Elements

Here to back up the other reviewer. When I enter this store, the shopkeeper comes out from behind the counter and either straight up follows me around or just watches me like a hawk from afar. It is extremely off putting. I like a particular designer’s jewelry sold there, but each time I go in I am discouraged and ultimately do not make a purchase. Her behavior is costing her sales.

I really enjoy all the unique products, but wow, one of the women working there could not have been less personable. She patrolled behind my family and I like a prison guard. Even though we were purchasing items in the store! Did she really think I was busy stealing things while simultaneously buying others?
The manager/​owner (?) person also barked at my daughter about not taking a photo of a cute item in the store. She didn’t see the «no photos» sign and understood that she shouldn’t be taking a photo when I explained it to her. But man, the woman scared the crap out of everyone in the store when she shouted, «THERE ARE NO PHOTOS ALLOWED.»
If I was an artisan, I would have to think twice about having my items for sale there. I would be appalled to have the manager/​owner rudely case the joint while shoppers are trying to enjoy the products. That is NOT how I’d want my products/​crafts to be represented. I saw people walk out while I was there, and it sounds like a regular occurrence. Shame.

The merchandise is still wonderful, but the friendly ambiance is long gone. You’re made to feel like you’re a suspected shoplifter the moment you enter the shop. I am a loyal/​repeat customer and have never caused problems or made returns. I don’t bring children in or break anything. But, every time I walk in, I am followed around by the shop assistant, who says nothing. Once, a friend & I were looking at an item and were rudely told to put it down, because it hadn’t been priced yet. What if I had wanted to buy it? What used to be an experience I looked forward to, I now debate doing every time I’m in Occoquan. I’m sorry if they’ve had problems in the past, but there has to be a better way. I’ve also heard that customers frequently get kicked out. So sad. I hope that it gets better before they lose all business. :(

Cute stuff, reasonable prices for this type of store– bute RUDE STAFF! I went in here to pick up bridesmaids gifts for my wedding after a dress fitting nearby. I saw a gift book I had heard about before but been unable to find and was so excited by what I found that I wanted to tell my friend about it– the saleswoman/​owner (not sure who she was) very rudely asked me to put the object down and said I was forbidden from taking pictures of it, although I wasn’t taking pictures of it so I’m not really sure where she got that idea.
While this is a policy I understand, the owner’s tone was very rude and condescending not to mention I wasn’t taking a picture of the book, and I ended up leaving the store, which meant not only did the book in my hand not sell, but the 6 others I planned on buying didn’t either– that would have been a several hundred dollar sale for her. I will not be going there again– I’m not sure if the rudeness because I was dressed somewhat down or what, but I don’t care to go back in and find out.
I’m giving it two starts because they have a good selection of gifts and for a small local business, the prices are reasonable, however, I will never spend a dime here.

This is a fun shop! Lots of eclectic choices in jewelry, scarves & useful items for the home, etc… I’ve purchased scarves, pewter salt & pepper shakers, earrings & necklace, & wall art. If you can’t find something you have in mind, the staff will help you. They really know their inventory.
Occoquan is a cute little village with fun shops & eateries. I try to visit there whenever I’m in the area.