Coastal Chic Newburyport — Local services in Newburyport

The shop itself is cute although there’s nothing super unique about the products. I bought a pair of earrings here for a Mother’s Day present. The owner told me they were from a local artist. I sent them to my mom who loved them and wanted to know the name of the artist so I called the store to find out.

The owner answered and acted oddly. First, changing her original comment and saying that the artist was now from Rhode Island instead of Massachusetts. Then, she acted defensively as if I were a media outlet when I explained that my mom wanted to know the artist, which many boutique shops gladly give the name. The shop owner continued the lie to say that the artist who made the earrings didn’t want anyone to know who they were, which again is not something that most artists want. In the end, the shop owner said that she would reach out to the artist to see if they were willing to share their name with me. I gave my contact information and never received a call back. It’s been over 3 weeks so the owner has had plenty of time to respond.

From our conversation, I knew I wouldn’t receive a callback anyway. After I hung up the phone that day, I did a 5 minute internet search and found the earrings on Etsy. The shop name is LowTideDesign. The artist is based in Naples, Florida and does not know the owner. The earrings are also cheaper if bought directly.

It’s disappointing that the shop owner would lie so much, not support artists and never call back. I won’t shop here again. The owner does not have integrity.

Updated response to owner: It’s a genuine review so my opinion isn’t being unkind just because you don’t like it. All the products in your shop aren’t from local artists either, and I saw a few items in other shops. Also, I don’t know why inquiring about an artist for my mother, who doesn’t even live in the state, (so no competition for your shop) is “questionable” as a customer who just spent money.

If you felt a certain way about a straightforward question then just be honest and say so. If you were truly busy when I called, then you could have asked me to hold while you assisted other customers. Don’t lie and say you’ll call back when you had no intention of doing so. As a business owner myself, I don’t see what purpose that serves.

Sometimes you have to take responsibility for your actions and how you treat people and learn from it. Either way, people who visit your shop will buy if they like the product and won’t if they don’t. Not sure why it’s offensive to post what I discovered. If you were upfront and honest when I asked if it was a secret then it wouldn’t have been an issue. You hate on yourself when you treat a customer like they’re an enemy who’s out to ruin...

I am troubled to learn of the shop's behavior towards my friend. That it took her needing to write a public review after repeatedly trying to get in touch with the shop to have any sort of response.

Iris has only stated facts.

I think it is important for us as white people to hear these things, and not throw our white guilt. I do not think it is appropriate to name this as a hater vs someone stating the facts. She simply wanted to know the name of the artist.

As a shop keeper and a fellow human, just take accountability and move on. Honesty goes a long way. Something to keep in mind for the future.

I will not be returning to the shop at this time, though they have some nice...

The cutest little shop! Such great products local to the area. I have been coming to this store for years to purchase paint and home decor, and every time I walk in the door I find something new and unique! The owner is knowledgeable and very dedicated to her business and customers. She was so helpful to me when I was painting my kitchen table and chairs. I...