Contessa’s Home and Garden

I went in to the shop just to browse but the owner walked past and asked if I knew about the sale. I said no. She said «Well it’s on the chalkboard out front!» I said I didn’t notice it, and she told me they were closing the store, and everything was 30% off, or 35% if you pay cash. I hadn’t planned on buying anything, but decided to take advantage of that.
When I got to the counter, she gave me grief over using a credit card, saying credit card fees are one of the reasons why she’s having to close the store. I didn’t have any cash, and I did look to see if I had my checkbook, but I did not. She said something like «Well everyone else just goes and gets cash.» I didn’t have time to go to my bank to get cash, and if I got it across the street, then *I* would be the one paying the fee at the ATM. She made me feel very unwelcome. If you don’t want to pay credit card fees, then don’t take cards! (I noticed toward the end of the transaction that there was a sign on the counter, completely covered by a display, that they preferred cash or checks, but it did not say they didn’t take cards. Therefore, you have to expect that some people will pay with cards).
And after all of that, I noticed when I got home that I didn’t get the discount. Possibly the discount was only if you paid by check? I don’t know, but as much as I’d like to support a local business, I won’t be going back.

We stopped in here yesterday to look for a gift, and, as most of the other reviewers experienced, the woman working there was incredibly rude and insulting. My husband was exhausted, and perched for a moment on one of the couches while my sisters and I were looking for a gift, and she immediately attacked him for it and practically ran us out of the store. Even if we had found something suitable we wouldn’t have wanted to give this woman our business. Fortunately my husband returned fire and said that IF the couch had been comfortable enough, he would have considered buying it – but not after her comments. I’m not sure why she is running a boutique, because she shouldn’t be interacting with other humans. In short, don’t shop here. Don’t even browse here, unless you’re in the mood to get ripped a new one by a cranky lady. There are plenty of other businesses in this area with friendly shop-​keepers who are more deserving of your hard-​earned money.

The sales lady told me to ask her any questions… I should have just ignored her because when I did ask a question, she gave me a backhanded insult.
I asked — «are these earrings silver?»
She said — «if they were silver, they would be well over $ 100 and I don’t know how you can afford silver earrings all the time.»
She needs to get another job because sales is not her forte. Not only did she lose a sale, but she lost a customer for life.

This is a fantastic gift shop with unusual and colorful items, and things you’ll find only with difficulty elsewhere. The shop is run almost entirely by one person, or that is my impression, anyway, so, no, it won’t be open from 9 to 9, seven days a week. Nonetheless, the hours for the store are clearly posted. It imposes no difficulty for someone to ascertain when a business is open, and then make a deliberate visit during those hours. The owner is amiable and professional — or has been in all of her dealings with me. It is in this store that I have found some of the most beautiful decorations which furnish my home. It is also a cornerstone business in the Del Ray business district, helping to beautify the shopping avenue with its tastefully dressed windows. It is my go-​to place when looking for special gifts, and the interior is also a visual feast. While there, make sure to visit the classic clothing store next door. The two stores make a great couple! Contessa’s is a high-​end shop… so of course you’ll pay a little more. But everything you go home with will be well worth the visit and the cost. A standing ovation for this business. I am just somewhat dismayed that most of the good reviews appear to be buried in the «unpublished» section of Unilocal,and it is very disappointing to me people would give just one star to a business, just because they find it closed or because the owner doesn’t carry something they are trying to find. I am mystified by this, and it comes across as exceedingly petty. And something tells me my review will end up in the «unpublished section» too. Ha! :) Well, you either laugh or you cry…

I have only been in once or twice, but the lady (I’m assuming the owner) was very sweet. Her store had some fun and eclectic things as well.

went in for a look around one weekday morning to see what this store has and was impressed by the huge range of gift type items, mostly of very good quality. There was one item I wanted (floor mat made of marine cord) but it was priced too high for me so I didn’t buy it. Then the store person directed me to the book shelves at the other end of the store and suggested I look through the books (what, instead of buying a mat?). That was pretty funny!

I stopped in recently looking for part of a basket my wife is assembling for a wedding shower. The owner told me to look at Walmart for what I wanted. She told me twice «This is a boutique,» as if that explained why I’m the jerk for coming into her store.
I went to another boutique in old town, The Hour, which had what I wanted and they didn’t treat me like an idiot for trying to spend money in my own neighborhood.

I ventured into this shop back in late May — I was in the area for a wedding and was looking for a nice card in which to put some cash for a wedding present. I agree with the other reviewers who have stated that the owner/​manager of this store is just plain unpleasant. When I asked about cards, she couldn’t help but make some snide comment about how she «had» to carry some and just stuck them in a basket without bothering to sort them by occasion. Since I was in somewhat of a hurry, I didn’t even notice that the card I bought was an ordinary Hallmark — I might as well have gone to the drugstore.
What really turned me off, though, was the way the owner treated me with suspicion when I asked her about the manufacturer of certain items… acting like I was from some other shop and spying to see what merchandise she carried, etc. Which couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Went there today– I WILL never go back. Not only were all of the do not touch signs a huge turn off, when I asked her if she had any French Presses for sale she rudely told me to go somewhere else. (I wanted to spend money there– at a locally owned business) Then she went on a nasty rant about neighboring businesses and how much they irritated her. SO un-​classy! I love places like this to purchase gifts but I will go out of my way to shop miles away at a place with better energy and customer service. Advice to the owner– learn to make bricks or decipher hieroglyphics under water– they don’t require much human contact– you will be much happier in your personal brand of misery. I will continue on my hunt for a French Press at a locally owned business.

I went to this store last year and got a couple plants and saw some really cute (overpriced) stuff. I looked forward to going back when I an in Del Ray, BUT it has been closed every other time! WTF? I have been on a Tuesday morning, they had a sign that it was by appointment only that day; Wednesday afternoon they were closed, etc. can’t give any more stars if I can’t get in.

I love this little shop. I really enjoy visiting (without my kids :)). I feel like the longer I stay the more treasures I find. I recently bought some fun unique pillows and a great indoor outdoor rug. Her prices are reasonable for high quality, hard to find gifts and home accessories. I am not a gardener, but that is my next project and I am sure she can help!

Contessa’s Garden & Gift is a darling little shop right in the heart of Del Ray… just a few doors down from the Evening Star. You’ll find everything «garden» here including earth-​friendly garden pots and an assortment of in-​season flowers and herbs. A great place for hostess, housewarming, and birthday gifts. The Contessa also recently added the Honey B bath and body products direct from Scotland… a unique powdery honey scent that smells fantastic. The store also carries handmade items including Amy Bulter pillows and totes, as well as grograin belts and jewelry. Stop by and check it out!!!