Golden Whale

Person working on Saturday ⁶⁄₂₀ was not at all friendly or welcoming. I looked around for five minutes and I was the only person in the shop but was never even acknowledged. Not impressed.

I’ve been visiting this store for the last (too many to list) years. I have, quite literally, spent thousands of dollars on jewelry from Golden Whale, and I love the wide range of prices, styles and materials. Seriously, until last weekend, this was my favorite jewelry store in Oregon.
Now, not so much. Here is a copy of the letter I wrote the establishment, detailing my experience:
«Hello, and thanks for reading this.
I was in Cannon Beach on Sunday, with my children, and we decided to stop by GW to look for a small birthday present that my daughter could present to her friend this week. When we arrived, I was surprised to see two rather large dogs in the shop, and when I inquired, „Are dogs allowed?“ I was met with a comment from the dog owner that, „My girls are both well-​behaved and they know to sit on command.“ That’s nice, but he had no understanding of my dog’s behavior or temperament, and there was zero response from the sales associate to my question. Odd, and uncomfortable, but we carried on and left my son sitting outside with our dog. This is a very small thing.
Upon entering the shop, we received no recognition or greeting from the two associates who were working, despite being the only customers at the time (the dogs and their owners departed before we went in). Again, odd and uncomfortable, but I’m really familiar with the store and happily began browsing.
I have been visiting GW for the last 20 years. I am in possession of literally thousands of dollars of jewelry purchases from the shop and I pride myself in being genuinely respectful to retail and services industry workers. I understand that, sometimes, it’s just downright painful to even be polite to customers, let alone chatty. So, here comes the best part…
I was ready to purchase a new Samuel ring. Seriously ready. I have an 18k yellow gold, pink sapphire and diamond piece that I adore, and I wanted to see about adding another ring in white gold. I had decided this before I entered the shop and set about looking for any options that might be in the display case. When I realized that there were none of the Byzantine style, large jeweled bands with bezel set stones or otherwise, I inquired to the associate that was directly behind the case and right across from me. Here is her response:
„I don’t know. You have to ask (other person working).“
Not an „I’m sorry.“ Or „Let me find out.“ Just total flipping dismissal. On top of the lack of greeting and lack of interest in my business, she never even made eye contact when she spoke to me.
Guys, seriously?
It was so bad that my 16 year old daughter announced, „In that case, we will be taking our business elsewhere.“ I have NEVER had my children say anything like this, and they are sometimes oblivious. Imagine my embarrassment when my daughter jumped to my defense. Yes, it was that obvious.
If you care to respond, that would be fine. I am not looking to have anyone fired, but you really ought to take this seriously and work on the customer service. As it stands right now, you’ve lost a long-​time customer and the associated referrals I’ve always given when asked about my jewelry.»

This is one of my favorite jewelry stores and I always find something fabulously and unique here which I get constant compliments on. The owner is super friendly and helpful. I like the variety of prices and items a lot.

I love shopping at The Golden Whale while in Cannon Beach. They have a wonderful selection of gold, silver, precious and semiprecious jewelry. The staff are super polite and very helpful. I love this wonderful little jewelry store. :)

This place has a wonderful selection of precious, semi-​precious, and silver jewelry. Each time we visit Cannon Beach, this is a must visit shop. Only reason this is not a five star review is because the older lady that works the front of the shop is unfriendly and stuffy. Ironically the pleasant woman that runs the book keeping is the five star service we’ve received there. I think her name is Teresa but not 100% positive. Still a favorite shop on the coast.