Doesn't Recommend

Pamela I

Joined 4 years ago

the walmart of twin cities gift shops. The owners of Patina apparently have noted the "trend" of locally produced food, clothing, and jewelry and have determined there is money to be made if they "style" apples and honey to appeal to their shoppers. How nice-their other 4 or 5 shops and website are jam packed with imported junk. Too bad other non corporate stores were already doing this-stay away from this store and these people and patronize the stores who struggle to survive while doing the right thing.

Doesn't Recommend

canelle12

Joined 5 years ago

Overhyped, Shoppers and Salesclerks annoying.. Patina is way overpriced for what you get and is not original or hip anymore. The quintessential store that boyfriends never want to go in. And who can blame them. Staff is unfriendly and uppity, which I cannot understand, since it's not like they're working at Bergdorf Goodman or anything, just Patina. Owners rip off local artists by buying their art at wholesale prices, then jacking the price WAAY up in the store because it's the work of an original artist. That's what bothers me the most. Plus I've met the family who owns it and I refuse to give anymore money to them, since their children are nightmares and they already have way too much money for their own good. Go somewhere where the ambiance is a little more friendly if looking for a gift.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Last-minute gifts that look like you've been planning them for ages.. In Short
If you see something you like here (and you will), by all means treat yourself. But that's the delicious danger of this heaven-sent, last-minute-gift emporium. Patina offers perfect little things that make fab gifts: cool books, fanciful home and garden trinkets, funky jewelry, clever toys for kids of all ages, and unusual cards and gift wrap to pull it all together. You'll be tempted to splurge, but stay disciplined. You can find dozens of items under $5.