judi K.

Well, having read thru the plethora of one star reviews, I would have to concur with all the previous comments regarding the ladies who are the proprietors of this 'boutique.' We happened to be spending some time in NOTL to celebrate my nieces birthday. We were happily stopping into all the little boutiques and quaint shops and they were particularly drawn to all the lovely clothing in the window(hence the 1 star) Upon entering the store, we were greeted by one female employee who was concerned that I had a fully enclosed water thermos in my hand and asked if it was closed? I asked if any of the clothes were vintage( and again, had just walked into the store) her response was, "no, they are all brand new designer clothes." While the answer seemed innocent enough, the cadence and tone with which it was delivered had me raise an eyebrow. As we meandered through the 'brand new, designer merchandise,' my one niece was perveying the lacy skirts. The other 'gal' quickly told the other clerk to assist as they could get their hands tangled up in the lace!?
We started to realize we were not being helped, but being watched. As we worked our way to the front of the store, I inquired about the cute funky jackets that felt like real wool. When I asked, she responded, 'they are all synthetic and if they were real they would be 5x that amount'. I responded with, "well, I have never shopped for real, so I wouldn't know the price." My nieces looked at me with that understanding look of, I think we need, no, WANT to leave. The one gal undid the velvet rope that was placed across the door upon entrance. No, "thank you," for stopping in, rather, here's your hat, what's your hurry.
Sadly, they did miss out on a sales opportunity as my brother told me to let them get whatever they would like. One wanted overalls and the other, the fake fur coat. So, we took our business elsewhere where we had lovely encounters with some magnificent retail associates. I would say, "buyer beware," and not against the merchandise, but the ladies who surely do not believe in making the customer feel like they belong. And yea, I agree that this place does not belong in NOTL. I believe, as a 30yr NOTL visitor, that I can have this opinion as I have never ever come across any merchant with this elitist and judgemental attitude.

Thots on Owner Response:

"Me thinks thou doth protest too much"

Maddie V.

My experience shopping—or rather, trying to shop—at this store was, frankly, kind of bizarre. First of all, they only allow 2 people in the store at a time for some reason. They have the front entrance roped off with a sign stating as much. This wasn’t always the case; I believe they started doing this during the pandemic, but obviously capacity restrictions in stores were lifted long ago. My sister and I went inside while our parents had to wait outside. The employees asked twice if we were looking for anything in particular and we said we were just browsing (apparently this was the wrong answer). During my short time inside the shop, a few people opened the door to come in but saw the rope and sign and left. One of the employees then made a passive aggressive comment about how we “better speed things along if we weren’t planning on purchasing anything since other people are waiting to come in,” or something to that effect, except…no one was waiting to come in. Because they saw the sign, turned around and left. Also, how am I supposed to know whether or not I want to buy anything if I can’t browse the store first I don’t know what you sell! I actually had seen something I liked and was considering trying it on, but this comment really rubbed me the wrong way, so I left immediately and my sister left shortly after, also without having bought anything. Overall, I think I was only in the store for maybe a minute. From reading the other reviews, I see that I am not alone in this experience. Some have stated that they felt like they were looked down upon due to their appearance. Now I wonder whether they just wanted me and my sister out of there because we’re young (the employees were both older women) or because I have visible piercings and tattoos, and we weren’t the kind of clientele they wanted. If that’s the case, why is your store located in a high density tourist area Overall, one of the most appalling experiences I’ve had as a customer. I’m amazed they manage to stay in business if this is how they conduct themselves. Shame.

Krista D.

I really enjoyed my experience shopping here and will plan again next time I am in NOTL. The outfits in the display window were fantastic and really drew me in. I felt so inspired by all the unique pieces and use of layering. Wanted to share my positive experience for those interested. As long as you’re open to fun, feminine fashion and in no hurry, you’ll have a great time!

samantha

I wanted to reach out. I love your store and always make it a point to come in every year I visit Niagara on the lake. I know you keep the number of people in the store to 2 and have always respected and understood your care for your products and store. I have spend hundreds of dollars each visit ( not that that should matter ) when I came in this week I was very disappointed the lady (one of the owners ) that is normally helps me was not welcoming and I felt very rushed and if I could not even look. The other lady that helped me I assume the other owner was very nice and helpful. However I left feeling unwelcome, rushed and very uncomfortable to look and did not purchase anything. I know you mentioned “personal shopping experience in the last review response and the experience is not that when you don’t feel welcomed to even look at products. I always try to buy from here instead of in the department stores in even though I can get the items cheaper because I like to support the area and the store and appreciate the creative design to the items in the store. I wanted to reach out in hopes another person will not feel this way.

Brooke R.

Store is pretty, beautiful clothing, although needs better merchandising...too stuffed. Would appreciate a 3 person max so I can shop with my aunty and my mother at the same time. Lady that served us was quite curt when I asked if a top comes in another size she immediately said, "no" without looking. I then proceeded to say, "that's too bad I would've purchased it" and then she proceeded to look...odd. Also reprimanded me for touching clothing that I was curious about that I didn't see a tag on, I was told, " that clothing is very expensive and best to not handle". I know how to be delicate I'm an experienced handler of designer clothing. Better to have a sign on those clothes, and merchandising if they're $800 so I can see them without touching them. Overall my aunt and mother made a purchase so it was fun but awkward.

Chloe A.

I had visited Valleverde almost two summers ago and I enjoyed the experience very much. As a very shy individual who finds trying on clothing a tedious thing to do, I felt very comfortable trying on some flare jeans that one of the employees recommended me. I remember shaking behind the curtain, thinking I couldn't be seen wearing it but when I got out, that all changed. The two employees were the most supportive people I've ever seen! Sadly I cannot remember their names but I will always remember how they made me feel. Thank you for making me feel better in my skin! I will definitely return in the future.

Allie

What started as a mild interest in a vest turned into one of worst shopping experiences of my life. After waiting for twenty minutes in the small alcove away from the sun, a friend and I were finally let in as the two women inside (no bags in hand may I add) left and the velvet rope was opened to us. As we were waiting, we encountered many upset people who had casually visited times prior and were never let in. The phrase most commonly said by those we interacted with were “they just lost another customer!” Upon entering, were immediately told to not have any drink containers as if we were children who couldn’t do anything but spill over all the clothes. She certainly takes into account anything you are wearing to judge if you are worthy enough to view her “high end” section. If not, you will be told repeatedly to view the Free People section. If this truly was a designer or high end store, the bulk of the items would not be upcharged Free People. This “two person” rule isn’t about curating an experience or helping to navigate the full store but rather keep an eye on and hover over any customer. Treating every customer like a possible thief or vandal is no way to bring in better clientele. Do not enter this store if you just want a peaceful shopping experience.

As I scanned through the reviews to see if my experience was a one-off and saw it was not, I am glad to know it is simply the owner being critical of anyone who does not show up with designer brand names from head-to-toe. We showed up in casual clothes, as would anyone on a sunny day wishing to spend some time in the town. Clearly, if you want to be treated with respect in this store, you cannot wear casual clothing.

I’ve visited many designer stores and high end boutiques, but this was far from a high end experience that she claims her shop to be. There is little to wonder about why she has so much product that only two can be inside. The inability to treat customers well or withhold judgement is ruining any chance this shop has of bringing in the clientele she wants. I hope she learns that the type of people she wants in her store also wear casual clothing on warm afternoon. Do not bother yourself with this store, unless you are looking to be treated poorly.

Yone C.

I bought this skirt...if it wasn't for my impatient son, I would have bought the whole store. I'm coming back for sure. Stunning designs and the fabric says it all 😍