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June 2024 by mina
BIPOC beware. The staff will follow you around, stare at you and most likely try to go after you when you leave the store, especially if you don't buy anything. The energy and the attitude from them was hostile. It's disappointing that such a popular destination for tourists, such as San Diego or Solana Beach, is still subtly discriminatory towards anyone that isn't white. The reviews aren't lying.
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March 2024 by Sara J.
I regret to say that my recent visit to Solo in Solano Beach left me deeply disappointed due to an instance of racial discrimination that marred my experience. On January 7, 2024, I encountered an alarming situation as I was leaving the store. Upon exiting, a member of the staff approached me and requested to inspect my handbag right on the street. Despite feeling uncomfortable, I complied and allowed her to search my bag inside the store. Subsequently, she demanded I remove my coat, yet her search proved futile. To my shock, I was accused of stealing an $8 toy, which was in plain view on the store shelf. The distressing part was that the only distinguishing factor between myself and the other patrons was my Asian descent. The blatant racial profiling and baseless accusations not only deeply humiliated me but also cast a shadow on the integrity and professionalism of the store's staff. What compounded this distressing situation was the complete absence of any apology or acknowledgment of the egregious behavior. Discrimination in any form is intolerable, especially in a customer-service setting where respect and fairness should be fundamental. It is disheartening that such prejudiced actions were displayed by the staff of Solo in Solano Beach. No individual should be subjected to scrutiny and humiliation solely based on their race or ethnicity. I sincerely hope that this review prompts the management to address and rectify this issue urgently. It is imperative that steps are taken to educate the staff on cultural sensitivity and implement policies to prevent such distressing incidents from occurring in the future. Every customer deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. This experience has left a deep impact, underscoring the necessity for businesses to foster inclusivity and uphold ethical standards in their interactions with customers. I strongly advocate for swift action to ensure th I regret to say that my recent visit to Solo in Solano Beach left me deeply disappointed due to an instance of racial discrimination that marred my experience. On January 7, 2024, I encountered an alarming situation as I was leaving the store. Upon exiting, a member of the staff approached me and requested to inspect my handbag right on the street. Despite feeling uncomfortable, I complied and allowed her to search my bag inside the store. Subsequently, she demanded I remove my coat, yet her search proved futile. To my shock, I was accused of stealing an $8 toy, which was in plain view on the store shelf. The distressing part was that the only distinguishing factor between myself and the other patrons was my Asian descent. The blatant racial profiling and baseless accusations not only deeply humiliated me but also cast a shadow on the integrity and professionalism of the store's staff. What compounded this distressing situation was the complete absence of any apology or acknowledgment of the egregious behavior. Discrimination in any form is intolerable, especially in a customer-service setting where respect and fairness should be fundamental. It is disheartening that such prejudiced actions were displayed by the staff of Solo in Solano Beach. No individual should be subjected to scrutiny and humiliation solely based on their race or ethnicity. I sincerely hope that this review prompts the management to address and rectify this issue urgently. It is imperative that steps are taken to educate the staff on cultural sensitivity and implement policies to prevent such distressing incidents from occurring in the future. Every customer deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. This experience has left a deep impact, underscoring the necessity for businesses to foster inclusivity and uphold ethical standards in their interactions with customers. I strongly advocate for swift action to ensure appropriate changes for EID and unbiased customerservice.
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March 2024 by Karen G.
Racial profiling, worker who watches customers like a hawk, bad customer service, and over priced items? A lot of one stars for a reason. I had a horrible experience, go support a small business somewhere else where they'll treat you better.
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March 2024 by Caitlyn V.
Was honestly not impressed with the selection of items at this location. A lot of the products seemed cheaply made and cheesy.
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March 2024 by Abigail M.
