I tried to visit on the weekend that Melbourne lockdown ended on June 12th around 1-2pm.
The door was locked so I assumed they were actually closed despite advertising on TWO different physical shop signages as OPEN.
As I was about to leave a lady comes up to the door and tries to say something (I don’t think they realise the glass is quite soundproof) that I could not make head or tail of, anyway I just assumed she was telling me they were closed judging from the body language.
As I was going to leave again, another older lady comes to the door and pretty much tells me they are full, and the space is small, can fit around 4 people only.
So I ask if I can wait outside and she basically said don’t know how long it will take, without offering any solutions or alternatives.
From the body language and tone in their voice it just felt like they wanted to get rid of me quickly and get back to whatever they were doing.
However the biggest kick to the stomach was seeing them make an instagram post advertising themselves as OPEN, LESS THAN AN HOUR from my ATTEMPTED visit, and I was actually still in the vicinity!!
I’m inclined to think they just didn’t want my kind setting foot inside!
Also the way the older lady eyed me up and down felt like she was judging my appearance and left me feeling extremely uncomfortable afterwards for a long time.

I can see this is a small business and I’m all for supporting them in these trying times, however it doesn’t mean you get to be immune to criticisms on bad customer service.

Some improvement points I would recommend from someone who is a Retail Store Manager (believe me I deal with plenty of bad feedback):

- better communication on how you operate (Is it a walk in basis? Or bookings only?
- have signage when your store is at full capacity
- have a plan B for when it is full capacity
- QR code booking to call the customer back to enter the store if they are willing to wait in the area
- learn to appreciate that some potential customers travelled very far to visit this store. There aren’t that many curated vintage stores (I can see an older review who had the same issue of being turned away after all the time they spent travelling)
- build rapport with all customers regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity.

What a bizarre experience I had with the owner Diane, quite the opposite of what RJ has posted. I went in specifically, with my 16month old baby in my arms, to see what Clara Fox had of 1950s crystal costume jewellery for a formal wedding I have in two days time. The exchange between myself and Diane was pleasant until I mentioned the word Internet. Within the very small selection of this kind of jewellery she had on offer, a lovely brooch did stand out and Diane did offer it for sale at a good price, to which I said I would take it. In conversation I mentioned I was getting the rest of my jewellery from an online site and hiring these pieces, but wished I had of known about her store earlier, in my mind complimenting her store ( I've only lived in Melbourne for 3 years. Despite the lack of jewellery I was looking for, she did have a lovely handbag which I'd paid more money for a similar item elsewhere, this I didn't mention). Verbalising the word "online" Diane immediately became nasty, saying the brooch was no longer for sale. I can understand a retail stores frustration at the shift to online shopping, but to take it out on a customer who is about to purchase something from you- well, all I can say is with retailers like Clara Fox, no wonder. I have a young baby, I was in Diane's store and about to purchase, I appreciate vintage pieces, and although don't dress daily in head to toe vintage, I do own and purchase items from stores like hers from time to time. Due to her manner, never will I set foot in Diane's store again, and I will make sure I tell my Melboune circle of friends who vintage shop how I was treated.

Always a fabulous experience, always finding new treasure. Diane is so helpful and passionate about helping you with an outfit! I have consistently found a good vintage piece that fits and looks great. Also have a huge range of accessories.

Approximate cost: $20 - 150