Femme Coastal Boutique — Local services in Bethany Beach

Beautiful store in a great location with lots of cute stuff, but unfortunately we had a strange customer service experience. I got the not-so-subtle impression that they did not want to work with us. I have some thoughts as to why that was, and I’m disappointed that such attitudes are still around.

Edit per staff’s reply, I’m trying to leave a play-by-play of the events that transpired that day without opinion. I’ll do my best.

I saw the sign for permanent jewelry the night before, which was something I wanted to do with my daughter and godmother to commemorate our trip. I went in with my daughter at 11, shortly after opening. I explained that I was hoping to get this done before we went to the beach because I wanted to be considerate of the store and not bring in a sandy five-year-old for a service. The employee was helpful and explained prices and said said unfortunately the shop owner was staff was not in, and she was the one who did the permanent jewelry.

I came back about an hour and a half later and saw a new person in the shop at the permanent jewelry counter. This new person finished with the customers and went to the back of the store before we could approach the counter.

We browsed a bit and then I requested the attention of the employee who had helped us earlier.

She informed me that the owner wasn’t feeling well and was not able to perform the permanent jewelry.

I spoke with her for a bit about how my daughter would be upset, and she apologized and said there was nothing she could do.

I will admit I was frustrated. I asked if the ill manager was the woman we had seen working with customers at the permanent jewelry counter when we walked in. She said yes, and I asked to speak with the manager.

I told her I was sorry to hear that she wasn’t feeling well, and I appreciated her talking to me. I explained that I had a five year old who had already been in the shop and picked out the chain she wanted, and asked if there was any way she could perform the service for us.

She thought for a few moments and agreed to provide the service. I told her we’d be back shortly, but after I left I realized it was getting close to my youngest child’s nap time. Between the timing, price, service, and uncomfortable feeling in my gut, I decided against going back. Plus, my five year old was absolutely covered in sand and I wasn’t keen on having her track a mess all over the store.

Femme Boutique didn’t do anything wrong, per se, other than advertise a service they don’t consistently offer.

Some people will surely think I’m overreacting if ultimately the service I sought was offered. Other people will appreciate not going through the same uncomfortable experience my friends and I went through.

They do have a beautiful storefront and well curated items. I was excited to shop there, but unfortunately cannot give my...

Edit to add:

After posting this review and reading the store owners response, I think they really don't get it. The situation wasn't uncomfortable for staff - their staff was just frankly terribly rude to people who were being pleasant, excited, and curious - and that comes down from leadership. If you read reviews of the other shops in the area, none have any reviews as poor as this shop - and they've been around years longer without offending people nearly as badly as this store has. I hope the shop owner takes feedback of how terribly their employees treat their customers, rather than becoming defensive and over explaining an issue that has been not only an inconvenience but also just a horrible interpersonal experience for many of their clientele. In terms of constructive feedback - create hours for your permanent jewelry person rather than playing a weird game of whack a mole. No one expects her to work 24 hours a day. So create hours or have appointment times. Wishing you the best and hoping you learn to be receptive rather than defensive.

Original review: I really wanted to love this experience but was incredibly disappointed. The store advertises permanent jewelry starting at 10AM, so we arrived then, having arranged childcare and planned our morning around it. When we got there, we were told the person who does it doesn’t show up until 11–12, “but closer to 11.” We waited patiently, returned a little after 11, and were told again she wasn’t there and “gets in sometime between 11 and noon.”

We politely asked if they could text her to get an estimate, since we’d already been waiting over an hour. The employee responded with an incredibly rude, dismissive tone. As a business owner never in my life would I speak to people who were about to pay me in this tone, especially people who were genuinely interested in supporting your store and had patiently and with understanding waited for the odd flexible hours.

These business owners are entitled and rude. I saw another review about the same happening to others and them feeling like it was discrimination. We are white so maybe they just don't like customers in general? This is the first bad review I have ever written in my life - that is how mad I am about the disrespect.

It’s clear from other reviews that this type of customer experience isn’t new, and unfortunately it seems to be a pattern. We won’t be returning to this store and I am guessing most people...

Hands down one of the most special boutique you’ll ever step into—especially here in Bethany Beach! EVERYTHING is so thoughtfully curated, with an upscale yet welcoming vibe. Kathryn’s energy is magnetic and totally next level ✨ She puts so much heart into every piece. Every item is hand-selected, high-quality, and beautifully presented. I absolutely LOVE EVERYTHING she sells and I want EVERYTHING!!!

Fine jewelry, permanent jewelry on the spot (great gift idea!) , high quality fashion pieces, gifts for every budget, natural high-vibration stones, artisan non-toxic fragrances, lots of diamonds, beautiful pieces, skincare, everything a woman could dream of. It will leave you in awe. All refreshingly unique and constantly evolving. Every week the store looks different with new pieces, her passion and knowledge really comes through.

This boutique it’s truly a hidden gem and worth making the trip for from anywhere. 🤌🏻 Wish them all the best at this...