The Tulip Grove

What a disaster! I signed up for a baby sign class back in July and paid the fee for the class that was to take place in August. The class was cancelled due to low enrollment, a fact that I learned from the teacher of the class, not from Tulip Grove itself. Funny about the low enrollment: I know at least three other moms who signed up for the same class, and presumably there were a few others, so how low could the enrollment be? Anyway, the class was cancelled.
After a week of not hearing anything about a refund, I phone Tulip Grove and was promised a refund. Another week went by with nothing, so I phoned again, and soon received an email ‘credit memo.’ I was told on the phone that it would take one or two billing cycles for the credit to show up on my statement, so I waited patiently… and waited… and waited… while nothing showed up. What I didn’t know — and maybe Tulip Grove did — is that after 60 days, you can’t contest a credit card charge! So the pay off of waiting patiently for my refund to show up is that now it’s too late to contest the charge! I’m out 80 bucks for a class I never took, and all I’ve got to show for it is a ‘credit memo’ that was apparently never sent to the credit card company. Robbery!

read the reviews for tulip grove — while many are happy, many people have had serious credit card/​communication issues with these folks. i paid and then she shut down their business. they won’t respond to email and won’t refund my payment. i now have to pursue small claims. don’t pay these people a dime.

Since my initial review and credit card dispute, I have received my refund. Today, I also received a call from Melissa, who apologized for the delay.
However, she still claims that it is the fault of the crediting software or the fault of my credit card company. I can’t prove that she’s wrong, but here’s what I know. I know that all the mothers who registered for this class, including myself, didn’t get refunds when they repeatedly asked for one. I know the Tulip Grove did not return the calls or emails to these mothers in a reasonable amount of time. And, I know that the only mothers who got their refunds are those who filed disputes with their credit card companies. (There is still one mother who hasn’t gotten her refund. She is filing a dispute now.)
I want to believe Melissa, I really do. But, quite frankly, I think something still smells fishy. Or incompetent.

I’m updating this review and adding a star, because I did just get my refund at last. I am still pretty unhappy with Tulip Grove, and wouldn’t recommend them, but I think it is only fair to set the record straight.
Long story short: It took a month and a half (August 23-​October 11), many e-​mails, several phone calls, and a nasty Unilocal review before Tulip Grove would return the money they owed me for a cancelled class. I was promised a refund within 5 – 7 days four separate times, and only on the last time did the money come through.
I signed up for a Baby Sign Language Class that was cancelled due to low enrollment. I found out about the cancellation fromt the instructor. Tulip Grove itself did not tell me directly. I e-​mailed them requesting a refund, which they promised to provide within 5 – 7 days. This did not happen, and I received a phone call from a very nice and apologetic woman named Melissa who said she wasn’t sure what had gone wrong, but that she would try again, and that I should see the money in my account within a week.
Again, no refund materialized. I called and left a message, and when, after another week, no one returned my call, I called again, and talked to a woman who whined about being understaffed, and was very unsympathetic. Nevertheless, a week ago, I received an official-​looking e-​mail with a «credit memo,» again promising a refund.
A week after the «credit memo,» I decided I was just being strung along, and wrote my initial Unilocal review. A few days later, I got another e-​mail promising a refund, and yesterday the money finally appeared back in my account.
I have been in contact with three other mothers who signed up for the same class, and all of them have experienced similar difficulties.
Whether the difficulties I faced amount to dishonesty or simple incompetence doesn’t really matter to me. I still think potential customers deserve a warning.

