The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria

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!!!

Great selection of teas and friendly staff

We were really impressed with this business! Nice people and really nice stuff. Great selection of everything to do with making good tea! They also have a wall of spiffy sugars.

Nice little shop. Tea is overpriced but it is good

I went to this shop for the first time to get some holiday gifts. The staff person who met us at the door couldn't have been nicer or more helpful and the gifts were a big hit. There is an excellent variety of spices and teas for any occasion; I'll be back.

So many different options and the BEST tea and spices. My British boyfriend requests I pick up the earl gray creme tea every time I buy more!

The cherry tea is outstanding! My only complaint is how late they open on Sundays…11am is entirely too late to get your morning caffeine man

Definitely my favorite tea place here in Virginia. The service is outstanding and they open until 9pm Monday to Saturday.