Want to experience racism or white privilege in 2024? Shop here! For context I am an Asian American woman who came here with friends (also Asian Americans). The "staff" is a white woman with brunette hair color that was curly. She is about 5'7 and lanky. Observations: 1. We were ignored by staff when entering, which is fine, until you see how they greet at other customers, specifically white customers. The overall demeanor is night and day, as they treated those customers with smiles versus no acknowledgement towards us. 2. We were FOLLOWED throughout the store by one of the staff, from table to table. How do we know? Because she would look at us while pretending to fix the items by shuffling it around nearby.This behavior actually discouraged us from buying anything. But we thought we were overthinking so we did a whole loop around the store, and lo and behold the was one staff following us the whole time. There were about 20 other people in the store, majority white. Which by simple observation, the woman seems to be racial profiling us. 3. My friend asked if there was a restroom available and was told no. Of course this is understandable and I was not going to mention it...until you look at previous reviews that states that they DO have a restroom, you just can't be a person of color to use it. If you're white, the restroom is may be available to you (yay!). Overall it doesn't matter if the stuff here is unique/ good for your house or good to get gifts from. It's expensive, such as a small cheddar knife set for about $30. There are plenty of other small businesses that can benefit from our purchases without this behavior. As a native San Diegan I'm disgusted with this store. This outdated behavior brings shame and taints the image of San Diego. It is obvious that my experience of discrimination is not unique. Just take a look at previous reviews....it's obvious that racism thrives in this store and the owner Carol has not intervened for years, therefore one can conclude that she may actually encourage this behavior. (Note for Carol: stop wasting your money with the staff member mentioned. Your staff was patting an already folded tea towel 5 times that was not touched by any current customers nor disorganized, shifting it back and forth and pushing some jewelry around while trying to glance in our direction through her peripheral throughout are shopping experience. If you defend them stating that they were working and organizing, my humble opinion is to retrain them to do better. If they are trying to make sure that nothing is being stolen, again my humble opinion is to retrain them to do better). Therefore, with uttermost respect, DO NOT SUPPORT BUSINESSES WHO PROMOTE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.
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February 2024 by K J
Cute little gift store with lots of different artists options.
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January 2024 by Isakki J.
I was there on Sunday Jan 7, 2024. My aunt brought a lot of stuff and I was browsing. When we left the store, a staff came outside and asked if she can check my bag. I came in, gave my bag, she checked then she asked me to remove my coat. She accused me of taking something from the store. I showed everything she did not find anything. Everything was there in the store, nothing removed. She did not say anything, I left. She did not apology or even excuse for the inconvenience she caused me. I respect that stores have to randomly search customers. But I am an Asian woman and I am the only one followed and searched. More over I would have excepted some sort of apology from the staff Can the management please address this lack of appropriate behavior. Discriminative behavior should be addressed and customer service training should be given to your staff.
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December 2023 by Andrea Hausel
My favorite store in all of CA - yes, the whole state! This reminds me of the first floor of ABC Carpet and Home with the different vendor sections. The women who work here (owners?) are all friendly and down to earth. This is a must visit if I’m in the area.
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December 2023 by Sumi P.
Solo is a go to for unique small business gifts. The staff is friendly and helpful and everything is arranged so nicely. Great local gem!
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November 2023 by Dilva Henry Scala
Adorable store with lots of cute items from jewelry to wine glasses BUT the service is awful! The front desk staff are so rude. No greeting, no offer to help find anything - not even a smile. They look like they just sucked on a lemon. Smile ladies… life can’t be that bad (and take a class in customer service).
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November 2023 by Robert S.
This was such a fun, unique and upscale store in Solana Beach. There were tons of gift items, things for the house, children's clothing, coffee table books, candles, etc... The way they have everything displayed was very neat, very organized and very well set up....it was one of those stores that people just love to browse around. The prices are on the high end, but the quality of all items from stationary to gift wrap paper to books... Such a great place for home accent things as well.... It's a must if you are in the area...
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October 2023 by Nell C.
Solo is my favorite unique store to shop for that unique friend, family member or for yourself. You can find everything from home goods to apothecary to books to stationary and even a little vintage! Coming here during the holidays are my favorite! It's gets me into the holiday spirit!
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August 2023 by Danielle M
A large store with many fun gift ideas. They have some vintage items too. It's a little pricey but so isn't everything on Cedros.
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July 2023 by Azzam Aziz
Cute niche items, and really nice staff to chat with. We bought a birthday card and borrowed a pen to write with from them, and had a fun time chatting with them.
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June 2023 by Robin Aintellin
Big, open, fun, unique - warehouse meets boho
