Michele Varian Shop & Design — Local services in New York

Terrible experience. Rude staff. Bad customer service. Will never shop here again.

I purchased a few items for my girlfriend. She didn't like the fit so she went to return them the following day. I gave her my credit card and the receipt. I was told there was a ten day return policy. The staff did everything they could to get out of the return. Finally saying they needed me there in person with my ID. They said it was the law. Which it isn't. They also told my girlfriend she couldn't shop there anymore because she got upset over the unnecessary hassle. I had to leave work early to make it to the store. Finally when I get to the store to make the return in person they didn't even check my ID. Horrid gypsy like people. I plan on sharing this experience with all of my designer friends. Hopefully they will learn how important good...

I was admiring my friend’s stylish chair the other day and he told me about Michele Varian’s store. He lives a few blocks away and said it was his go-to place for gifts, and that I would love it. We ventured over and it’s true - I was totally delighted. What a stunning mix of gorgeous items! Housewares, incredible lighting, pillows, some of the most beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen, and lots of treasures. I loved all the table-wear and colorful and organic feeling mostly stemless glasses - elegant and practical. It’s the kind of place you could stay all day and keep discovering something unique - wow!! The staff were friendly and helpful with just the right amount of interjection. I can’t wait to return and tell all my friends about this very...

I went in this morning and the service was sour and off-putting. No one bothered to acknowledge me at any point. When I asked for assistance, one particularly dour woman who was behind the till was extremely brusque. In hindsight, I should have just left the store altogether. I won't step into that store again. I don't expect retail staff to be constantly smiling at you like muppets but I do expect a level of professionalism. This was not it. After I left I went one door down to Mud Australia - where they have gorgeous homeware AND somehow manage to be polite and helpful at the same time....