Pleasant Surprise

Category:	Gift Shop
Address:	297 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906, USA
Phone:	+1 401-273-1202
Rating:	3.9

Location

Photos 84

Reviews 11

Samantha Santos

If youre looking for a store to buy a bunch of local items this is the perfect store. This is the main reason I was heading to this store to buy some local gifts for family out of state. However, the employees at this specific store are horrible. On June 23rd, 2016 the first night I went in there I had called ahead to make sure what time they were closing at, the woman responded 9pm. Rushing from out of work I quickly went to the store by 8:35pm and immediately was told they were closing soon but wasnt politely welcomed to the store at all. I grabbed a bunch of items within 5 minutes but was being watched like a hawk the entire time until the same worker came up to me and told me yet again that they would be closing in 5 minutes. I responded, isnt it 8:40 (as I wanted to continue to look around for a few more minutes), she responded our registers need to close so were closing in five minutes. I dropped all of my belongings and left the store because the irritation was unreal as to why people were being rushed out of the store 20 minutes before they closed, many people were entering the store and were also being told they were closing now and they had to leave, once again 20 minutes before 9pm. On the second day, June 24th, 2016 not having time to go to the the much more pleasant surprise in Newport I unfortunately had to return to the Providence location. I went well before 9pm this time hoping there wouldnt be an issue again. I took my time and picked out $200 worth of items for my family out of state. I had asked (a different employee) if there were any gift bags, she pointed me in the direction but they were only selling wine bags- not gift bags. The employee ran up all my belongings and shoved them into one paper bag (noted I had $200 worth of clothes and breakables). I asked her if I could have two more bags so my belongings wouldnt get crushed and could be spread out and she starred at me and didnt answer. So I had asked her again and told her to just hand them to me and I would but the items in the two other bags so they would not be squished or break. She then responded with an attitude, that she was unable to give me more than two brown paper 25c bags. I responded to her I have $200 worth of items that you just jammed into one bag and you are unable to give me another bag? She replied, yep. If these items werent for family who was coming in that evening I would have put every single item back. I will never return to this store because of its lack of respect for customers. Their employees need to understand they work retail and this is their job not to chat behind the desk the whole time refuse to give me a 25c brown paper bag and push me out of the store WELL before it was closing. They are rude, stuck up and inconsiderate employees and because of them I will never shop here again.

A Private User

BUYERS BEWARE! I will NEVER be back in this store. I purchased a beautiful watch, and as I was walking out of the store I pulled the little tag out and tired to set the time but the watch wouldnt work. I immediately went back in and wanted to exchange the watch, but they didnt have anymore of the one I had.. The owner WOULD NOT give me my money back! So I was either stuck with a $25 watch that doesnt work, or store credit for a store I rarely shop in.. HOW IS IT MY FAULT THEY SOLD ME A WATCH THAT DOESNT WORK?! Anyway, very poor management and a sad way of running a business, COMPLETE BS.

A Private User

Any time I need a present I can go here and get something for just about anyone, male or female, young or old. I like how I can find gifts that are either funny, or hip, or nostalgic, and definitely stuff I couldnt find anywhere else. People always wonder where I get these gifts from. There should be one of these store everywhere. Believe me, Ive looked. Also, the staff is always great, very fun and helpful people. Theyre always willing to joke around and seem to genuinely enjoy their job. Going in there picks me up on days when I could use a smile.

A Private User

This is my go to place to buy all my gifts. there is something for everyone here and always at a fair price. Every time i go there is something new and cool i have never seen. Perfect place to shop for the person who has everything. The staff there have always been very helpful in picking out gifts with me. It is a must stop shopping destination !

Matthew Thomas

***BUYER BEWARE*** I was overcharged 3 times what my purchase actually cost, contacted merchant to let them know of issue on credit card statement and was told they do not issue refunds for any reason. Thats shady and not the right way to do business. Ill never shop here again.

Jaclyn Skidmore

I love this place! Its an adorable shop with TONS of gift items for everyone and anyone. Theyve got kitchen items, books, notebooks, household decor, cards and more. I love popping in here and just looking around whenever Im on Thayer Street.

m8keup

This store is awesome!! The staff were very helpful in helping me find a gift for my sisters 21st birthday! There is SO much FUN & HILARIOUS stuff! You could spend a day in here and still not see everything. Definitely recommend!!!

E Ooono

かわいいギフトショップです。面白いお土産を見つけたいならオススメ。お笑いグッズもあったと思います。

Steve Kilpatrick

Cool, fun store with employees that dont follow you around. Theres something for everybody here, from local/RI-themed goods, to funky ice cube trays, to clothing.

Gyumi Kim

There are many cool stuffs

Rambo Hirose

RI oriented gift store