Oxford Hotel Antiques — Local services in Billings

ive been to this store several times and have made purchases every time. today, i brought my friend with me to show her the store. we saw the sign to wear a mask (so we did) but due to my visual impairment, i missed the part saying “no excessive handling”. we were very respectful, and were just looking around. my friend asked to open a case to look at some vintage knives, and as she was looking at them we could tell we were being heavily watched. i was next to her looking at other stuff, and we both felt very uncomfortable. we continued looking around and we were asked if we had seen the sign about excessive handling (understandably, as we were handling objects), and we said no. (because we didnt!). we profusely apologized, however we were lectured on how we should “read more”. we then continued to walk around (not touching anything) but we felt extremely uncomfortable and left. the owners have always been so nice, except for this specific instance. maybe it was because we are two teenagers, or maybe they just had a bad day. i will be coming back but i hope for a better...

As we travel we like to visit antique stores in new cities. This is one I wish we would have skipped. As one reviewer below states, the owner is extremely defensive, which sets an odd and uncomfortable tone. Also, I've never been to an antique store where I had to be buzzed in. The owner was also extremely confrontational to my adult daughter about her purse. Saying it could be used for shoplifting. Sir, she was with her family- her mother, her father and her sister. I assure you we are not some crime ring looking to steal your knickknacks. So my husband opted to leave and take her purse back to the car, vs. letting the owner have it while we were in the shop. We were supposed to be comfortable with him having possession of my daughter's purse, to do who knows what with, while he was not comfortable with us browsing in the shop. Ironic isn't it?

There are other antique stores in town, one quite close by actually, that are enjoyable to browse and won't leave you feeling like you're being accused of criminal activities....

Very rude. Customer service was horrible. I was given attitude right when I walked in all because I had my kid with me. My daughter knows how to be respectful to others and their property. We turned around and left because of how uncomfortable we felt. If you want customers to be mindful of their children, the learn to speak in a kind manner.

But I guess that’s just the way of the world right? This is a real review, I won’t tolerate being accused of shoplifting, disrespect, or of being unruly because none of that happened in the two minute interaction.

Definitely don’t recommend this place. Other great places downtown to find your treasures that will treat you kindly.

Edit: No one rang a bell, door was open as we walked in. Unprofessional as is his manners. So disappointing. Defensiveness is clearly on this shop owners mind. The response is shameful, let alone embarrassing. Best...