Posman Books — Local services in Atlanta

Historically I have enjoyed this bookstore, particularly for the attention to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices. In addition, to what I perceived as clear support for Stacey Abrams. My perception changed yesterday as I was checking out. As I was waiting for the machine to read my credit card, I reached up to accept my bag of books from the cashier. She held the bag firm and told me she was going to wait to be sure my credit card went through. I was so incensed at the suggestion that I would even remotely consider stealing $61 worth of books, that I walked away fuming.

It is behavior like this among even well meaning white individuals that is insulting and demeaning to me as a Black woman in particular, but BIPOC folks in general. Your entire staff needs training on micro-aggressions as this is a common one BIPOC people experience. Thus, being symbolically liberal and carrying diverse products is not enough. You must train your staff to ensure that no one feels insulted or treated like a thief. After sitting with that slap in the face, I went back in and returned those books. I am not going to spend my money where I am treated as if I am a thief.

BTW - management/owner(s) - your response to this review will be your opportunity to own this issue and genuinely let the public know how you will train your staff to examine their internalized racism and stop this from ever happening again. Or, you can simply respond with a shallow, “we’re sorry you felt that way, she was following policy, pleaser reach out to us” message....

While I have enjoyed shopping at this store in the past I’m afraid I won’t be patronizing this business again. Despite a great selection of inventory and unique gift ideas the personnel were hardly helpful. My 17 yr old daughter purchased a puzzle for a friend and needed to return the item for exchange of another puzzle. Total purchase price 23.98. Unfortunately we misplaced the receipt but had the credit card transaction handy. The clerk told her she would not make the exchange due to the lack of receipt. Mind you the puzzle was one carried in the store (I’m not even sure where you would get this puzzle elsewhere) and intact in its wrappings. Her attitude to put it mildly was rude and dismissive. My daughter left disappointed and called me. I of course I thought that was a ridiculous outcome and called the store. I knew immediately upon answering what I was dealing with. Snarkily she insisted she would need to speak to the manager. I insisted instead that I would speak to the manager and was out onto the phone with Madison who hesitantly found the receipt in their POS. While I appreciate the exchange and my daughter even purchased additional 2 item. It definitely left a bad taste in my mouth and left me feeling uncertain they really want my business. I frequent PCM and this store frequently but from now on...

Great selection of books. So much so it's almost overwhelming and having someone help guide you would be helpful, but the staff there seemed to be too interested in talking with each other and tidying than helping customers. I walked in today (Valentine's Day) and wondered around for 5 minutes with 4 to 5 folks on the floor and no one even acknowledged I was present nor offered to help a wondering patron. Two other potential customers walked in while I was browsing/looking for help and they were also ignored. You'd think after being closed for a renovation, they'd want to help talk customers through the changes, moves, etc., especially on a holiday centered around gift-giving, but that was definitely not the case. The reason to purchase a book at full price at a bookstore versus an online store like Amazon is for the customer service experience, which was disappointing/non existent this morning. Good...