Inner Forest

Last week i was in here with my partner to pick her present out after we had just had lunch nearby. a staff member walked up to us and asked my girlfriend who was wearing a dress at the time to empty her pockets as she watched her place something in there on there security. once my gf enlightened the staff that her dress doesnt even have pockets she was very defensive. unbelievable to read others have had similar problems of this???? Doesn’t even deserve one star

From the outside, Inner Forest on High Street seems like a charming, spiritually based store. However, my experiences did not live up to my expectations.

Inner Forest's internal ambience is quite nauseating... literally. I am fond of scented candles and incense myself, but the sheer amount of incense being burnt in Inner Forest is ridiculous. The air is very thick and makes breathing rather difficult. This already creates an unwelcoming aura.

They stock some remarkable products - I have seen some beautiful dresses and mirrors, but I find their prices to be on the side of excessive. I bought a pack of oracle cards and afterwards I realised they were considerably cheaper online. But what drives me away from Inner Forest is the level of service. The attitudes of some staff in particular are a little hostile. I tried to get a refund for a necklace that broke within two days. Instead I was accused of being careless and breaking it myself. I found this to be astonishing and unbelievable, as I had done nothing of the sort.

Inner Forest is a quaint little place, perhaps a little odd amidst other stores on High Street. If you can brave the thick smoke, then you might discover some little treasures. They really do have some beautiful trinkets.

Update 07/01/2013: I braved Inner Forest again because I found a nice little knit top in the window for only $10. I think their ambience and service really depends on what day you go in. Today, I had a very helpful and kind woman serving me. She set me up a changing room and said it was fine to keep my bags in the change room with me (a lot of places refuse this). Furthermore, I asked after a few point pendants. She showed me the stock they currently had, showed me the difference and welcomed me back into the store at the end of the month when they would stock them. The incense-filled environment was also at a minimum, which made my lungs happier. I will give 'value' 3 stars as their chains and point pendants were of a reasonable price.

As I will continue to say, I am proud of businesses that can uphold consistency. Although I might have had a good experience today, Inner Forest might have a bipolar mentality. Fingers crossed that you don't experience a mood swing.

I love this shop, and have been buying there for many years. Most the staff are lovely people and willing to help. However, I went to purchase some incense and there was a lady with very short hair serving, she was very rude to me and another customer who asked her a question. I will not shop there again when she is serving, the trouble is she is there quite often and gives the customers death stares. The owner of the store is lovely.