My first visit to their new store was very pleasant. A woman who works p/t sold us a hummingbird feeder. She also kindly allowed my 3 kids to use the restroom. The second time I went w/ intentions of purchasing a hanger for the feeder. I am not exaggerating when I say that within 5 minutes the owner spoke about my kid's behavior at least 4 times. He said they're not allowed to touch anything b/c a number of kids have been cut/hurt. I will be the first to say that, yes, my children ages 4, 6 and 8 can be a bit unruly at times. I agreed w/ him and made sure that my kids stopped handling the fragile items they've throughout the store. My kids surprisingly listened the first time around but were still moving about as highly active children tend to do. His 4th comment included that "parents tend to blame him if their kids get hurt." I assured him that I would not do that and that if my kids were to break anything I would certanily pay for it. At this point it was clear to me that we were not welcome, so I calmy replied that I'd not bring my children back to his shop. At that point it only went down hill. He said something to the effect that I was not supervising my kids and that he'd always done a much better job w/ his own. I told him I found his words offensive. His reply was that I was being sensitive. I also mentioned that while in VA we frequented the Wild Bird Center w/out incident. He told me to "go back to Burke" and referring to our exchange of words "go ahead and tell everyone you know." All parents know how challenging it can be to shop w/ young ones, esp. 3 at a time. Most shop owners find a more respectful, kind way to deal w/ rowdy young ones . My kids were not way out of line simply active. They harmed nothing while in the store and disturbed no one but the owner, as at the time the only other customer was loading her car. I am not thin skinned. His condescending behavior just really took me aback. It's a lose-lose situation. He lost a good customer, I have to go back to ordering bird supplies online.
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