The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria

Receptionist are really great full

I was walking errands today, and thought to pop in to see what spices they have on hand. When you walk in, the Associates are cordial and make themselves available to you if you need assistance. Before you go off on your own and get distracted my the many scents, the Associate will tell you about their current promotional. For me, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors. It was good to see this store has an array of spices that can inspire you to kick your next dish up a notch!! Some spices I would consider to be standard and are comparatively priced to Balducci's or Whole Foods while their crafted spices may be priced a little higher as they are either a unique blend or contain unique ingredients. They also have a nice selection of teas, but I did not shop that section this time around. I stopped in with an open mind for spices, and I left with several spices I am excited to use.

Aaron was absolutely wonderful. He was so helpful and nice. Absolutely would come back just for him. Loyal customer from now on.

Great selection. Friendly staff but the place can at times feel a bit stuffy - which is to say it’s not a relaxing shopping experience. When it’s busy, you can’t browse because you’re invariably in someone’s way.

Small spot, but a good spot for gifts, especially if you already have a general idea of what you’re looking for.

Have been shopping here for years and years. Always a great selection and nice service with the staff. I only wish I could get a hot tea in the summer--sometimes the breeze gets you! I did like the new mint mojito tea though, very refreshing!

This is our go-place for spice mixes, and we'll make the hour drive here just to restock. Our favorites are the butcher's rub and chef's choice. Huge selection- you'll never go wrong. Their selection of tea is first rate as well.

Whenever I am in Alexandria , I have to go shopping here. The hand rolled Jasmine tea was divine. Super helpful staff but not over bearing . Love they honor military discount too!! Thanks

Disrespectful and Offensive Customer Service Experience!!!

I am extremely concerned, confused and disappointed with the offensive treatment I received during my recent visit to this store.

I drove 30 minutes specifically to purchase a (grossly overpriced) specialty tea I needed for a high tea event this weekend. After selecting the tea, I stopped to look at the mesh tea balls located on a lower shelf, which required me to bend over slightly to examine the items more closely.

At that moment, I was startled by a sudden gasp behind me. A young female store attendant quickly approached, bent over to look directly at my hands, under my coat, and Coach crossbody bag and commented—with a faked smile and tone of voice—“Oh, I love your shoes. They are awesome!” While doing so, she continuously glanced at my hands, my crossbody Coach bag, and under my long coat (it was 45 degrees that day). I was confused for a second but It became immediately clear to me that she suspected I was stealing merchandise.

I remained calm and composed, as I truly needed the tea I came for, but I found this behavior extremely invasive and inappropriate.

As I turned to proceed to the cashier, I noticed the same attendant, along with another young employee, standing right behind me and watching me closely. When I said I would like to pay, one of them directed me to the cashier by the door and completed the transaction. The name on the receipt was Caroline.

I found this entire experience not only humiliating but deeply offensive.

I am a 68-year-old Asian woman, and in all my travels—both within the U.S. and in over 20 countries—I have never been treated in such a disrespectful, racist and demeaning manner.

I urge you to consider adopting more respectful and discreet approaches to loss prevention. For instance, installing a few unobtrusive security cameras in the store would allow for appropriate monitoring without making customers feel profiled, unwelcome and insulted.

Customers deserve to be treated with courtesy and dignity, regardless of age, appearance, or background. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and ensure that no other customer is subjected to such treatment in the future.

Lots of choices. Great herbal tea selection. Friendly staff.

Overpriced. People were friendly though

Always has just what you're looking for and is such a pleasant atmosphere. Been getting my tea here for years and the quality always amazes me

Love this company's tea and spices and now their customer service. There was a problem with my last on line order, but they went above and beyond to fix it in a timely and kind manner.

So adorable with a great variety.

Lots of tea choices.

This place is the best. I stock up every time I'm in Virginia and Maryland!!!