POWERHOUSE Arena — Local services in New York

I didnt hate the place per say. Here is what happened. It was an average book store in a very cool location. I had friends visiting me from Portugal and I was the only person of color in a group of 8 people. I picked up an item to show my friend who was towards the front of the store where the registers where. Immediately a store clerk said (not in a friendly voice) are you going to buy that! I had it in my hand and I had a small backpack ON MY BACK where it would have been close to impossible to put the item into without being seen. Meanwhile my friends were picking things up, sharing finds and never were asked if they intended to buy. If this bookstore had been a little better in selection and layout I might be upset in my desire never to step foot in it again, but since it's only average besides the location. I'm good with never going back. With that said I travel the county and look for the best independent bookstores I can find. I believe in them and support them. Powerhouse has lost my support with the actions of one Brooklyn hipster with a bad attitude and apparently a problem with women of color...or maybe just me but I'd done nothing to deserve his suspicion or distrust. So sorry patrons, this bookstore in the very cool location gets a thumbs down from me. Oh and no greeting upon entering and not one...

I am a local and have supported this business many times. Today is the last day.

When I kindly asked the store clerk if I could dispose of my empty coffee cup, the young man arrogantly replied "We don't have a garbage can, there is one across the street at the flea market". The store certainly disposes of waste, it is impossible to think otherwise. I am not a pretentious person, and never expect to be treated in a pretentious manner. I truly believe it's the people that form the DNA and backbone of any business. I have no plans to support this business in the future.

There are many other small businesses to support in the neighborhood. If you want to be treated like a human being, I suggest...

I stopped into PowerHouse Arena a few weeks ago on my trip to NY looking for a children's book for my niece here at the recommendation of a friend and there were 2 men at the bar openly yelling obscenities at each other with multiple little kids in the store the whole time I was there. I couldn't stand to stay for more than 10 minutes because of how disturbing and inappropriate this was and even though I found a good book for her I ended up buying it elsewhere because I could not in good conscience give them my money after seeing that. However the staff were very nice and seemed apologetic for this behavior...would not recommend visiting or supporting such an unprofessional and...