RVA Antiques

Had a lovely time at RVA Antiques today. So many beautiful items and very reasonably priced! Very clean, and booths were arranged so nicely. Could have purchased a lot more that caught my eye, but we are from out of town and had limited space in our vehicle. Luckily we have family in the area, so the next time we visit them, another trip to RVA Antiques is on the To Do List!

I frequent RVA antiques quite often and today decided to go on lunch with two coworkers. There were three of us so naturally we all split up and went our own ways. Mind you we only have an hour to browse so maybe we looked to be in a rush more than the average shopper. I’ve had some interesting experiences with the owner, dean, the many times I’ve spent money at this establishment and didn’t think much of it until today. As I found my coworker, she inquired where our other coworker was. He was by the records so we walked there together. As we walked past the register, Dean made it visibly obvious that he was looking at my crossbody bag(which clearly was overfilled with MY personal items-no room to steal which he was clearly suspecting) My coworker had a tote bag which when a tote bag is pretty empty, you can tell which there’s not much in it. So we both ignored that but when we were browsing all the records Dean walked past on three separate occasions within less than 10 minutes asking if we need help finding anything. We both worked retail. We know you’re trained to ask a customer if they need help finding anything when you’re keeping an eye on them. Now on the 4th time he came back around and looked at a booth 5 feet away from us and said “oh that’s paint” to an item so loudly that at this point it felt extremely intentional on what he was doing. One of my coworkers went to pay for his vinyl and my other went to grab a clock she was eyeing and a vinyl as well. I had to use the restroom and I was already biting my tongue on this extremely disgusting behavior that I wanted to sit in my car. When my other coworker bought her clock and vinyl, she told me Dean rubbernecked completely past her to watch me and my other coworker(who mind you-gave you his money) to see if I’m walking out with merchandise. My coworker regrettably spent about $130. It’s very unfortunate that this behavior is tolerated because while there are nice things to buy here, my money will be spent at better and nicer shops in Lakeside. I was so excited to expose one of my favorite places to my coworkers but I ended up humiliated and embarrassed to have them experience that.

Regarding my friends review about Dean suspecting us of stealing and regarding his sad response: 1. The cross body bag picture is to show that it’s small and had her personal items and had no room to steal. But yet you stared at it and stared pretty long. 2. It’s really easy to save face now and say you didn’t think we were stealing when called out on your behavior. I’ve talked to a few people that have gone to your store and had similar experiences with you specifically so maybe you’re just a terrible person idk? 3. You did walk past the album booth several times and out of those times to ask us if we need help finding anything? Come up with a better excuse because if I’m in an antique store what possibly could you help me find? Yes you did help that couple once. Just once. What about that time you came back after asking us the same question, “oh that’s paint” at a booth near us. The 4th time around. 4. Im sure you looked back at the tape. I’m sure you also watch it while people are there too. Your paranoia could be something that therapy can help with :) 5. I know you put two 4’s but I guess my 5 is referring to your second 4. Hi yes I’m the friend that bought the clock. I also watched you look completely past me and watched them leave out. Whether you know if or not you’re making it extremely noticeable. Just like you, I’m pretty good at faking being nice. I didn’t have a nice chat with you. I wanted to leave and felt guilty I even gave you my money. But after the last very obvious look past me I was completely over you. I’m not one to leave reviews, nor am I one to “bash a small business” I love small businesses but I also don’t need to try to prove that to you. What you did is hurtful and I hope you can consider your actions instead of your normal argumentative behavior as proven on previous negative reviews. Your inability to take criticism and to instantly bash a reviewer is not a trait to be proud of. Do better.