One World Bazaar — Local services in Ottawa

I usually don't post my negative reviews immediately because I admit, I'm feeling very personal about this but I feel today, it's warranted.

So we go here ever year.. as an activity director at a retirement home I brought the residents every year. I supported this local business. During the pandemic we ensured we continued to do the same. A gift of a beach hat was purchased for me as a Christmas gift last year.

The hat did not fit. They were closed until this fall. Yesterday we made our annual trip out and I brought the hat with me in hopes of exchanging it for something else. It was tagged at $19.99 and we have never left there without spending at least $100 (thats 3 people each spending over $100)

The first lovely woman I encountered named Jordan was so kind and pleasant. She brought me to Emma and said if I could find something of equal value it would be easy to just swap. They in fact put the hat back out on display! Jordan soon came back to me to say with great apology that her "boss " said she can't just arbitrarily make these decisions and in fact I could not return the hat "for sanitary reasons." Let's be honest, most EVERYONE tries them on before buying. Do we think it was initially purchased without being on someone else's head? Besides, THAT was the issue... it could not fit on my head. I never wore it. The tag remained on it.

I thanked Jordan who was doing what she could, professionally and kindly. When I got to the cash with my $150s worth of shopping I noticed said "manager?/owner?" and went to her to explain my disappointment but understanding of her decision and would like to donate the hat back as there's no way I'd ever wear it. She took the hat and began to swing it round and round on her hand/finger as she mansplaned to me why it was final sale and wanted nothing to hear about how we supported her business, that they were closed so how were we to return any earlier etc. I began to leave in frustration and she tossed, literally threw, the hat over on a counter. I was disgusted by her cavalier rude approach so I returned and said, "You know what? I'll donate it to a woman's shelter or somewhere in will be appreciated." Ieft to join my family and she followed me outside to continue to condescend and overexplain herself. It was pathetic and she should be ashamed of herself. She would do well to take some pointers from Jordan on diplomacy and customer service. Had that been her approach I would have accepted the outcome.

We will no longer be supporting this local business that we believed was also helping communities around the world. I suggest you do the same. Be certain. It's to pad her pretty little pockets and nothing else.

Congratulations. You've lost several customers over a...

I would have given 5 stars, if not for a negative interaction with a member of the staff. The bazaar itself is a trove of unique imported treasures, where you would be hard pressed to not find something that catches your eye. Prices seemed fair, and the selection was vast. While wandering, one staff member was kind enough to take the smaller items in my hands and put them behind the cash for me, so that I could continue shopping. Unfortunately while in the jewelry room, my daughter was mistreated by the long curly haired lady working behind one of displays. My daughter (19) who has a good paying job and money to spend, was completely ignored and denied service by this lady. My daughter stood patiently waiting her turn to have her one in-hand item as well as two other rings she wanted from the display, bagged for her (as per their policy). The long curly haired lady finally acknowledged my daughter, who had been standing in front of her for approximately 5 minutes. The lady started to pack up the one in-hand item that my daughter had, and then simply stopped, dropped it on the counter in order to assist other (older) customers. At no point is my daughter’s dollar worth less than the lady’s standing next to her. Perhaps speak to staff about treating all clientele equally, and not assuming that because someone is young - that they haven’t...

This is a very charming place, it was our first time here and came recommended. I can see why.

They have a lovely assortment of crafts and goods, some deals were amazing and others seemed appropriate to their goals. We bought a few things, and basically there is a little something for everyone, enthusiast to random passerby alike.

A very colorful bazaar indeed, a lot of pleasing colors, and overall eye candy with all the little knick knacks, ware, toys for kids, paintings, cushions, oddities and furniture galore.

Basically: A lot of things practical and artsy, great for gifts for others or yourself. Some things seemed one of a kind, and others were like discounted things you'd see elsewhere for sale with higher prices. Depends!

For a fairly busy operation, it was very well maintained and organized immaculately, and my gratitude goes to the staff and volunteers/whoever else put it together and runs it. I'm only a little sad that it is open just for a short period of time in the Fall, but I guess there are reasons for that.

There is decent parking, food vendors, and the cash line ups weren't bad at all. Even a cute place or two to sit, and some music in the background. A great Autumn themed adventure for sure! We will...