Countryside Antiques — Local services in Braselton

A disappointing and deeply traumatizing experience

Picture this: It’s a peaceful Sunday afternoon after church. I’m curled up on the couch with my husband and two daughters when I say, “You know, I really would love to go antiquing—wanna come?” Excited “yeses” all around. I call Countryside Antiques in Braselton to confirm they’re open—“7 days a week,” the woman cheerfully replies. Perfect!

We hop in the car and head over. I’m hoping to find a doorknob for my garden gate, maybe some other little treasures. We start browsing the booths. It’s charming. I do find a doorknob—40% off, no less! And yes, I find more cute stuff I can’t resist (fellow antique lovers, you get it). My little ones get a bit antsy—as toddlers do—so my husband takes them to the car while I wrap up.

The staff up front has kindly been holding my items for me as I shopped, which I thought was great customer service… until suddenly, out of nowhere, three police officers walk in and corner me at the register. The owner, watching remotely on camera, accused me of shoplifting. I’m stunned. I’m carrying a small purse (with nothing but a wallet and water bottle inside), wearing a dress with no pockets, and every item I touched is already up front.

Still, I cooperate immediately and let them search my bag. Nothing to hide. They confirm everything’s fine. I ask—can I still buy my items? The officer says yes. So I do. I spend over $100, as I had always intended.

Then, I’m handed a criminal trespass notice, banning me from the store—despite having done absolutely nothing wrong.

I left with my bag of cute antiques and two little girls in tears in the backseat, scared their mommy was going to jail. Heartbreaking.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have given a cent to a store that treats its customers this way—but I also didn’t want to penalize the booth owners, who clearly work hard to curate beautiful pieces. (Booth owners—if you’re reading this, feel free to reach out. I’d still love to support your work—just not through Countryside.)

Bottom line: I came looking for charm and left with humiliation. It was embarrassing, unjust, and deeply disappointing. I hope no one else has to...

I went in to this store on a weekend trip to the area, good selection woman was very cordial who was working there. I explained that I was from out of town and asked if they shipped items, she said they do once in awhile and that she could take it to the post office on Monday. I asked if she had an idea of what it might cost for shipping she said around $10-$15. She gave me the option of purchasing my item now or on Monday when she calls me, I asked if it mattered she said no either is fine. I purchased my item and she called Monday when she was at UPS not the post office and said they were saying shipping was $45. I said well no thank you but I appreciate your help but my item was only $55, she said well we don't accept returns and we had an "agreement" that when I got here you would pay shipping. I said yes but not when its doubling the price. She was extremely rude to myself and my mother while on the phone not sure that is an appropriate way to speak to customers. She said you either pay or we are keeping the item. Clearly I didn't have a choice plus didn't want her to speaking to my mother that way anymore just wanted it to stop. At no point did she tell me I couldn't return the item. After agreeing to pay the shipping while I had been on the phone with her the price went up $10 to $55 not including shipping supplies. Shipping supplies was an additional $8 and to be frank when it arrived it was in a used lamp box with NO packaging protecting my item at all. I understand you don't do this regularly but an attitude with a customer is not necessary, as a small business owner I know the seriousness of treating everyone with respect no matter what the situation since it was not my fault you quoted an incorrect price or that the UPS store in your area is so overpriced, unorganized and does not give you the services you pay for. So in reality my $55 bowl ended up...

I had a deeply unsettling experience while visiting this store today. What began as a quiet afternoon of antique shopping quickly turned into something else entirely when three police officers entered and approached a shopper—a woman who had done nothing to warrant suspicion. The officers explained that the store owners, watching remotely via camera, believed she was stealing. After thoroughly checking her belongings and finding absolutely nothing, the officers commented that this type of incident happens regularly at this store. Still, they were instructed by the owners to issue the woman a no-trespass order, banning her from returning despite no evidence of wrongdoing. The sweet lady even continued to purchase the hundred dollars worth of items that she was planning on buying before the cops searched her.

After doing some additional research and hearing similar stories, it’s clear that this store has a troubling pattern of behavior that raises serious concerns. No customer should be treated this way—especially not based on unfounded assumptions. It’s unfortunate that a business in our community operates like this. I cannot recommend supporting an establishment that treats people with such suspicion...