Garden Argosy — Local services in Sarasota

As soon as my daughter and I walked into this cute shop we were greeted by a kind employee. As we continued to browse we see another employee/possible owner, following us around. At first we thought it was in a helpful suggestive way but then we quickly realized that it was more like she was watching us. We gave her no reason to be suspicious of us. While we were looking for a nice gift for my mother she kept standing behind us at every place we were looking. I do not like that because it made my daughter and myself feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. We ended up not purchasing anything for my mom, but we had found cute sea glass anklets for my daughters and I. As we were looking through the anklets again the employee followed us looking over the top of the rack at us. We almost didn’t even want to purchase anything but my daughter loved the anklets. I will not discredit the store or other employees, but this employee made the shopping experience very unpleasant and uncomfortable I was trying to stay friendly and respectful but I will not be returning to this establishment. On top of it she asked me to write a review while paying after the fact that she followed my daughter and I around...

I sent this to you in a private message 8 days ago, but you never responded.

I’ve been in your shop many times over the years and spent a good amount of money with you. On my last visit, I spent over $300. Tonight, I ask you for a 20 percent discount on some discontinued Spartina items and told you that they were discounted on the Spartina website. Your husband’s response was that “ they own the company and can do whatever they like.” Well guess what, you own your company too. I am also a small business retail owner and if people show me an item on the internet and want to buy it from me, I match the price. Although the profit may not be as much as what you may normally receive, in my opinion, it is not worth offending a customer for a small discount. Instead of telling customers “you don’t like people showing you internet pricing and playing that game” you may want to revise your response. It is not a game. It is a real fact in consumer relationships today. Perhaps my business really isn’t worth it to you. I won’t be visiting your...

I’m a full time local resident and have been shopping at garden argosy for years. Today I went to exchange a $10 baby book that I got two of at my baby shower. The owner refused to exchange my book bc I didn’t have proof of purchase. Pretty sad that a business owner couldn’t make the right decision to exchange a $10 book & I had other items I was planning on purchasing. The girls working the store told me other stores on the circle carry the book so they wouldn’t exchange it. I explained that it was a gift and was told they got it at garden argosy. I’ll definitely be taking my business to other shops on the circle going forward since this is how loyal customers...