The Tulip Grove has very poor customer service.
On 9÷13÷12 I signed up for the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Combo Class listed on the website for 9÷15÷12. The next day I received a call informing me that the class had been canceled due to under-​enrollment. At that time their Rep. apologized and said that she had meant to remove that class from the website but had accidentally removed the wrong one so I shouldn’t have been able to sign up for it. She told me she would issue a refund. So far this was all fine. I was only slightly disappointed because I had been looking forward to taking the class with my husband. In fact we had also planned to sign up for their Childbirth Preparation and Infant CPR class in the future.
The next week I checked my credit card account to confirm that the refund had been issued. No refund was listed so I called The Tulip Grove and spoke with the same woman who told me it had in fact been issued but could take 7 – 10 days to show up. At this time I felt slighty uneasy that it wasn’t going to happen, but I really had no reason to distrust what she was saying so I patiently waited for that amount of time to go by and on 9÷28÷12 I again checked my credit card account. Still no refund had been issued. The same day I sent The Tulip Grove an email regarding the matter because I thought maybe I would be able to deal with someone else. I received no response to my email.
On 10÷2÷12 I decided to call again because there was still no refund issued to my credit card and it wasn’t even listed as a pending transaction. I spoke with the same woman and she she told me that she thought that the credit had been issued and she wasn’t sure what had happened. She said she would speak to her boss later in the day when she came in to work and look into what had happened and then she would call me back. She never called me back.
It could just be simple incompetence but I have the distinct impression that she never had any intention of issuing me a refund and was possibly trying to cover up her initial mistake of not removing the canceled class on the website. I really don’t know what the reason for the extremely poor customer service was but eventually I just ended up contesting the charge with my credit card company.
It’s a real shame because according to most of their reviews the classes they offer are really valuable and worthwhile. I would have loved to take the classes. Now I feel that I cannot trust this company.
Edited to add: After reading two similar reviews to mine I have decided to add that it appears they are a dishonest company. Absolutely do not sign up for any classes as they will likely be cancelled and then they will not issue you a refund. have also decided to make a report to the Better Business Bureau.

As a teacher, I’m constantly watching budget, along with so many people these days. I went in the other day looking for a birthday present for a friend’s 3-​year-​old daughter. The woman helping me totally got it. She pointed out a number of options, all within range, and I walked out with a cute summer dress that I was thrilled to give as a gift.
This shop has unique clothes and accessories that you won’t find at a big box store, and excellent customer service that will keep me coming back. Thanks for a wonderful experience!

My husband and I took the postpartum/​newborn care class today & so happy we did. As others have mentioned, Jen is an amazing teacher. She’s created an environment where you feel totally comfortable and it was nice being taught by someone who is both a nurse and a mom.
Not only did we both learn a lot, but I was so excited to discover such a great resource for new parents in our neighborhood. After I have my baby, I think I’ll be stopping by the Tulip Grove a lot!

I just created my Unilocal account so I could write this review.
I signed up for their «Circle of Moms» support group and just had the last class yesterday. Our class was located at their new location inside of Rockridge kids and the set-​up provided for the class was just not acceptable.
Basically, it was an empty room with a couple of Ikea floor seats (kinda like a thin cushion meets a camping chair). While those weren’t very comfortable, they were better than just a pillow, which is what you were stuck with if you arrived late, as they didn’t even have enough of the Ikea seats to go around! And there were only 8 of us in the group!
At the first class, we were told that they were working on renovating the room and that it would be improved… well, it never got any better. As a new mom I just didn’t have the time to contact the store directly to complain, but the facilitator of the class told us that she had made requests to the owner for more supplies, but apparently the owner just didn’t care enough to make any changes (I guess since she already had everyone’s $ 170. fee for the class, we weren’t a high priority!).
Three of us in the class had c-​sections, and sitting without back support for 2 hours isn’t a hot idea while you’re recovering. Not to mention the discomfort for the ladies who gave birth vaginally to be sitting on a hard surface for 2 hours!
There was no area to change the babies (just on the floor) and once the TP and paper towels ran out in the bathroom, they weren’t replenished.
Yesterday was our last meeting and the room had recently been painted. Sure, it looked better, but there was a ton of dust on the floor (the very floor we and our newborn babies have to sit on) and now all but one of the Ikea seats were gone! The facilitator worked with the folks at Rockridge Kids to get us as many seats as she could, but the fact that the Tulip Grove owners thought this was an acceptable space for a moms group is just ridiculous.
I’m guessing that we were just the group that got stuck using this space before it was completed, and that the next group will have a much better experience (and the facilitator of the group was lovely and it was worth it all to connect with these other great new moms). Regardless, I have to give a big thumbs down to any owner/​store that would charge $ 170. for a 6 week moms group and then put us in this crappy set up.

