Country Colonial Shop — Local services in Southwick

It is extremely unfortunate and disheartening to write that I have experienced racism at this shop today. I am in my mid twenties, Southeast Asian, and newly moved into the area. My friend was visiting me, so I thought I would take her here because it looked like a beautiful small business. When we entered the shop the two older white ladies gave us dirty looks and I could tell we weren’t welcomed. As my friend and I were looking around and enjoying the merchandise, I could hear the two worker ladies gossiping about watching us because they didn’t want us to steal. Another group of white folk came in and they paid no attention to them at all. Already, this made me upset as they thought I couldn’t hear them gossip. I am not a confrontational person, so I just ignored it and proceeded to shop. Then one of the ladies asked me to put the item I was holding on the counter.

My friend asked to look at the rings, then after she made her decisions, I proceeded to check out after her. The lady rung up my items (which I had gotten a variety of small kitchen items) and told me after I tapped my card, “Oh good, your card went through.” It made me feel so degraded to be treated that way by someone. I wanted to return my items then and there, but I believe that would prove the point that she believed I wouldn’t be able to afford the merchandise. It is extremely disappointing to experience this and I really hope that they do better here. If you want your small business to thrive, please treat everyone with respect. Also, respectfully, save enough money buy security cameras instead of micromanaging a people of color that comes...

My friend and I decided to stop by this shop today as it looked like a cute store for home items and we wanted to support a local business, however our experience while in the store was completely unacceptable in terms of customer service. While walking around the store, the two women at the counter made a point to stare at my friend and I, one of the women even deciding to follow us around the store. My friend and I found this strange, but decided to continue looking around the store. I wanted to try on some rings they had in a glass case, and the store associates directed me to the counter where they brought out a variety of rings to try. One of the associates was extremely pushy, and when I tried a ring on I didn’t like she became aggressive about me not purchasing the ring and having to put it back. The women in the store created an unwelcoming and hostile shopping environment that left my friend and I feeling extremely uncomfortable.

It is important to note that my friend is a person of color and we are both in our mid 20’s. The behavior the was exhibited by the women in the store today was certainly elicited by our identities, as the middle aged white couple who came into the store at the same time as us were not treated with the same disrespect that we were. It’s terribly sad to have to leave a bad review on a small business, but I highly suggest that you take your money to a different business in the area. And to the store employees we encountered, please take the time to educate yourselves and do better...

We stopped in to pass some time while waiting for the Summer House to open. Normally, everyone is extremely friendly and helpful, but this visit was much different. Our son was with us this time, and it was a completely different feeling. I definitely noticed a difference in energy and interaction. Everyone that came and left was greeted, spoken to, and thanked for stopping in. We were greeted and not another word through the "watchful" interaction.

Unfortunately, though we have frequented this location each time we visit the area, this will be the last time we stop in. No worries, he didn't steal anything, and he wasn't there to try. He just came home to his Momma, filled with sadness and fear. We were trying to get him out and about to get his mind off of things and see some beautiful and friendly places that we loved.

Maybe next time someone of color enters your location, you'll greet them with the same energy that you do...