H Cosmetic — Local services in Carrollton

I'm writing this to acknowledge the exceptional service at H Cosmetic and also to educate a lot of the reviewers here.

I just want to remind people that they're walking into a KOREAN store that's owned by a KOREAN and, to boot, inside a KOREAN grocery store, so to maybe not judge so quickly. Please be open minded and empathetic to different cultures instead of writing a negative review that could be detrimental to this place's business. It is considered good customer service in Korean old school culture for the workers to follow you around. They do NOT think you're going to steal. It's typically the older generation that does this, but think of a servant from the 1940s, who would follow their masters around to be available on beck and call, so that if the master ever had a question or needed them, they'd be literally right there and available. That's what happens when you walk into this store. I went into the store today with 2 things in mind to buy. The lady asked me if I needed help with anything upon arrival, I told her the two things I was looking for and asked what brands she'd recommend. After giving me great comparisons and recommendations, I decided I also wanted to buy a lip balm, but told her I'd browse around and compare colors. She said sure, smiled and then just stood there as I sampled the different colors. She gave me space, looked around a little, but also would glance over at me often. It was obvious she wanted to be helpful, but also wanted to make sure I had enough space. She wasn't standing there thinking I was going to steal something and that she had to keep her eyes on me the whole time.

I know this might be uncomfortable for Americans that are not used to this and being left alone to shop, but just think of yourself as royalty when you're in this store. This level of service is commendable for impatient people like me (and many Koreans) who would prefer not to call over for service or wave my arms around to grab a worker's attention.

Just a rant, but if there ever is a problem with this in the future, let's not be so passive aggressive with the reviews and maybe we practice asking people directly for more space or explaining that we're not used to this and we're uncomfortable. OR better yet, just ask her, or any Korean, if this is a cultural thing, instead of stepping into victim mentality and assuming people are out thinking we're all stealing. We ain't that special, unique or well known to be taking it so personally. C'mon... we Americans can do better! Okay, stepping off the mic now... back to my review.

She was so friendly and helpful. I'm definitely coming back. She also thought I was in my 20s and I'm much older so how could I not come back after being given such a great...

i've been here only twice but neither experience was very good. when i came here ~2 years ago, i felt like i was being watched/followed. i thought that i was overreacting so i thought nothing of it. however, i recently came here again and my experience was worse.

first of all, i took a photo of a discount near the door (to share with my mum). it was my mistake, as only afterwards, i saw that they didn't allow photos. i put my phone away, but a lady that was working rushed over and told me to delete the photo. she was a bit condescending, and asked me why i had to take a photo of the discount + why i didn't see the sign about photos/videos. i explained myself and started looking at the lip products.

i had my phone notes out to keep track of the colours+products i liked (i didn't want to pick up multiple things because of my past experience here). the same lady then went over my shoulder and asked me "what are you writing so much in your phone??" keep in mind, i had maybe only 2-3 stuff written down. this really irritated me, because i tried to make it VERY clear i wasn't taking photos/videos, and just keeping track of my favourite things. there was no reason for her to look at my phone or be involved in what i was writing. i understood i made a mistake at first, but her subsequent behaviour was extremely unprofessional. she needs to keep her eyes where they belong.

the other workers were ok, but also seemed to be watching me closely at points. i won't hold it against them because it's a small store. they were kind, and i had no big issues with them.

prices are very high, compared to online retailers and even TESO, but i already knew that coming in, and decided it was worth the convenience.

the only redeeming factor is that there is a decent selection of products in this store. for this reason alone, i considered giving 2-3 stars, but i've only had bad experiences at this store, so it left a sour taste in my mouth. i don't really give 1 stars but i feel like this is completely justified. i'd recommend going to a different kbeauty store if you can. the only reason i would go here again is because of...

Update: It appears there has been some different staff lately. I visited the store during a slightly busier time and the atmosphere was a lot different. I saw a different review talking about how Korean culture plays a role in how the staff act. It was impactful enough that it changed how I viewed the inital staff treatment. It has been much easier shopping there but there's still some discomfort since I feel the older staff members are judgemental about how I look. I believe the staff read the reviews because now they give more space for the customer to shop.

Original: I end up shopping at Teso instead because the sales associates here are constantly staring at me as if I plan to steal something from the store. It’s uncomfortable for me to look around and actually test the testers because they follow me around a little too closely. I understand the fear of theft but you really could just lock all the products behind a security box and leave only the testers out. That way there’s no fear of theft. I’ve gone to this location multiple times and whenever I looked slightly dressed up, I was mostly left alone. If I more casual, they would keep a closer eye on me. Also, just a question out of curiosity, why don’t they tell the price of the product over the phone? I’m not upset as I am aware some stores do this as a way to get people to come in but I called because I was already uncomfortable going there from previous treatment, I just wanted to get a product and go. I finally left a review today because I genuinely want the customer service treatment to improve. Especially for people who aren’t traditionally pretty or...