway and had cords strewn all across the floor. It was vile and completely inappropriate behavior, coming from an adult and shop worker. In what sense is it ever ok to curse at a young child, especially one you do not know? I am repulsed by the actions of the two people running the shop today, and have previously noticed poor customer service and just down right awful attitudes in past visits. I strongly encourage you to steer clear of this shop, plus most things are way over priced and truly not...