Ibon Antiques — Local services in Edmonton

I don’t often write reviews, and never of the negative sort, but I cannot go without saying something for other new or existing customers. My partner and I parked in the very empty, space-hogging lot right outside the locked store. My partner has visited the store times prior to our shared visit and found the manner of the employees helpful and friendly, however, unfortunately that was not the case for us this time around at all. We browsed and though the two ladies working did tend to us, we searched both floors and couldn’t find the old gadgets we had been looking for. We thanked them as we left and merely walked to the other side of the antique building to debrief. As soon as we returned to our vehicle minutes later, the one woman with glasses whom I wish I caught the name of, unlocked the door, came outside, and yelled at us from across the lot as we were getting into the car, saying, first parking was only for customers who asked permission? Even though the parking is marked: Ibon; Customer parking, she must have been upset she didn’t get her commission. And then after, still yelling that the parking was only for paying customers. Go figure… I walked up to her and questioned her made-up rules and authority that went against the bylaw signs posted right in front of me and my partners eyes, and she went inside mumbling… Horrible behaviour from the representative employees who should be welcoming business rather than shooing it away by their own means. I hope a higher-up sees to this review and acts accordingly. DISCLAIMER: Don’t come here unless you know they have something you’ll buy, otherwise, apparently, you’ll get towed. Awful experience, hope something is done about that...

Today my wife and I decided to stop by this store for the first time while looking for Christmas gifts. They have some great items here but we were both made to feel extremely uncomfortable by the staff. To start you have to buzz into and out of the store, the door is locked even when you're inside and the staff has to come allow you to leave when you want to go. The entire time we were there a staff member followed us, she wasn't even trying to hide that she was doing it, we started downstairs and every time we turned around she was there then we went upstairs and she wasn't more than 5 stairs behind us as we went upstairs. No help was offered she was just lurking around watching us and texting on her phone as we shopped. I'm not sure how bad this neighborhood is that it's located in but when they have to keep the doors locked at all times and buzz you in and out like it's a jail and then follow customers around to make sure they aren't stealing maybe it's saying this isn't the best place to shop. If you do decide to shop here make sure you lock your car doors and keep your hands where the staff can see them...

Walked in with my girlfriend and wasn't greeted. Then an older woman walked in behind us about 5 minutes later and was greeted and asked how she heard of the place. They offered her help. About two minutes later the lady at the counter greeted us. By this point I was already annoyed that we weren't greeted as I work in customer service and I find it most important. Then we saw a couple come down from upstairs so we decided to go check out upstairs. The gentleman that works there was at the top and was about to come down and as soon as he seen us come up he stopped. Asked if we were looking for anything specific. We said no, just browsing. Then he watched us the entire time we were up there, I felt so uncomfortable that he thought we were going to steal from him that we decided to cut our visit short and leave. I get that maybe he stuck around to answer any questions, but it definitely felt more like we were being treated as young thieves. We were excited to come here as we love visiting these types of stores on sundays but we left feeling like we had done something wrong when we didn't. We won't be back...