Tao's - Allston — Local services in Boston

I was sincerely trying to have a good time at this store 😔 but, I think I've had enough... to be honest, I visited around 4 times, and each & every experience was awful. It actually hits the jackpot— is right near my regular hair salon, my usual dance studio, my typical nail salon, etc. etc. and walking distance from my friends' places— so it's everything you could need in a location really (great job scouting for location, gotta give em credit for that)!

Only thing is, I feel like they treat east asians very differently than other customers, or darker skinned customers. I've heard the employees' voice turn chipper, welcoming, with a higher lilt when they talk to East Asians with fair skin, even if they don't know them/are not regulars. But every time I'm there, or I see them interact with white/brown/not east asian folks, they're really standoffish, don't welcome you, and treat you like you're a nuisance where they just want you to get your things and leave.

Of course, I wanted to keep going to make sure I'm not generalizing (as this is a big accusation, I'm aware) but if I went four times and keep seeing this, I feel like it's a pattern of behavior, and not simply a coincidence, bad day, bad timing, or specific employee.

Today, I warned my mom (who's fair skinned, not that it matters) that I (brown skinned, South Asian) personally thought the employees there were a little prissy, so be careful, but she wanted to get a few things for an upcoming wedding. Originally, she was going to get 6 things, but the customer service was so bad, she dwindled it down to 1. You can even check the CCTV and see me trying to play the role of salesperson/employee and get her to have a better time and understanding of the layout there, but the store clerks were awkward, uninviting, and never smile at people like us.

I unfortunately had to come back again since my Find My Phone app was saying my cell was in that exact address (I know it can be wrong sometimes though) and when my mom asked them to help, or if they've seen a cellphone, they flippantly waved their hand and said look around the place.

I did mention to my mom not to even try with them, it's not their responsibility, it's mine (for the lost cellphone) but I've never had someone continuously and consistently be that rude to my mother in just 1 day, who was also a paying customer who was just worried... so I think that was the last straw. You can be rude to me all you like; I might not wear makeup or dress in luxury clothing, but that's my choice. It has nothing to do with me being/looking like a bad customer, and I shouldn't have to be treated second-class just because of my skin color or ethnicity. I'm really sad to review this place this honestly, but it has to be said in case black, brown, or any other person not east asian come here. You gotta get with the times, guys. It's okay, we won't steal anything. You can even check bags at the door if it'll help customer service, maybe? Idk, just brainstorming. Great variety of...

I am writing because I just purchased a product at Tao’s in Allston and there was a group of people that entered before me who were all Asian and the cashier looked at me when I walked in and was not welcoming to me in any sort of way (For the record, I am a Latino woman.) Then proceeded to just watch me in the store while there was a group of people in there with me. Never once looked at them while they were in the store but when I was checking products out in front of her I turned around and she was watching me and making it a point to stare at me. Then I moved to look at moisturizers that were closer to the door and while I had picked up a moisturizer to pay for it and was moving to go to the register she comes up and asks me if I need help with anything as if she was scared I was going to run out the store when I was quite literally going towards the register. As I handed her the product to ring me out and swiped my card to pay for it she Would not let it go Or bag it up For me until after the card was approved and even after the fact just handed it to me and asked me for a receipt. I will say it is VERY disheartening that in 2025 people are still being profiled racially in an area that is known for being culturally diverse. I understand that there are people who come in and steal but to be profiled was just very uncomfortable and upsetting. Had I looked like the people who had just come in I would’ve been regarded in the same manner they were which was being left alone and allowing them to shop comfortably but because I was not someone she considered acceptable I was basically followed in the store. I just wanted to say it is very disgusting that in todays age we are still being racially profiled and wanted to make people aware of this incident as I am not sure how many other people also go through this. I unfortunately now have been made uncomfortable and will no longer come in here to shop even though I love K-beauty products but I can not support a place who does this to customers who are a different...

Low-key hate shopping here as a guy Even though I’m a repeat customer. I always feel unwelcome when I shop alone, and when I come with a friend (who happens to be a girl), it’s somehow worse. I’ll be the one holding the items, asking the questions, and paying, but the staff still talks to her instead of me, even though she’s clearly just tagging along and not even paying attention to the cashier.

Like, bruh my face is the one screaming red while hers is clean... Who do you think the acen treatments r for...

I get it your store is pink, cute, and seems designed to attract people with impulse control issues and a love for overpriced plastic toys. But it's not my fault I also have skin (I know shocker)

The only saving grace for this place is that the prices can be...