Cityology — Local services in Long Beach

In the past I have always enjoyed the cute trinkets and gifts in this store, but I'm afraid that not all the employees are taking Covid precautions seriously which has changed my perception of the store entirely.

I came in to get something for valentines day for my best friend. As I was getting ready to check out I noticed that one of the cashiers was having a full conversation with her mask around her chin and the man she was talking to only had his around his mouth leaving his nose exposed. This was concerning to me because I have an autoimmune disease and I need to be extremely cautious when it comes to Covid.

I tried not to make a big deal about it, so I went to the other line so I could keep my distance. Then my cashier pointed to the other register and said she could help me. I asked her to wear her mask if I was to be helped by her, and she pulled it up as she told me she had asthma. Although she did pull her mask up for the transaction, it doesn't change the fact that anyone who walks in the store is breathing her air from the conversation she was having without her mask.

I understand that some people can't wear a mask all day, but if her asthma is really that bad there are other masks she can wear that would make breathing easier for her without putting customers at risk. Alternatively, she could have conversations like that near the door where there is more airflow or go outside where she can have her mask off without unknowingly risking the health and...

Though while the shop seemed welcoming from its outside appearance, I felt not only discriminated against because I was male, but also a possible race discrimination from the employees/associates that were working the registers. I was the only one within the store premises asked to store items/bags from other stores at the front desk when several families and other guests were happily perusing with their shopping bags, was constantly monitored and discouraged from browsing by associates, and felt a sense of tension between them and I with the striking glances that I was receiving. It might have been because I was a latin, have a broader and taller form, or simply because I was masculine figure that walked in by myself. But this is no excuse for discrimination of any kind. No customer or guest should feel tension or discrimination in any environment, especially to the point where they are discouraged from coming...

LONG BEACH CONSUMERS BEWARE

Do yourself a favor and turn around when you walk in, then take a walk over to Park's Antiques on 4th St where you can give your money to a small business that actually deserves your support.

Honestly, I'm disappointed by the misleading nature of Cityology's brand message. I will NEVER give my money to a business that openly degrades it's employees in front of paying customers mind you.

The manager Angie is NOT pleasant to shop around, and frankly there are a few more issues with their selection & pricing while they hide subtle ethical misconduct behind their small business moniker...