She Sells Sea Shells — Local services in Sanibel

Every time we come to Sanibel, I stop in this store to see what is new. Every time I visit, this store is less and less appealing and junkier.

I was in there yesterday 2/25/2020 and an older woman who looked familiar was working along with a middle aged woman. Both were crabby and appeared too busy to help anyone as they appeared to be doing bookwork or checking in inventory.

I asked if they had anymore of the seashell puzzles, No I was told and then the middle aged woman went into a long spiel about how they used to offer a free game to anyone who could solve the puzzle in a certain time span while at their shop. She then elaborate that people were cheating at the game so they could get a free game. Apparently, the solution to the game was published on-line and people were coming in and using their phones as a reference and cheating to get a free game (worth 15 bucks). I just wanted the seashell game, wasn't interested in conning them out of one. She further explained that they had to call the company that produced the game and tell them to remove the answer and then the company had to reimburse them for all the games they gave away for freed. Really??? I needed to be bothered by hearing all of this. Yes or no to my simple question of whether you had the seashell game was sufficient.

I did purchase two small items. I was overcharged. I will go back and point on their sloppy accounting error to them

I did ask the older lady when I walked in why the shelling wasn't any good. She was so put out to discuss that with me. She just said "well it's hit or miss."

Interesting, as this is the first time I've been to Sanibel when the shelling was off.

RUDE is the nicest word I can think of to describe these two old screw...

This store has been a family favorite for as long as we have been coming to Sanibel. The selection is usually great for bulk shells and they have cute figurines as well as beautiful flower arrangements made of shells. Most of these are reasonably priced for the island!

This was before this year, however. While they still have the figurines and the bulk shells, the friendliness of the staff is severely lacking - at least for one staff member. This year, the man behind the counter (who we did not see last year though we came in multiple times) left a bad impression as he muttered about kids and families coming in not knowing what they wish to buy when he thought none of us could hear. It is also poor customer service to refer to customers as "tourist trash," as he insinuated when our family came in. This was a direct contrast to when my mother and I came in early in the week (just the two of us) to look for something, when the same man was cheerful and polite to the both of us. There seems to be a facade that put on when people seem to meet a certain standard with this particular staff member. I would not recommend taking children into this store at this time. Or, if you do, perhaps check to see if there is a man behind the counter and, if there is, turn around and take your business to one of the other shell stores on the island. The ladies behind the counter have always been friendly and kind to customers when we have visited, regardless of age and appearance, so I would still recommend this store if it is just them working the store at the...

RUDE AND UNWELCOMING CUSTOMER SERVICE by the older man. We won't be buying here again. Came here last year, our girls were so excited and bought several soulvenniers so naturally returned this year. However, the experience was not same ... our son couldn't travel with us but wanted to buy him a shirt so I couldn't decide between the vibrant colors. As I took a photo to text him to choose ... the rude older man walked past me and ever so loudly and rudely said No Photos Are allowed to be taken in the store. As I tried to explain I wasn't aware otherwise wouldn't have, I didn't see any signs posted. He muddled something under his breath and kept walking. Now while I understand stores have policies, we already respected the fact that masks were required upon entering seeing the sign displayed at the door entrance but seriously you don't have to be a rotten soul when addressing customers. You could have asked if I needed assistance. Your attitude and tone was very unnecessary. I was going to walk out and go elsewhere but not to upset my girls who had apparently already picked out their tshirts and jewelry at the front of the store -- I let my husband check out. We are big supporters of local businesses. The lady at checkout was a lot more kinder and respectful. You should be more like her when interacting with your customers. You get more with sugar than vinegar, showing a little patience with all your customers including non-white ones. I wasn't there to steal your...