Olyphant Art Supply — Local services in Olympia

Visited during Arts Walk 2025 as a first-time customer. While browsing the marker section, I observed a male employee at the register (not wearing a hat or mask) gesture toward me and instruct his coworker to “Keep an eye on that one,” clearly implying I was a potential shoplifter. This unprofessional conduct constitutes customer profiling based on appearance. If staff have legitimate security concerns about any customer, there are discreet, professional methods to address them. Openly pointing at and discussing a customer within earshot of other patrons is inappropriate and creates a hostile shopping environment. As a business serving the community during public events like Arts Walk, I expected basic customer service standards. This experience has made me reconsider future patronage, as no customer should be subjected to discriminatory assumptions while attempting to...

For a small shop, they had a decent supply. The prices were a little higher than I can find elsewhere, but I normally wouldn't mind paying more to support local stores.

My biggest issue was that the two staff members that were present never once tried to engage me while I was there. In my 15 minute visit (during half of which I was the only customer inside) they spent the entire time complaining to each other about social issues.

I get it. You have beliefs. I neither agree nor disagree with them; however, I do find it a bit amusing that you complained about how low sales were while I stood debating between several products.

And yeah, I probably could've interrupted and asked, but it really makes me uncomfortable when it's a somewhat heated topic between people I don't know. The customer shouldn't be made to feel like they are an interruption or...

It is obvious to me that they are new at running a business. They have a few good art supplies, but they could expand. Customer service needs much improvement... I actually stoped shopping there due to bad customer service. About the holiday season I went back to give them a second chance, they treated me with respect. Then I went back and made a purchase and bought the wrong color of marker. So, I went back... They seemed suspicious of my honesty, I wanted to exchange a marker and I figure I can exchange it. I had to answer many questions before I could do it... I understand questions, but I also understand "attitude". Manners are essential to gain customers!...