Provenance — Local services in Philadelphia

Recently went to purchase additional lights that we had seen many times before, woman told us they're under new management which was clear by the insane mark up, literally bought a 50s holophane light for $110-150 in 2021 (they're right now online $50-90 and very common/easy to find). They're now currently only sold as a set of 3 which is weird and $1k and all would need to be fixed for additional labor costs which I didn't even bother asking because these long lights were changed to super short drop stubby lights with very unattractive canopies. They have a new lighting person who does things in a very machine factory like set up, where everything is kept uniform, ie if you want anything outside of a very short single drop pendant it's extra money and the canopy/mountings chosen aren't really period accurate or even matching the same metal tone of the org piece which makes them less appealing cost aside. The lighting person before was amazing and so talented and great on matching up pieces together in a cohesive way, super happy for them that they got an amazing job and moved but it's left a noticeable hole. And listen I get that skilled labor costs money, I don't begrudge charging fair prices but most of the stuff is super dirty, covered in rusty chipped paint and they probably got for free or pennies during demo or estate sales/storage unit etc and then think they can charge $11,000 for a random oil painting with water damage and mold...

The inventory is stagnant, we used to visit often but the last 5 years it's been like the same few pieces kicking around and I think it's because the pricing is just nuts. $20+ for a single old musty dusty random book that's not in great condition and has no provenance 😏, door hardware without the set screws. It now feels like all they want to do is create reclaimed wood and other big $$ projects with restaurants and commercial spaces. I get that vintage and second hand is back in vogue and the area is becoming more gentrified but I don't see value...

Don't waste your time. The customer service is non-existent! Spend your money elsewhere! Called to inquire about a lighting fixture and was completed dismissed by a snooty and rude rep. This guys did not understand the concept of customer service. He first acted as if he had no time to answer my questions. Once I told him which light fixture I was interested in, he abruptly told me other people were interested in it as if he had no time to deal with me. He asked what I even needed it for and when I told him for my home, he automatically assumed it would not fit. I had not even given him any information on my home. This awful rep basically assumed we couldn't afford it as well. He should have assumed that he is the absolute worst at his job and everyone should assume that this store is waste of time. Don't ever call this store and don't ever waste your...

Rude. Flat out rude. I called to ask about reclaimed wood over the phone. When I went to look at their selection and mentioned I had called about it, he told me that my type of project and inquiry was "very low priority" for him. Who says that to a customer?? He also, asked if I had a plane at home to shave down wood. I said no, but my Dad does. He laughed and said that type of wood would destroy my Dad's tools. Little does he know my Dad does construction on homes and his plane would work just fine. He also made me feel like I was interrupting their staff meeting while shopping during operating hours. All in all it was a bad experience. I...