The Smiling Llama — Local services in Galloway Township

Over the years, I've purchased many pieces of jewelry from The Smiling Llama. It's always been one of my favorite shops to visit at Smithville; however, my latest visit will be my last. Simply put, the owner, Cheri Bitter, has a nasty attitude. I was browsing through some of the hoodies in the backroom and took a picture of the label tag on one of them, so I could share it with a friend who supports fair trade products. Cheri said she does not allow customers to take pictures of store items. Fair enough, it's her store. When I simply asked her why photos were prohibited, her attitude completely changed. She claimed it was to protect the artists, and then proclaimed (in a snarky, condescending tone), "Haha!! Good luck finding them online!" Well, of course, one simple Google search will yield you a plethora of websites that carry the same identical brand, including East Meets West at any shopping mall in the Garden State.

As we were leaving, we wished Cheri a nice day. No response from Mrs, Bitter. None. She was salty that we had the audacity to browse her store without making a purchase. Her store sells beautiful merchandise, and her staff has always been kind and welcoming. If it's beautiful, fair trade merchandise you're looking for, The Smiling Llama is there it's at. As for me, I can find the same identical merchandise elsewhere without contending with someone so cranky and...

I don’t recommend visiting this shop located in Historic Smithville Village in NJ. The owner doesn’t understand customer service or even common courtesy. I visited with my daughters on December 21, 2021 to purchase a small stuffed Llama/Alpaca. I had visited the week before and purchased one which she admired, so we returned to purchase one for her. She was admiring a garment when the woman pulled it out of her hand and put it back on the rack while mumbling something we couldn’t understan. I was going to purchase it for my daughter, but bit my tongue and left the store without purchasing anything. Does this women want to make sales? Does she know anything about customer service? I have been in the retail and service business for over 30 years and never encountered a shop owner so bitter, angry, and ignorant. Don’t shop here. I don’t think her items are as advertised regarding so called “Fair Trade”. The same items can be found online cheaper. The whole purpose of buying from a small shop is the great customer service one receives and knowing you are supporting a small business owner. She doesn’t deserve your business or your time. I believe her...

Read the other reviews. The owners are rude and almost borderline hostile to their customers - the same people keeping them up and running with their overpriced garments you can find much cheaper online (contrary to what the geezer at the counter says). Someone is ignorant enough to buy their overpriced wares. There is no doubt that it costs 1/100th the amount in Ecuador and Peru and other places to make these things before they are transported to this store for tourists, but that's besides the point. The chewed up, bitter old guy with the boxers mitt face at the counter tries to argue with you over anything you say that he doesn't like... he seems to be bitter that he's well over the other side of the hill and in the last days of winter of his life and is facing it sitting in a dusty old store. Forget about them calling you for anything after jotting you down in their "book". The woman appears to be a sociopath. Maybe they are related or married. Like attracts like. The last time I was there will be my final time and I am telling everyone I know not to visit The "Smiling" Llama As It Spits...