Ten Thousand Villages

I have visited this store several times, and I have always had a pleasant time - until today. Worst “customer service” experience. To be fair, the sales woman may have been stressed out because there were several people in the store, but she handled it with the grace of a bulldozer.nnShe was rude to everyone who interacted with her. Instead of a polite “may I help you?” she would refuse to make eye contact and bellow “WHO’S NEXT.” When someone was hard of hearing, she became frustrated and treated the person terribly. The stores COVID precautions were, to her, a tool to belittle customers. Whenever someone would step forward in the line, she made a point of telling them that they had to place their items on the far side of the counter, not slide them to her through the opening in the plastic barrier. Not sure how that prevents the spread of the virus.nnShe seemed infuriated that I explained I was in a hurry, so I wouldn’t need my items individually gift-wrapped - she could just put them in one bag. She became curt and responded “yup.” to my thank you. I won’t go into the twenty-minute, four-person line.nnIf you’re looking for unique, beautiful, fair trade gifts, this is a good place to go. However, I’m afraid you may have to put up with a rude, belittling salesperson. Any store owner who saw this woman treat customers would be furious. It’s a shame that a store with such a great mission can’t maintain salespeople who possess simple kindness. Not trying to get anyone fired, but maybe some basic customer service training classes are required.

This used to be one of my favorite stores to visit while vacationing in Virginia......until today. We drove 30 miles from our vacation rental to be harassed and insulted by the employee/ cashier. Upon entering there is a bottle of sanitizer at the door. My husband used it and she thanked him loudly. She told me to use it and I nicely told her I will not touch something unless I plan on buying it and have my own wipes because I have severe allergies and cannot use random sanitizers. She then said she did not want to touch anything after me because she did not want to catch covid. I told her she could not force me to use it. I told her we did not have to spend our money here. I planned on spending alot. So,we left. She should stay home if she is that afraid of covid. We had our masks on. Will not be back.

Will NEVER go into this store! EVER!!! Sales person yelled at my 5 year old grandson for not wearing a mask. He got into the car and burst into tears! All he wanted was a cool dino and all she could do was make him feel horrible. Good Job! You lost a customer for life! Hope no other children and families have to have this same experience! Great Customer Service! NOT!!!!!

I chose this store while window shopping due to the global themes, and when I went in I wanted to explore every section. Carefully curated artistic products and I saw ideas for gifts that were perfect for different friends. We were welcomed and left to browse at our leisure. We struck up a conversation and were generously provided great advice on matters in the Charlottesville area with such warmth. The global store feels like home.

I absolutely love this store! Lots of creative, hand-made, beautiful and meaningful gifts for everyone. Also an opportunity to learn about other cultures. I've been able to find gifts there for all kinds of people, ranging from an obsessed cat person to a geek. Most of the staff is super friendly, with the occasional snappy exception. They even offer free coffee. Do visit sometime, you won't regret it.