Before my daughter was born many of my friends encouraged me to join a Moms Group, I wasn’t originally going to do it because I figured I would learn all I needed to know about raising a baby from my other friends with kids, books and our Dr. Well, 4 weeks into being a new mom I realized that my friends kids were all at different stages and the moms had forgotten many of the newborn details, books made me crazy with all the viewpoints and I only saw my Dr once a month.
About this time was when I found the Circle of Moms Group at the Tulip Grove. I can’t explain how wonderful it was to be surrounded by women going through exactly the same thing I was. It was great to freely be able to talk about our babies (your friends & family will get sick of hearing about it). It was validating to hear that other women were going through the same things that I was. It was also nice to be able to be somewhere that I felt comfortable breastfeeding, changing a diaper or dealing with a fussy baby.
But above all the best part was the friendships I made. The other 7 ladies in my group were such a wonderful support system during this changing period in my life. The Tulip Grove provided a wonderful structure for us to build our friendships with meetings at the store and planned outtings each week.
Since the group has ended we continue to meet for family nights, moms nights out and weekly walks.
I encourage all new mommies to join this group to meet other local new moms & build their community.

we’ve been shopping here for gifts for various friends who have had baby showers and newborns. They now have more educational and actual useful child rearing stuff, rather than toys and cute stuff… which makes sense I guess. Turning more into a store to get things you need if you have a baby, rather than a place you shop because you are going to a baby shower.
Things here are kinda expensive too, but you get one of a kind type stuff. Well, not really one of a kind, but not stuff you could get anywhere but a shop for babies. overall, pretty good stuff, kinda expensive.

If you are first time /​expecting parents, chances are you are frustrated with searching the internet for products and information.
Go to Tulip Grove. It is awesome.
Their classes are really informative, down to earth and offer real world advice. The store has a community atmosphere, we have already ended up there with our three week old a few times to ask all kinds of questions.
I know they are not Babies R Us, but the product selection is really geared towards what you really need to keep your baby happy. They do a good job of editing the mediocare choices you will find at the big stores or on amazon.
Jen’s recommendations for products have not failed so far and with all the conflicting information on the internet, it is very comforting to have someone you can trust to give you good advice.
I highly recommend Tulip Grove’s classes to expecting parents. Ditch the hospital class. (We did.) You will not be disappointed.
The more we support great businesses like Tulip Grove, the less we will be dependent on the big stores and the more we can keep our neighborhoods fun.

Great place, with amazing merchandise and informative classes.
Love it!

The Tulip Grove is primarily a support center for new parents — both Moms and Dads /​partners. It’s much more than a store.
If you’re looking for a huge store crammed with cribs and strollers and gliders — this isn’t the place. The Tulip Grove is like a small town hardware store instead of Home Depot. The things they have in stock are lovely — lots of oohs and ahs — and the owner is amazing. Jen is an expert (former neonatal therapist at Alta Bates and Children’s Hospital of Oakland, plus mother of 3). She’ll help you figure out what you need, and can order just about anything. The best value, however, is the classes.
My wife and I have taken the childbirth class, the postpartum /​breast feeding class, and the newborn care class. I’m relieved to know now what I can do to help her through labor, and then be a full partner in taking care of our baby.
Jen is an amazing teacher — she communicates in an organised yet entertaining fashion, so we learned a lot without feeling overwhelmed. Since the class size is small, there’s plenty of space to ask questions, share stories, and even laugh with each other.
My suggestion? Come for the classes, stay for the support, and give the store’s phone number and web address to your out-​of-​town relatives who want to buy a «special present» for the new baby.
If you feel like the only parents around, or are just overwhelmed — COME TO THE TULIP GROVE.

