Westcott Mercantile — Local services in Belmont

This place is literally the cutest thing ever. It has so much adorable crap. I actually went in because I saw Jellycats in the window but they have so much more (like cute little glass birds and houses, blankets/pillows, cards, stationery, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, candles, ceramics, all of the above and so much special stuff!!). I ended up buying two rings (all rings are sterling silver) and a pair of these gorgeous earrings. They’re unique handmade pieces made by local artists. It’s also so obvious how lovely the relationship is between the employees there and their customers. They are so sweet and helpful and patient; it is so much more than just a monetary transaction. Shopping here is an experience. It’s the perfect place if you want to find unique gifts in a quiet place with kind people. Highly...

I came here about a week ago. The store seemed normal and the cashier was nice and helped me out. However, the other employee locked the door after I entered. I realized this as I was trying to leave AFTER making my purchase and they told me to unlock it to be let out. As a man of color, it’s hard to not think I was just racially profiled. Given that the door was unlocked when I walked in, and then subsequently locked while I was doing my shopping, this is blasphemous. There were other white teenagers shopping while I was there and the door wasn’t locked behind them, so clearly I was the threat. Also, this is Belmont, MA. Theft doesn’t not run rampant here, so clearly I was just profiled. Sad to see this behavior in...

This shop is extraordinarily unique, but, unnecessarily expensive. That being said, when I want to give a truly memorable gift, I always stop by this shop and it pretty much never fails me. It has little treats for everything from cooking utensils, beard soap, seasonal decor and bath bombs. This shop also has some clothes such as sweaters, slippers, socks and gloves. My favorite items they sell (that I drool over everytime I walk into the shop) are simple wooden-framed poetic and famous sayings. However, they are prohibitively expensive at $200-$400. One can spend literally hours trying to take in all the store has to offer and, I think, it's definitely worth the trip. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of...