Swede's Gift Shop — Local services in Grant Township

I very rarely feel compelled to leave reviews good or bad but our experience was one families should be aware of. My son was looking at one of the books and the book fell out of the dust jacket. As my wife was putting it back on, the man behind the counter came and ripped it out of her hand mumbling about the books being expensive. As my wife and son were exiting the store he told her we’d be better off going to the dollar store. When I said something about him being extremely rude he responded that I let my spawn free range. My wife and mother-in-law were both standing with my son, which I told him. His response was “but you’re the dad, say something” as if my wife wasn’t capable of handling the situation. He proceeded to tell me he has 4 boys and 12 grandchildren like that was supposed to have some weight in the discussion.

It ruined our complete trip to Copper Harbor as my wife was upset and my son in tears. My kids were well behaved and to that point and had pointed out many of the sculptures and art work within the store saying how cool they were. My son loves learning about the mines, cooper and gemstones, so was interested in the store. There’s plenty of signs about no photography or pets around the store, so if you aren’t family friendly in a heavy tourist area, just put up a sign that says kids aren’t allowed if that’s how families are going to be treated.

We spend every summer at a family cottage nearby and Swedes has always been closed, now we know why. Usually making a day out of visiting, the experience took business away from all the shops, brewery and restaurant we normally stop at. Reading the reviews, I can’t believe people excuse the way how the business is run, no matter how long they’ve been there or what they do in the community. This put a stain on Copper...

I read the reviews too and was ready to have to deal with a bad experience as I have never been shy about giving what I get. The man behind the counter was not overly friendly but I did not find him rude. He was somewhat of a history buff (about Michigan anyhow) and once my husband started talking to him about areas of Michigan he really opened up. He knew as much about my hometown (Ypsilanti) as I did almost. Anyway, what I was looking for he had in his shop. He had good quality merchandise and because I had researched the gems I found his prices were competitive as any where else. There was a woman in the shop that was leaning/ laying on one his glass countertops pretty good. He asked her to not lean on the counter and pointed out the posted sign on the counter. Wherever I have gone to shop that have glass counters there is always a sign asking customers not lean on them. They are made to see through not lay on. Most adults would know this and act appropriately. She immediately became very rude to him. She said she was barely leaning on it and wasn't hurting anything. He told her he heard cracking of the wood moving and I actually did too. She blew up and starting ranting and saying she wouldn't buy anything there even if it was free. My guess is that she read the reviews and went in loaded for bear. It is my opinion she was way out of line and inappropriate.

If I ever come back to this little bit of heaven area I will make sure I stop in to this little shop. Good merchandise and reasonably priced.

I recommend this shop to anyone looking for quality souvenirs...

Very warm and inviting on the outside but extremely cold on the inside. I have 4 young children and instructed them before going in to only look and not touch. The man was very short in answering our questions and seemed annoyed with us. My 4 year old was stomping and he told him to stop. I acknowledged the warning and thought it best to have my children sit against the wall in the corner while we finished shopping as there was some cool rocks. They were quietly sitting (well out of tripping hazard) when he abruptly said they had to stand because other customers were coming in. Seeing we couldn't win, we said have a good day and left. I think now seeing the reviews (and confirming his crankiness with another area business) he seems used to people walking out shocked. Ummm...tourists are a part of business in a small town dude...good luck! This is not a family friendly store, more like a fragile glass museum with a...