I’ve been meaning to Unilocal about Tulip Grove for a while. I’m a regular here for my twin mommy group and I’m always so impressed with Jen and Victoria. They truly what it means to be supportive to new moms. They are always available for product recommendations and advice.
After mommy group some of us go have lunch and when the babes were younger I’d always try and feed one baby before my drive home. Well, my daughter decides to have a full on fit and Jen literally held and rocked her for 30 minutes. Talk about service.
Their prices obviously aren’t
, but it’s important to support small businesses and I try to buy what I can there! If I ever decide to buy the City Select I’ll get it from them. If they carried the side-​by-​side stroller I have I would have purchased it there.

It’s not just for Mommies! Papas are welcome too.
As a new father I have found useful information, and items
plus great help and advice from the staff (and other visitors in the shop).
It’s a wonderful resource for new and expecting parents.

Love the gear, love the owners, love the classes.
Jen and Victoria got it right with this incredibly well edited baby boutique. Who knew being a mom could be so chic?
The classes are great and I especially enjoyed the new mama support group led by Elisa Dumesil.
Also, if you’re in a pickle and need to feed or change your baby they have a «nursing nook» in the back and welcome you to use the space. A fabulous resource for the new mama!

Tulip Grove is great! We’ve got a 19 month old and man, I tell you, if it wasn’t for Tulip Grove, I don’t know where we’d be! They have been so helpful! My wife has met so many moms and great friends through the Grove!
It’s so much more than a store. It’s a community!
…And as a store it’s awesome. That’s where I go every time I’m looking for a gift (for a birthday party! which we’ve doing doing lots of these days!!) Their selecton is so unique! I discovered the amazing series of «Rock» lullaby CD’s they have. I’ve bought the Beatles and Pink Floyd and they’re AWESOME! Just another thing I’d never have known, if it wasn’t for Tulip Grove!!!

My sister is with child, so I couldn’t help going into this little boutique to see what kind of baby wonders I could bestow upon what I like to think of as my future life student.
The owner (or at least I believe the lady with the accent is the owner) is SO FABULOUS. Such a sweet, caring, wonderful woman. I really enjoyed our baby chat and she gave me an awesome idea to pass onto my prego sister regarding my brother-​in-​law having his VERY OWN diaper bag for the baby.
I couldn’t help but buy something and I left with the most precious little baby shoes EVER MADE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Useless, as I don’t think babies actually walk about in shoes (but what the hell do I know about babies?), yet so PRESCIOUS!
Love this little place, and love spending some hard earned scrillia at a locally owned small business.

My friend Megan turned me on to this place. I couldn’t wait to check them out in person. Our new family of 3 (including Hazel only 12 days old today) ventured up to Tulip Grove this afternoon 45 min. before closing time. It was good timing on several fronts. Little Hazel was starving and I needed to breastfeed her. They had several comfy couches and a big chair to choose from. I slipped right in and started feeding her as if I had been there a million times before.
Soon I was approached by Jen Frick and asked if I needed anything. I had some questions about pumping and wanted to weigh my little one after I fed her. They have these cute cards you fill out and keep on file as a record of weight and Jen answered all of my pumping questions with humor and wit.
There was a baby shower wrapping up in the back room and Victoria soon came in and offered my husband and I some left over lemon bars, cup cakes, and a cup of Prosecco. Now that is a way to get me coming back!
I left with a calendar of events and a feeling that I had just met 2 wonderful new friends. I can’t wait to keep The Tulip Grove in my regular weekly rotation while I am on maternity leave!

A great addition to Montclair Village.
And something we really need … a place for new moms to find resources and support. Here, you can nurse and care for your little one in private since private places in the village are somewhat lacking. Moms feel welcome and appreciated at this haven.
Welcome to The Tulip Grove … this is a terrific place to find merchandise and classes to help us be better moms.