Mother Lode — Local services in Avondale Estates

I visited the store twice this afternoon, the first time to kill time before an appointment, and the second to come back and buy something I saw on the first visit. On both trips, I brought in my tote bag with me. I’ve visited this store probably ten or fifteen times, I have made many purchases, all my living room furniture is from here. This second visit, I was asked by a woman upon entering to give her my bag. She did not offer an explanation, and when I asked why, she said that they prefer to keep tote bags at the register. When I mentioned that, she said I could just keep it with me if it’s an issue, but I opted to leave instead, which begs the question of why this whole thing happened at all.

While I do understand that policy, it’s obviously not being enforced, as I had been there a good twenty minutes earlier, and no one asked for my bag. Also, again, I’ve been here tons of times and never had this happen. It made me feel really uncomfortable, and I don’t see myself coming back after this.

As a black woman, I am always a little wary shopping in stores where I may not be welcome, and this was the first time I got that impression here. I want Motherlode’s management to consider that making regular customers feel like criminals is not the right choice, unless this rule is something they’re willing to enforce 100% of the time for everyone in the store, and not just...

Review: ⭐⭐

Mother Lode is definitely a cool place to visit — it has a unique vibe, interesting selection, and feels like a curated experience. That said, I found the prices to be a bit on the high side. I get it — everyone needs to make a living these days — but it would be nice to see a bit more balance between value and cost.

One thing that really stood out (in not the best way) was the energy when I walked in. The team behind the counter was openly talking badly about another shopper, and no one greeted me. It gave the place an unwelcoming and negative vibe, which honestly dampened the experience. A little customer service 101 — and maybe a good saging — could go a long way in creating a more inviting and respectful space for everyone.

Still, there’s potential here. I hope the team takes the feedback seriously and works on creating a more mindful atmosphere.

#MotherLode #ShopLocal #VibeCheck #SupportSmallBusiness #DoBetter #CustomerExperience...

This store profiles shoppers and accuses them intent to shoplift. For reference, I was wearing a face mask as I am immune compromised. I was asked to surrender my small tote that had my phone and my key, said there was nothing in my bag, besides my phone and my keys, and they were free to check it when I left. And the woman snapped it’s not what’s in it, it’s what you’ll leave with it. I was wearing a skirt and had no pockets - saw two other people with bags way larger and more full than mine right around the counter so I asked for my bag back and left. Noticed the review before mine mentioned a Black woman being...