Rachael’s Hallmark Shop

The selection at this store is great, they have everything you need for any occasion. Now the service that’s a different story. Wish they were more friendly.

I wish I could give half stars, because this store really deserves the point between 3 and 4, but I’m going to go ahead and lop off the half that I would have given them in their favor due to customer service.
Unless I am totally wrong, this store used to be the old Strawberry Tub that was located across the street. I frequented that store for years and years and got to know every nook and cranny within it. The card selection was superb; the ladies that worked there were phenomenal. Great collection of Yankee Candle items, gifts and trinkets that only these kinds of stores carry. And a flower shop to boot! The post office substation made it that much sweeter. I was in here ALL the time. But, alas, from what I understand, location and other issues caused a move.
While I love the new location, some things just aren’t the same. Card selection is, truly, wonderful. The same goes for stationery items and memory or baby books. They’ve got it, and they have the good stuff. But they’re now carrying a lot more «fluff» that’s not impressing me. And the post office substation has closed. Boo.
But when I need a really good card, I go here. Because they do have the good stuff.
And now when I go to find a truly unique card, I come to Rachael’s, pick it out and feel all proud that I’ve made the right find. Strut up to the cash register. And wait. Wait. The last three times, this has happened to me. First time, no one noticed I was even ready to check out for about 4 or 5 minutes (and I’m too polite to yell out «YOO HOO, I want to pay you for an overpriced piece of paper!»).
Second time there were two lines open — one longer than the other, and you know how that goes: you always pick the wrong line. I’ve got one lowly card and the person in front of me has a basket full of stuff; however I didn’t know she had all of these Hallmark coupons for every one of these items that required a special submission individually. .. I was thinking I could have hand-​drawn my own card while I was waiting. .. every time I’d try to jump into the other line, someone would jump in in front of me and the cashier would state, «Sorry, she was here first.» Huh? Did you not see me waiting over there? I think it took me 20 minutes to buy one card. I must have lost one layer of tooth enamel due to that purchase.
Latest encounter was again, to purchase ONE card. No one else was in the store. Hallelujah! I should be so lucky. A new cashier must have been «in training,» as she had to ask the other worker before she pressed any key on the cash register. Of course, the other worker rolled her eyes in utter disgust every time (no, that DID NOT look good from the viewpoint of a customer). I also felt like I was «interfering» with what they were doing — the counter was cluttered with items they were tagging, so I had to hand my purchase over the cash register, as the counter was completely consumed by the merchandise they were working on. My change, also had to be handed high over the cash register, too. Hmm. What’s a counter for? Counting your future purchases, or the ones you’re making NOW?
While I appreciate that Rachael’s is here and has a good card selection, this is NOT how you keep the loyalty of customers that have been coming to an establishment that has been in the community for years. I’m pleased with their merchandise, but very displeased with their delivery.