May 28 2008
New Baby Store: Giggles & Green
There’s a new baby store/play area coming to Court Street called Giggles and Green. According to the signs that are up, opening day is June 28 and you can expect both retail (toys, clothes, books) and social (a party space and classes) space.
12 Responses to “New Baby Store: Giggles & Green”
This establishment is POORLY run. The classes are disorganized. The instructors come late or do not show up at all – and no notification is given ahead of time, if there is a class cancelation.
I was notified of their refund policy two weeks after I signed up for the classes.
Giggles & Green was a big disappointment!
It’s a new business, I’d give them a month or two to get their act together.
I happened to be at this establishment this morning while “Kate” was putting on a very embarrassing display regarding refund policies, class structure, etc. The owner was patiently offering alternate classes for the child in question. I just signed my child up for the martial arts class and the refund policy is clearly indicated on registration form. This is the “new kid on the block”. The owners are making every effort to launch what will prove to be a very exciting and innovative enterprise for the children in Carroll Garden. I am happy to be involved at the inception of their programs because my 5 year old will be receiving private or semi private instruction but for the price of a group class. What could possibly be wrong with this. I say it is better to be alittle less critical and agree with “Dennis” to just give them time to fine tune everything ; like they say, if you have nothing constructive or positive to say, it is best to say nothing at all…and then if it is necessary to make a criticsm, it should, at the very least, be accurate and fair.
Just a little note, as a resident of Carroll Gardens, I find that Giggles and Green is a great new establishment. I have been in the store many times and have been treated with respect and help when needed. I find the owners to be patient and kind to my children and myself when I am in their store. The store has many great items to choose from. They have a wonderful and safe playspace for children of all ages. I would recommend that you stop in and check it out for yourself.
I’m certainly willing to give them some time, but both of my visits were not as friendly as I’d hoped. New stores usually go out of their way to greet customers and be friendly. On my first walk-through, I was ignored by the person at the cash register who was having a very lively phone conversation. On my second, I did get a polite nod, but no offer of help while I was browsing, etc. Considering the great customer service at Ola Baby, I’d say Giggles should try being a little more helpful. New moms generally like friendly sales people.
I too had problems with the workers at Giggles and Green. I tried to ask a few questions about a product that they were selling and they didn’t seem to want to give me the time of day. No big loss for me as there are a TON of kid friendly stores on Court St and Smith St.
However, you’d think that they’d like to make a good first impression.
BOTTOM LINE…I’LL SHOP ELSEWHERE!!!!
Lori A.
Hi Kate,
I’m sorry to hear that you had a bad experience – though Giggles and Green may be just in the process of getting their act in order.
However, in regard to the classes…I would highly recommend that you find an establishment that only specializes in one thing. For instance, if you’re looking to put your child in a art class or a music class, look for a program that does just that. Or, I know that they have tumbling-type classes…I would HIGHLY suggest that you check out The Little Gym on Atlantic Ave. My son has been going there since he was a baby. The classes are wonderful and he has learned so much. In addition, they have a huge space available for birthday parties as well- my son is invited to one in Oct.
So the bottom line, find a place that specializes in one thing. It’s kind of like the expression…’jack of all trades, master of none.’ Find that one good place – it’s worth the money to get it right the first time!
-Bev
I just made my first trip to Giggles & Green last week. And then I went back again with my kids the next day. And then again.
Unfriendly staff? Really? I found them to be very pleasant and helpful on all three visits. Someone suggested giving them a chance to work out the kinks because they are new. Maybe they were not settled into their customer service roles yet. But I think you all should give it another try. I’m telling you, they are wonderful.
Do people only write reviews in order to tear people down now? Do you even write about something when you’ve had a positive experience? Just meeting the owners a few times, I can tell that they are good people putting their hearts into this store. Have a little respect because unfortunately these blogs can make or break someone. Even if I didn’t like the owners, I would probably get over myself and continue to go because my KIDS like it. And that’s what it’s about, right?
This store is great! Not as high priced as ola baby and Green onion and has way more items then Area. Love the store/service and would send others there.
I have shopped at Giggles and Green a few times already. I have bought wonderful items from there for my younger cousins. When I shopped at Giggles and Green earlier today, there were two employees eager to help me with finding items for my classroom. They were extremely patient with me as I took my time looking at all of the educational items in the store. I got a few puzzles that i know my kindergarten students will enjoy! Giggles and Green is the only store on court street in which i found items that will educate my students while they are having fun!
I will definitely continue to visit Giggles and Green!
I’m actually a kindergarten teacher and I was really excited to read the comment left above. However, after checking out the store this weekend, I was disappointed to once again see overpriced educational items. Yes, the arts and crafts supplies and puzzles were nice, but on a teacher’s budget…NO GOOD! NYC teachers get $150 in teachers choice money and a high end store like Giggles and Green would leave me high and dry.
Let me save all the teachers out there a trip – look elsewhere.
Hello Esther,
When I wrote about the great educational items offered at Giggles and Green, I was not referring to the arts and crafts, however these items are very useful for a teacher. By the way, I noticed a sign in the store saying something like if you purchase $25 worth of arts supplies, you get $5 of arts supplies free. Anyway, when I was discussing educational items, I was referring to the puzzles, and other items, such as the Alphabets and Numbers set. I have visited the Barclay Teacher’s Supply store and noticed that the puzzles cost about the same price as the puzzles in Giggles and Green. Esther, you should give Giggles and Green another chance. It is really a great store for teachers, and you can just pick up one or two items that will be very useful in the classroom!