Shell Shop-Sunburst Trading Co — Local services in Saint Augustine

I will NEVER set foot in this shop ever again. Which is sad, because it used to be my favorite place to stop by. I have a legitimate medical reason as to why I am unable to wear a mask. I was enjoying my time browsing around the store when I finally made it up to the counter. A man, lady and more elderly lady were at the counter (the three same people who are pretty much always in this store.) The elderly lady asked if I had a mask and told me I needed to put it on. I explained no and why I medically cannot currently wear one (doctor’s orders - I used to be an avid mask wearer). The man was extremely rude, and flippantly and mockingly stated “I don’t care what your reason is, you have to wear a mask to be in this store.” I explained again that it “wasn’t just any reason,” it was actually medical. I realized at that point he and the others did not care about my medical reason or the ADA. The tone he talked down to me with, medical discrimination, sheer rudeness, flippancy and complete lack of customer service (it has honestly never been that good in the past) is why I will...

Ray astounded me with his genuine care of the customer, me. I ask for sea glass and he explained, actual sea glass was at another store. He saw how important it meant to me. His observation of my needs was priceless and I spent more than my budget allowed, because this kind of service and customer care, comes from the heart and can not be bought. This kindness melted my heart with compassion. Matt( I hope I have his name correct)was very helpful also and guided me where I wanted to go in your beautiful shop. Both of them, astounded me with sincerity and authentic customer care. They saw me, my wants and did their best to accommodate every aspect of our visit. I am ever grateful. This was my first visit to St. Augustine and i highly, recommend their shop. Priceless, personal, and on point customer service. Peace and blessings. Sincerely, Marcie...

I see I'm not the first with real reviews of this shop. I live abroad and we always stop by St. Augustine for family vacation as tradition. Every time, I would look forward to buying a pelican windchime from this store as a gift for friends. This last time will be the last due to the extremely poor customer service. I am visually impaired, and asked the attendant (not Ray, another young man helping him that day) to bring down several of the hanging Pelican windchimes to take a closer look. I was planning to buy several, but he scolded me so much for such a request, that I did not. Very demeaning and extremely unnecessary. Do not work in a gift shop if you do not have good customer service skills. I will make sure to skip this store every year...