Bobbles & Lace — Local services in Boston

Years of Loyalty Crushed by Disrespectful and Possibly Discriminatory Treatment

I've been shopping at Bobbles & Lace on Newbury Street for years—it's been one of my go-to spots, and I’ve recommended it to countless friends. But my recent experience left me shocked, hurt, and questioning whether loyalty means anything here—especially if you're not white.

During my visit, the store was busy, which I completely understand. I politely asked a tall sales associate with tattoos if the items I was holding came in different sizes. She seemed to not understand me, asking me to repeat several times, and eventually responded with a blunt, “What’s out is all we have,” delivered with a tone that felt cold and dismissive. When I mentioned I was willing to wait for a fitting room, she seemed more eager to push me away than help, emphasizing repeatedly that no fitting rooms were available—despite others coming and going.

After over 30 minutes of waiting patiently, I noticed a room open up and asked if it was my turn. Her response? A sharp, “It’s not for you,” with no explanation—while no one else seemed to be waiting. When I raised my concern with another associate, I was met not with understanding or apology, but with eye-rolling and the excuse: “We’re just busy.”

Here’s what I noticed: their tone and treatment toward other (white) customers were polite, helpful, even cheerful. What I experienced felt noticeably different.

I’ve lived in Boston for 10 years and have never encountered such rudeness and thinly veiled hostility in any store. Whether this was a case of implicit bias, poor training, or outright discrimination—I’ll let others decide. But this is not how loyal customers, or any human being, should be treated.

I share this not out of anger alone, but with the hope that others will be aware—and that the management will take a hard look at what kind of environment...

This was my first time shopping here, and I left feeling deeply upset. The staff were rude, dismissive, and showed no respect. What made it worse was seeing how differently they treated me compared to customers who weren’t of Asian appearance. That’s not just poor service — that’s racism.

At first, I wondered if I was being too sensitive. But after reading other reviews describing the same discriminatory treatment, I realized this is a pattern — and that’s unacceptable.

Customer service reflects a store’s values, and right now, this place is falling short. This experience ruined my day, and I won’t be returning unless real changes are made. No one should feel unwelcome or disrespected because...

I believe they have changed management, because this store is NOT the same customer service. I have been shopping here for years since they opened and it’s not fun to shop here anymore. I was sold a pair of pants at 10% discount because of a broken button. After realizing I was never going to sew them myself, I took them back to return (within policy) and was told that I could not because they were discounted. I know for a fact the new manager did NOT tell me that. Not to mention, both times I’ve come and she was here she did not greet me. I love Cam, ask for her. Bring back Aurora! I will...