Coastal Magpie — Local services in Ocean Springs

It is absolutely sad when a store owner's "regular customers" watch how they treat out of town customers and feel compelled to stop the customer outside and apologize for the owner's behavior, so I know I wasn't the only one who found this a disappointing interaction. I had been to this store this Summer. I actually drove 3 hours out of my way this week (some three months later) to purchase pottery pieces for corporate Christmas gifts. When I arrived, the owner was chatting with locals about the weekend car show. I was making some selections but, as can happen, needed to use the ladies room. I politely asked and explained I had driven several hours to get there to shop at her store. She told me she did not have a restroom and told me I could go to French Kiss Pastries or walk a block to the Welcome Center, where she said there were "public restrooms"...please note the plural. I would NEVER walk into a random business ONLY to use their restroom (seems she was ok with sending me to someone else's business, but NOT let THEIR actual customer use theirs...). I walked to the Welcome Center....WHERE THEY HAVE ONE RESTROOM shared by men and women. As I returned to buy from the store next door instead (a far better experience!!), the two local customers stopped me on the street and apologized for her rudeness and told me she had two restrooms, and she does let people use them. I did return, asked for her business card, and let her know that I found that one "public restroom"... and that her regulars were embarrassed by how she treated me (I'm a senior...and I have difficulty walking long distances). I'm sure she would have gladly taken my money as she did the last time...but know that customers are not "good enough" to use their facilities. Including photo of the store exterior and...

Edited to respond to owner: I understand you have perspective, but reviews are one way for an owner to understand the customer experience...not an open invitation for an owner to lie about what I experienced first-hand. This attitude of self-importance above that of your shopper is exactly why I was so disappointed. The owner's response below makes it clear that she thinks that it is the customer's responsibility to interrupt her conversation with friends when they obviously have questions. Poor customer service...period.

Further, I'm afraid you are confused about your "visitor". The lady you were talking to was most definitely not a yearly "friend" passing through. In fact, she wasn't even shopping. She was heading home according to the conversation for all to hear. And her friend was just hanging out with her. Yes, the staff member/owner did ignore me coming to the counter not once but twice. During the time I was there, there were only two customers plus the friend. And, yes, I was very patient. I did go to the counter to get assistance, but the conversation never broke and the staff member never looked my way...she ignored me. I returned to shopping for another 10-15 minutes. After trying to get the staff member's attention yet again, I just gave up. Not worth the effort.

Original review: One of my "must visit stores" before going on vacation turned into a real disappointment. I love getting information about local art before I buy, but the staff was too busy talking to friends hanging out at the counter to bother. Luckily, there are other amazing shops in the area. Marking this one off my list of shops to...

I visited several stores in one day in Ocean Springs, and this store sticks out to me with the locally made goods. I got a small gnome to go in my collection, and I can not get those "silly little round things" out of my head, so I think I will have to make a trek back to adopt one (or two)! Reasonable prices on inventory, friendly employees, it is a bit tight in some spots...