Holika

UGH!!! This place opened up again on the opposite side of where they used to be, the aisle where all the cell phone case stores are. Since it is newly reopened, with bright lights and a brand spanking new store area, I went in excitedly. I’m a very loyal asian skincare user and I love many of holika holika’s skincare products (their best one is their sleeping masks and the pig nose blackhead removers, trust!) I wandered in only to have an old lady that bombarded me right off the bat. Ugh, I hate pushy salespeople but this one topped them all.
I tried to walk around and look at the different skincare things they had, or to see if I had any I would want to repurchase. Everything I looked at, pointed out to my boyfriend, or picked up, she’d rush to me and stand right by my side and try to explain it. «Do you want to try anything?» «This is new, try it out» «This is our egg foam wash, blah blah blah» BITCH LET ME SHOP IN PEACE! Usually when I go into holika holika, there are many young girls working there that don’t follow me around. They usually greet me and then sit there unless I have a question to ask, which I definitely prefer. This old lady was standing so close to me that I could smell her wrinkles– maybe you need to be using the skincare stuff you promote. I was so annoyed to the point where I was like «wtf» out loud. Pretty sure she didn’t sense it though. My boyfriend was asking me what’s good in holika holika, so he could pick out something for his mom. I was pointing out different things and the lady joined the conversation, urging me to try the things I was pointing out. When I told her I tried mostly everything, she seemed offended and pointed out their character masks telling me that I didn’t try that yet because they’re brand new. Then she moved onto my boyfriend and asked him to try different things out, and when he refused, she scoffed and said «but it’s good.» OMG. Leave. me. alone.
GEEEEZ! At that point, I stormed out and had to hold back the words «maybe you shouldn’t be so pushy or else you’d actually get some fucking business.» Bitch ain’t getting my business to make her quota! I’ll be back to holika holika, but only if the old witch from snow white ain’t there.

I’m confused about all the 1-​star ratings? I use a few Holika Holika products (yes even though I’m male. What a shock!). I usually have to order them online. I had no idea they had stores in Toronto, so I was thrilled when I randomly stumbled across this one at Pacific Mall.
Holika Holika products themselves are fantastic — at least the ones I use anyhow. Because I don’t wear makeup, I’m just restricted to their skincare products. Their 3-​step pig nose pore treatment is insanely good. But, I’m here to rate the actual store, not the brand.
One saleswoman on the floor helped me and my friend out a lot. Answered all of our questions and was able to recommend affordable products for my skin issues. She didn’t hover or follow us around as others here have said. We were also assisted by another woman at cash who was extremely personable, friendly, and helpful. Even gave me a free sample and a few good recommendations.
All in all, I had a very pleasant experience here!
Keep in mind, this was my first visit — just because one visit was positive, doesn’t mean it’s accurate. I’ll change my rating to reflect my experiences when I return (and I will return)

I was here before with a friend, who just started using makeup and wanted to try Korean cosmetics. She had her eye on the Aqua Petit jelly eyeshadows which costed $ 16, so it was quite pricey for a single colour. All of the sales associates were using their phones at the back of the store but we asked one of them for their opinion on a colour that would suit my friend. AND THEN, the S. A just told us to use the testers that are there and went back to using her phone. We obviously wouldn’t ask for her opinion if we only could have used the testers. Overall, I think the customer service here is pretty bad and they need to get off their phones while working.

3 stars for their great products and –2 stars for their ‘OK’ price tags and very mediocre service… I’ve shopped here several times since their opening and their service was never horrendous, I just wish they knew a little more about their products or recognized their regular customers like the other Korean makeup stores in the mall, or at the very least smiled a little more… Love their products though, mainly the eyeliners :)

Upon revisiting this place I finally understand the customer service issues people have been talking about. From their opening, where I was left alone in peace they decided it would be a good idea to follow you everywhere around the store. What makes it creepier is that the associates don’t even greet you, talk about the product, or tell you that their available. Nope they just stare at you and peer over your shoulder, which I truly truly hate. Even after having told the lady that I’m just looking, she walks away, and decides it’s a good idea to come back and continue staring at me over my shoulder. I would have given this place one star, but I still really like the products. They work well and are decently priced. But I think I may lose my mind if another associate tails me again.

Wow, these people really need to learn about what customer service is. Unlike some of the reviews on here, my experience was OVERLY attentive, as in, being followed from counter to counter.
Literally from the time I stepped foot in the store, the same salesgirl appeared and would tell me the name of the product that I’d pick up, «That’s BB Cream». Thank you, but I can read. I felt like I was in a convenience store, in a Wayans brother movie, and the salesgirl was the Korean (well, Chinese in this case) shop keeper.
After she tailed me to a couple of counters, I decided to draw out the process, open every tester, and smell everything to make it painfully slow for her.
There were testers displayed of all the products, however, absolutely NO list of ingredients or even directions in English. Sorry, but I personally like to know what it is that I’m putting on my face before I get cancer!
There’s a fine line between good customer service and being followed and these people crossed it!

This is a fairly new cosmetics store that opened inside Pmall. Unit D6A (correct me if i am wrong). The first time going in, i thought it was adorable! I thought i heard koreans talking which made the experience even more realistic. I was not in the mood to splurge at that time so i waited till next time, which happened to be today.
i went in for at least ten minutes trying on different types of BB creams, there were two employees today. They did not bother to help or ask if i needed to be assisted. When i did ask, one of the ladies was very kind about it. Anyways, i asked if i could return the item if i changed my mind about it, she said i could. So i brought the «Light BB cream» for $ 18 and Petite BB cream for $ 12. Not bad i’d say, but i ended up going back to the store in the same hour to return one of the items because i had found the original BB cream i came to get (Étude house). They said «no», you can not return it, and was very rude about it. Apparently the sales lady i spoke with had no idea, but the other sales lady pointed to my receipt and it said exchange only. Since i did not want to get anything i asked if i could have store credit. Again, she replied «no». I also overheard the employee talking Chinese to the other employee saying «why didn’t you tell me, the policy changed?
(come on, really !?)
I honestly think there customer service needs to be improved, their refund and exchange system needs to be in check. I mean come on, no store credit? Now i know why whenever i walk by it’s like a ghost town. But anyways, i think there products are DECENT.
Let me break down the pricing for the products (prices may change)
— Peach BB cream $ 22
— Petite BB Cream $ 12 (lowest pricing bb cream)
— Hand warmer lotion $ 7.50
— eyeliner $ 9
They have more BB creams but i forgot the pricing, take a look for yourself if you guys are interested. But be aware that you are unable to return items, and if you want to exchange your products you must do with out store credit.