Horn's Odds & Ends — Local services in Saint Ignace

I've visited this store many times over the years. It's nice to have an antique store accessible in the downtown area, and there's always some neat relics to be found, especially related to the local history. I feel like this store has so much potential, but ultimately there are some major negatives that really take away from the exciting experience that visiting thrift/antique stores can be.

As someone who has worked in customer service, antique restoration, and as an artist, I try to give anyone working in any retail field the benefit of the doubt. I understand the frustrations that come with channeling your passion into a business, and more generally, the emotional toll that customer service work can take on a person from time to time. And to be fair, my experiences are limited and certainly may not be a reflection of how things are all of the time. But sifting through reviews here and talking to family and friends that have visited, the experience interacting with staff is often... not great.

There is very little warmth or engagement. Questions are met with quick one word responses, and sometimes defensiveness or irritation, especially if you're inquiring about pricing. Aside from times when I've sought out an associate to answer a question or are checking out at the register, I don't think I've ever actually interacted with workers, even at times where they were feet away from me as I walked into a empty/mostly empty store. I've had associates quickly brush past me nearly plowing me down as they organize merchandise/perform other job duties. It's often a really uncomfortable feeling, like you're not really welcome there.

There are signs everywhere reminding visitors that "if you break it, you buy it". There were even signs that went into more detail about exactly what you may have to pay for if an accident occurs while handling basically any fragile object. It's bizarre. I mean, I've been to probably hundreds of antique stores, some of which displaying extremely high priced/rare items, and I honestly don't think I've seen signage like this more than once or twice, and never to this level. Like many other stores like this, it's a maze to navigate. There's breakables left and right. I mean probably 70% of antiques are fragile. This can be a super fun and charming thing about these places! But in this case it feels like the opposite. Assuming customers won't take care within your store and then punishing them in any case where an object gets broken just feels pretty extreme.

Lastly, almost everything is overpriced or priced at the far end of its typical value in these stores regardless of its rarity. There are many items that can be found just about anywhere, like mason jars, glass insulators, license plates, old cookware, etc. Sure there's a level of fluidity in antique pricing, but I've never encountered another store like this that so consistently overprices antiques. I'm sorry, but basic mason jars and clear insulators can be picked up for under $5-10 just about anywhere. Noticing items that have literally remained on display there for years is a testament to this. The pricing is simply not accessible for the average person to purchase a single item, let alone several. If the goal is to gouge tourists who may be more willing to drop money on overpriced things, then I guess that's a strategy that may turn some profit? As I mentioned above, trying to make fair deals on prices (like if you're buying multiples, etc.) has been totally unwelcome in my experience.

Judging from the responses to some pretty standard concerns and complaints left in reviews, it really doesn't feel like there is any openness to change or even recognition of the experiences had by visitors. Obviously you can't cater to everyone, but if you refuse to acknowledge criticism as a business time and time again, it doesn't feel like you truly want to work in an industry that relies...

This was kind of a fun store, but the best items were really expensive. There are a ton of different options of all sorts of items. I spent over an hour looking around at all they had to offer, and I'm sure there was more to see. The hours are a bit weird though so be sure to check them...

The people are nice. However, the owners do their homework, in regards to price. The owners did teach me the difference between an "antique store" and a "thrift store". Learning that lesson was worth the stop. I couldn't find anything I wanted, but the store is worth...