Blackbird Vintage — Local services in Sedona

After walking around the fun and somewhat tacky area of downtown sedona I was thrilled to see a store selling unique one of a kind vintage clothing, as it is primarily what I wear and shop for any where I go. I was about to walk in when I noticed a no food or drink sign, understandable although a bummer as I had just gotten a refreshing taro milk boba tea from around the corner. I took a few minutes to finish and dispose of my bubble tea and then entered Blackbird vintage. As I entered I was met with an overpowering smell of smoked tobacco and patchouli, the man at the register seemed to be finishing a sale and conversation with a couple and I was hopeful as it felt like they were gelling. As soon as the couple left the man took a glance at me. Even though I was wearing a facemask, I smiled and gave a subtle nod, as to initiate a conversation. The man looked at me with a slight eyebrow raise and then immediately back at the register. I instantly felt like he either did not approve of my decision to wear a mask, or my spry and youthful complexion. I perused for a little while and quickly discovered that the clothes were more expensive that I had expected, but nonetheless pretty cool. Maybe its because I’m used to searching for and buying vintage clothes in a cheaper and less curated environment, but I made a comment to my partner about the prices being on that of a collectors caliber. I think perhaps the man overheard me and thought I was being a cheapskate. While I consider myself frugal, on this day my wallet was bursting at the seems and I was ripe for the taking, if only someone had been willing to engage and talk shop. I felt that especially because I was wearing a vintage wrestling T-shirt that he might want to pluck me off the fruit tree and take a bite! I thought, why was he so happy to engage with the last group in, but not me? I figured I would go walk around some more and then maybe come back. While exiting I said “thank you!” And was met with a “Bye!” That can only be described as salty and sour, as if he was mad I hadn’t instantly splurged on the $140 dollar tasmanian devil T-shirt. I can’t help but feel like the people of blackbird vintage missed out on a chance to sell me some awesome stuff, all it took was some effort and a greeting void of judgement. At first I thought maybe I was overreacting to the vibe of this store, but after reading other reviews on google and in particular the stores responses to negative reviews, its been confirmed that that blackbird vintage is undeniably a negative energy force within the sedona vortex that must be cleansed from the town, along with the disgusting and hateful tshirt store two shops down. It seems that stores like this can only sustain themselves in areas where there is a constant flow of new patrons and thusly customer retention is not required. I truly hope the best for blackbird vintage and just want them to treat customers with the respect and dignity that is given to them. Thanks...

My friends and I had a very positive experience at Blackbird Vintage this week. I want to address some other reviews commenting on the shop policy posted on entrance to the store. The shop itself is very small, with many high quality goods to be considered. The signs posted on the door are to ensure that the customer has a positive and claustrophobia free experience shopping here. That being said, while I was shopping I was amazed at the amount of customers disregarding the many clear and obvious notices that explicitly request customers to respect the 4 guest at a time and no photography rule. If you can't read, BIG BOLD LETTERS papering the door before entering, this is your fault, not the owners. They are not required to allow you to enter their space, and they do not need to apologize when you break one of these clearly stated rules and subsequently be asked to leave. This couple has clearly devoted a huge amount of time and effort to this shop, curating a beautiful collection of unique vintage items, and they want their hard work to be respected. Simple as that!

Now that this sentiment is out of the way, I must comment on the thorough procurement of beautiful merchandise Steve and Capri have provided. It is one of the most unique vintage stores I have visited, and the only one of its kind that Sedona has to offer. I am grateful that I was able to enjoy this collection hassle free, without 15 tourists squeezing their way into the shop, thank you Steve! I don't know about others, but I am happy to wait my turn and enjoy the small boutique with my personal space in tact than wedge my way into a mosh pit of sweaty tourists trying to maximize their desert cowboy hippie aesthetic. No thanks!

If you are polite, friendly, and respectful you never know what kind of friends you will meet. Steve and Capri are no exception, inviting us to their NYE sound bath and welcoming us (as tourists ourselves) into their mindful Sedona community. We can't thank these two enough for their hospitality and likemindedness. Absolutely recommend checking out this hole in the wall shop, respecting their wishes, and enjoying their beautiful curation of quality vintage...

EXPENSIVE RUDE AND POOR QUALITY. The levis were $78, the sweatshirts? $98. There was a band shirt on the wall for $200 and dried out flaking leather boots for $180. Besides the WILD prices I have NEVER had such a rude interaction in a shop. I must admit some of this was my fault, I was wearing a wide brim hat and pulled out my phone to take a pic of a sweater (not gonna lie, I just wanted to look up the brand later because the prices confused me) and the a greying 50/60ish man barks at me “ no pictures, God! there are signs everywhere” I was frankly startled by his rudeness, I absolutely understand not wanting pictures to be taken, Hell my fault for not seeing!!! but the agression was wild. And I just look around and say genuinely asked “where?” he points up and about 10 feet in the air where the ceiling meets the wall there’s a postcard sized sign saying no photos. I look to him and trying to diffuse his aggression with a joke “I’m sorry I’m short I can’t see that” (not to mention The hat is blocking my field of vision.) and he goes you “know what? Get out of here.“ and waved me to the door. I’m not gonna be where I’m not wanted and I left without saying anything. I’m not making this up. This was the actual interaction. I don’t know if he was in a bad mood or overheated, but I certainly wouldn’t rec. Especially because I don’t think the quality was anything impressive, the styling was good, it had a very clear vision for the aesthetic it was going for. But individual pieces weren’t worth what they were being priced at nor were they in...