Human Relations — Local services in New York

This bookstore is an embodiment of performative activism and is an example of why businesses who are unkind and prejudice should not be in predominantly diverse neighborhoods.

I visited this bookstore on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 7:40pm with my two friends hoping to be able to look through some books before the 8pm closing time listed on Google. When we arrived, we saw carts of $1 books outside the bookstore and stopped to look at them. We saw a woman inside lock the door as soon as we approached the bookstore. Mind you, all of their carts full of books were still left outside so it seemed okay to go through. We did see that there was a sign outside identifying their winter hours were a gentleman came outside and said that he could help me check out but that they are cash only. My friends and I started looking through our bags for exact change to make it more convenient for him. It may have taken a minute or two to look through our bags when all of a sudden, a very rude and poor-mannered woman comes out of the bookstore and says to my friends and I while gesturing for us to shoo, "Hey, can you get a move on? We've been open past closing time for an hour." Note that we had been there, at this point, for a total of probably 10 minutes now. I finally had the cash in my hands and had not fully understood what she had said to us so I said, "Excuse me?" to which she repeated, "I said, can you get a move on? We are trying to leave," again shooing us with her hands. My friends and I were in shock by her behavior but, still, I kept my composure as any normal person would and should and I told her that I was no longer interested in purchasing the books. We walked away disgusted by the kind of service we were provided and the lack of manners this woman had.

It is important to mention that there are quotes from Muslim authors and lecturers on their front entrance, in an act of solidarity with Palestine and those who relate and connect to the experiences of the oppressed. My friends and I are a group of Muslim women who hoped to enjoy a local bookstore, however, we were met with such disgusting manners and a belittling attitude. It is shameful of a business that highlights literature, diversity, and intelligence to have such disrespectful and prejudice staff. I will not be coming back here and will not recommend this place to any of my family and friends going forward. Human Relations, more like...

I feel like an avid book lover will definitely find better used book deals around the city. I already know this for myself. The store is definitely nice, I really loved the way they shelved their books, and there’s a cozy touch to the space. Cashier didn’t even speak to my boyfriend and I when we walked in. Not used to that energy in an independent bookshop, but I didn’t care to entertain her so I let her stay miserable. Books are way overpriced for the quality give or take a few. They do have quite a large selection, though. I’ll definitely leave this shop to the hipster locals in the area,...

I had the misfortune of visiting Human Relations this weekend, and it was an experience I’d rather forget.

The atmosphere was off-putting ,the store was cluttered, making navigation a nightmare, and the lighting was so dim I felt like I was in a cave rather than a bookstore.

I left without buying anything, and I certainly won’t be back. This place needs a serious overhaul in terms of inventory, staff training, pricing strategy, and overall ambiance if it wants to survive in today’s competitive book market.

FYI try not being rude to your potential customers if you wish to...