Back In Time Antique Mall — Local services in Redlands

It’s crazy when you read a detailed review similar to your own experience. I am a mixed race woman. (African American mixed race woman). The only kind workers I had the chance of running into was of course the younger two ladies. Too bad I didn’t catch either of their names. The older workers were absolutely terrible. The poor mannerisms and outwardly rude gestures, are in no way appropriate for such establishment. Much like the other commenter, I noticed two specific workers posed as happy go lucky and cheering with other white customers. However, in that same breath and second in time, when I was looking in one of the glass cases, one rudely huffed and said, “excuse me. PLEASE.” (Yes I took notice to the dramatic exaggeration of the “please.” As there was a break in between as well as a flustered toss of the arms). You see, I wouldn’t have looked in it too deeply nor took offense if I didn’t notice any other aggressions towards me from more than one worker. I felt very uncomfortable, and as an individual who travels states/nationwide collecting antiques, this was one of my worst if not, the worst experience yet. Who knew California would be worse than small town...

You see the phrase "go to a reputable antique dealer" quite often because there's a fair amount of trust that is involved when buying antiques. That the item is what they say the item is. Any damage or condition issues are pointed out. I purchased about five items here and two of them had hidden/concealed damage. One was under the lid which was taped down. Yes, I could have lifted the tape and inspected under the lid before purchasing but it was behind locked glass. The other was a dinnerware set, which I really should have inspected better using touch, but everything was stacked or turned to hide the damage. The tag did say "AS IS" but the way it was written (right next to one of the items on the itemized list) made it seem like just one item had damage, not pieces throughout the whole set.

It'a always a shock to me to find damaged items at antique store. Even called out it makes me question the taste level and integrity of that dealer. It doesn't take many dealers in a mall to discredit the whole place. If I went back to this place, I would only do so with my UV light and thoroughly inspect everything before...

I walked in and asked the cashier where I could find some cast iron skillets and they laughed said “everywhere”. That wasn’t very helpful.

I look around for 15 to 20 mins with no help. I find a skillet and I take it with me as I venture deeper into the store. Within a few mins one of the workers who didn’t offer me any help and laughed and told me “everywhere” asked me if I wanted her to take the skillet to the cashier for me. I told her “no” it’s ok, I’m not done inspecting it. She just walked up to me and grabbed it and told it it’ll be up front. I thought that was really rude. When i got to the front I asked another worker if I did something wrong? Was I not supposed to hold on to the skillet as I looked for more stuff to buy? She didn’t answer me just changed the topic.

They must’ve thought I was going to damage it or was going to steal a 10lbs cast iron...