Heirloom Consignment Maine — Local services in South Portland

I’ve written reviews for a few decades and have run my own business for over 20+ years, where customer service is obviously of paramount of importance. Fortunately and unfortunately, extremes in customer service drive reviews. This is one such experience that I will never forget! I’m writing this immediately after the incident. Buyer take note and beware.

I’ve frequented this business for over a year. I have bought a few things and have enjoyed looking at the inventory. Should an item not sell by a particular date, the price is reduced. The reduction continues for a period of time until sold or the consigner picks up their item.

Today (Saturday), while in the store, my fiancé found an item of interest that had reached its lowest price for over several weeks. My fiancé cordially asked the owner (Michelle Raymond) if she would take less on the price. Michelle clearly explained that the price was at its lowest price,. If the consigner did not pick up their item, the item would then be placed in the discount area at a price of 10% less the lowest ticket price. My fiancé asked when this would occur and Michelle said on Tuesday. My fiancé politely acknowledged this and she began to exit the store.

Standing near the door of exit, my fiancé approached me and asked if I understood the policy. As we were discussing the policy, our conversation was abruptly interrupted, Michelle, charged at us with item in hand. With a feverish pace and angry tone, Michelle yelled at my fiancé, “You obviously need this more than I do,” and shoved the item at her chest and snapped the price tag from item. We were both shocked and speechless. My fiancé, was concerned for her safety with the aggressive, unprofessional, and loud actions of Michelle. As Michelle walked away, she yelled, “Never come back in my shop again.” We quietly exited, did not respond. Outside we gathered our thoughts and discussed the incident.

Outside, we both agreed it was the most abusive retail experiences in both of our 50+ years old lives. We were threatened by Michelle’s unsolicited aggressive demeanor! We wondered if the business is suffering financially and the stress is getting the best of the owner. Time will tell. We can only pray she is just having a bad day.

We felt is was necessary to contact the police and report this incident as we felt verbally and...

Love going into this shop. Friendly, unobtrusive, helpful owners and staff. Clean, well-maintained items for sale at reasonable prices and always an exceptional variety of beautiful and/or unusual pieces.

The only thing that isn't enjoyable is the very loud music. Each time I've been in the music has been too high and one time high enough that it felt uncomfortable to be in the space. Obviously something not to lose a star over (for me at least), but...

When I look around, I see about a dozen items from Heirloom that have helped make our house feel like a home. Outstanding quality, great taste, and very fair prices have made this place a staple for our home decor needs. We've always been greeted with a friendly "hello"--not just by the owners but also by their two sweet pups. Michelle curates a wonderful collection of items and we can't say enough good things about our experience as regulars...