Dear Golden — Local services in Ann Arbor

I’ve been going to this store whenever I visit home from Portland since 2010-2014 when I was living there as an undergrad at umich. They have a lovely collection and the selection has broadened over the years to include a lot more modern stuff, which I appreciate! Fills what is otherwise a lack in Ann Arbor’s shopping scene. The same staff person ( not the owner) has worked there nearly since I started going. They have always been pretty friendly but today it felt unwelcoming and strange. I asked if a brand was local because I was curious about their sourcing and the price seemed so reasonable, and they just changed their voice and said in a fake English accent “no it’s not” but added nothing else. The accent isn’t the issue obviously but it was odd- I had to ask more about it and their voice got quiet and they almost whispered as they only said “it’s a supplier we really like in Korea”. I bought the item but not generally super into this kind of sourcing without more transparency. They do have lots of smaller independent brands, too, but just the way they navigated this just didn’t sit with me well. They also said “happy birthday” in a clearly sarcastic voice after the family member who was with me said it to me. Very uncomfortable. I will consider shopping in the future but the service is strange and I did not feel relaxed...

Just had a really lovely experience here in every way a person could; from the visuals, to the airy grounding shop, to the incredibly kind staff who reminded me to rest and pause and be still, and to their professionalism when handling a transaction with me. I have had nothing but wonderful experiences here; this place is a place unto itself, clearly crafted with care, love and intention, seeking to give a customer an experience and a service from the heart, not just transactions and items. Thank you for the care and love you put in to your craft DG! It's a little (and big) source of inspiration for other...

I’ve been wanting to visit for some time I was finally able. The shop is really a beautiful work of art and I was so happy to be there. But the staff was cold and short with me. I didn’t feel welcomed at all. My card was snatched out of my hand and I did my best to remain positive laughing most of it off. But I’ve thought about the experience a couple times since leaving... feeling mistreated. I only wish it would’ve...