James North General Store
95 James St N, Hamilton
(905) 528-2610
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James North General Store is my favourite place to go, their hand crafted soaps is the only soap that I use. Both Darren & Dave or delightful and each location will give different experience whether you are a foodie or love skin care you will find something you like.
The man working upon visiting was quite grumpy. I asked a question about one of the creams he had, and received a quite hostile answer. Customer service is not this place's strongest area.
I proceeded to avoid speaking to him until checking out 10-minutes later.
Of the eight guests that walked in & out of the store - we were one of the few that actually purchased something - and were still met with negativity.
The one thing I love is how locally sourced most of the items were in the store - such as locally photographed neighbourhoods printed on cards, candles, creams, and tea towels. This is the store's saving grace.
Overall, the inventory is super cute; but the gentleman who was working had quite negative attitude - it, unfortunately, leaves a bad taste in my mouth where I'd avoid visiting this spot and likely go to another nearby general store in the Farmers Market (based on past responses, it is owned/operated by the same people - but I left with a different impression!), Jackson Square, or Locke Street who also support Hamilton-based businesses.
Cool store. I loved jt.
i found some cute things for my christmas shopping in here. the cashier was very friendly and there are lots of awesome things in the store !
The owner was very disrespectful for no reason and had a lack of communication skills.
Cool store. I loved jt.
Wonderful gifts throughout the store!
Sadly, my first time visiting the store was quite off-putting. Not being from the immediate area, I stopped in as the display was inviting and I love supporting independent shops. Firstly, no acknowledgment when I walked in (on its own, this wouldn't have bugged me - it only stuck out as staff was out of view for the first minute so I was unsure if anyone was even in the store). Secondly, I was looking around as was taking in all the lovely items and was told very curtly that if there are any Holiday ornaments I liked (there was a large display of ornaments), they won't be available until tomorrow. Not pleasant, but fine. Finally, I hadn't had my morning coffee and noticed a coffee bar - I was excited I could support a local business and asked if I could order some. The response I got was something along the lines of "I have a lot on my plate today and this machine is off and would take about an hour to get up and running. Coffee will be available tomorrow". It was around noon so a couple of hours since the shop would've opened btw. I was speechless. It wasn't so much that there was no coffee service but the manner in which it was expressed. The gentleman sounded very annoyed like how could I even be inconveniencing him with such a question. Needless to say, I lost all interest in checking out the rest of the inventory and we walked out in shock. I would never step foot in that shop again - local or not!
Please do better. I quickly glanced at other reviews and clearly there is a bit of a customer service issue. The only reason I'm not giving a one star is because the items in the shop looked interesting - one bad apple shouldn't ruin it for the entire business.
Sadly, my first time visiting the store was quite off-putting. Not being from the immediate area, I stopped in as the display was inviting and I love supporting independent shops. Firstly, no acknowledgment when I walked in (on its own, this wouldn't have bugged me - it only stuck out as staff was out of view for the first minute so I was unsure if anyone was even in the store). Secondly, I was looking around as was taking in all the lovely items and was told very curtly that if there are any Holiday ornaments I liked (there was a large display of ornaments), they won't be available until tomorrow. Not pleasant, but fine. Finally, I hadn't had my morning coffee and noticed a coffee bar - I was excited I could support a local business and asked if I could order some. The response I got was something along the lines of "I have a lot on my plate today and this machine is off and would take about an hour to get up and running. Coffee will be available tomorrow". It was around noon so a couple of hours since the shop would've opened btw. I was speechless. It wasn't so much that there was no coffee service but the manner in which it was expressed. The gentleman sounded very annoyed like how could I even be inconveniencing him with such a question. Needless to say, I lost all interest in checking out the rest of the inventory and we walked out in shock. I would never step foot in that shop again - local or not!Please do better. I quickly glanced at other reviews and clearly there is a bit of a customer service issue. The only reason I'm not giving a one star is because the items in the shop looked interesting - one bad apple shouldn't ruin it for the entire business.
To respond to an individuals negative single star review from a few months back about the bathbombs... I am the manufacturer of said bathbombs and find it funny that the person spoke so negatively about them in the main location of this business but so favourably at the farmer's market location. They are the same product and scents.Maybe if said reviewer had more reviews to his name other than to a long time operating small business that they chose to openly defame on google review for non confirmed reason other than because they can as well as for a pot shop there might be some merit.This business has been a great support of my business and it's growth and am proud to continue to partner with them on their store branded Candles and Bath & Body product and support them on their continued journey and growth.Sadly what does need to be addressed is that just because someone can leave a negative review for the sake of leaving one doesn't mean that they should. People need to learn to pay attention to their surroundings more, aka read a room. A small business owner/operator has many hats to wear on any given day so therefore are multi tasking all the time for their business as well as personal lives. When you go into Walmart, Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, etc., are you greeted as desired and conversing jovially with associates at all times? No you are not. I highly doubt you would leave a 1 star review like you did here to those business with the same hopes.
Restaurantji Recommends
Recently visited this store on James Street North. I received amazing service and the person working in the store was quite pleasant. I purchased a few unique gifts and will certainly be back.
This store not only supports local artists and carry many products that are made in Hamilton/Canada. "You Can Do Anything in Hamilton has been sold at the General Store for many years and they are great to work with.
Rude owner. Very dismissive when I tried to ask questions. I suggest customer service training- I’m not saying like following customers around the shop, but you know the basic pleasantries go a long way considering you sell nice little gifts - the shopping experience is far from that.
Went in because I was suggested the store from the other one in the farmers market. (Just do the farmers market) Read the reviews after and the owner lied about being sorry to one of the previous customers. 7 months later and I had a bad experience aswell! He was extremely rude when I asked about the bath bombs and I don’t think asking a question should be considered too much for an owner who makes them. You should be kind, funny, humble. You should create expectations and slightly exceed them. Mine were lowered. You were rude, mean, and made fun of us for asking a very genuine question. We never liked them either they smelled awful. I wouldn’t bother coming here at all. Stick to the farmers market. Nobody comes in here for a reason. He was beyond rude. Absolutely Terrible service. If he comments to this and says sorry. It’s a complete lie! Don’t bother with this douche!
I recently discovered this gem. It reminds me of the Drake General Shop in Toronto. Cool stuff. I bought jam and this amazing Maple Whisky BBQ sauce.
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