Arts Africains

"It's next to the AT&T. Still on Bay Street though I've been informed that the committee is trying to remove this store from its lineup, which is awful. The store owner is gathering support to keep it on Bay. I hope we can show up for them."

"*I’m posting this on behalf of my aunt* If I could give no star I would. The service at this store is subpar. I believe everyone should know about the way they treat their customers. I went to this store in early December to buy something for my goddaughter’s birthday. She orders their strawberry shea butter all the time but it always come busted through the mail. My goddaughter would have to transfer it into a different container as the original was so flimsy. So I decided to go in person to purchase her some items. It says it opened at 11 am, when I arrived 11 am and the shop was dark. They didn’t open until 11:20 am. I understand people are busy during the holiday season, but they had no explanation. When I went there, I purchased two shea butters, two necklaces, braid ornaments, and two pair earrings the total was $200 (this is important later). The woman at the cashier register was nice and I explained to her about the inadequate shipping and she was very apologetic. She asked a couple questions and promised they would try to fix the mailing issue. If the review stopped here, they would have received a higher review. Unfortunately, the woman who was ringing me up ended forgetting to pack one pair of my earrings. No harm no foul, so I called the store and arranged to pick them up another day. During the phone call they said I, had forgotten my earrings! While it was a bit annoying, I still needed to get my earrings that I paid for. So I returned to the store and decided to pick up some more items (two African ornaments). When I got to store I was helped by a different woman. We were making small talk and I pointed out the mishap with the shea butter busting in the mail again and she seemed very annoyed with me. The woman told me that “these things happen,” and I explained that it happened every time my goddaughter ordered. While I wasn’t expecting anything to happen, I felt that she didn’t care at all, contrasting with the previous woman who helped me. She got out my earrings and I noticed they had another one of the necklaces that I had bought earlier (see photo). I picked it up, deciding to add it to the order when the woman told me that it was “$150”. Now dear reader, if you remember my total from the previous day was $200! It would be impossible for the necklace to be priced at that amount. I told the woman I was no longer interested in the necklace and she said then said she would give me a deal. I firmly told her no, purchased my items and left. After everything that happened, I felt taken advantaged of and upset, I will no longer be going back there. I write this review to let everyone know while the store has a wonderful collection, they don’t care about customers and prices depend on the person. Edit (1/15): there is a TikTok going around about this store attempting to upcharge another woman for waist beads through her credit card."

"I love this store. I have known the owner 19 years. I have made many purchases from her. I have never been disappointed. The variety of goods is phenomenal. The owner is personable and very accommodating. She returns to Africa about four times each year to ensure she can bring back the best of the best. She brings back both current items and antiques as well. I have kitchen gadgets, daishikis, baskets, masks, chairs, fabric, shawls, scarves, hats, soaps, and more! This is the one place for all of your needs. Are your ancestors calling to you to define yourself and flaunt your bloodline? Allow ARTS AFRICANS to start you on your journey"

"I walked into this store out of curiosity. I'm glad I did because it was beautiful and full of gorgeous African arts. They also have a variety of clothing and shea butters. I ended up buying beads. The wonderful (and I cannot express how wonderful and sweet she was) lady that was there today put them on my waist and ankle. I feel bad that I forgot her name but she was just the sweetest. I will be visiting for more beads I am so happy about my visit."