Elements

The old lady working there was very rude, standoffish, and unfriendly. She came off as bothered and inconvenienced having patrons in her store. I’m very easy going, the type of person who doesn’t get mad and my mom and girlfriend also went to the store, some of the nicest people you’d meet. She was rude to all three of us. My mom inquired if she owned the store (she likely does), the lady responded to her with attitude either whos asking or why do you want to know, as my mom is paying for three items mins you. I regret buying anything at the store and giving any of my money to that establishment. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’d have to look at or talk to that old lady again, I’d probably return the two items I bought. This is the first negative review I’ve ever given on Google reviews or any other platform for that matter but I felt compelled to. I just read through some past reviews on here out of curiosity once I walked out of the store and it would appear the same woman has been acting this way for years. I wish her well and hope that she becomes spiritually well. I wish her well.

At the suggestion from a fellow passenger on a recent cruise, we decided to check out Elements. We were welcomed warmly when entering the store. There is so much to see in this store! From jewelry to women's clothing, purses, unique gifts and more! I quickly found a blouse that I liked and there was offered a screen so I could try it on and a hand mirror to see the back and a full length mirror to check it out as I had tried it on over my t-shirt. The owner (Pam) was complimentary about the item as she mentioned I had given her a fashion show by seeing how it looked on a person and not just a hanger. She mentioned that she tries to source items made in the U.S and from local artists. which we loved. We found our experience here to be delightful. I'm really shocked at the negative reviews here and do not find them warranted.

This is one of my go-to shops for Christmas shopping for some of my family members when I'm in the area. The lady always has new stuff every year, and I always find something interesting. The people complaining about her being rude or that she is suspicious of shoplifting are out of touch with reality. I'm positive this shop, like many small shops, gets hit hard by shoplifting. Especially now that Northern Virginia is becoming a decrepit 3rd worl-... I mean "developing" country, with expensive real estate.

I was extremely disappointed in this store. First, there was a jacket I was very interested in, asked if they had it in different size and her response was "everything we have is out there." Okay, walked a little farther back and found an entire rack of the same designer jackets! Okay, found the jacket, still not my size, so went to take a picture of the label. Snappily the clerk said "I don't allow pictures in my store." Better way to say that to a customer, but okay, no problem. She then said "why are you taking pictures?" I said I wanted the name of the designer so I could look on line for my size, and she said "Oh, okay, you can do that." Nope, wrote the designer name on my phone and left. Not only would I not look in the store any longer, would not give money to a place so rude.

I have been shopping at Elements for 20 years and every time I walk in is a truly delightful experience! I’ve bought all kinds of fabulous gifts from unique furniture to crazy socks ! Pam, the owner is a wonderful woman who has created a lovely welcoming store. So many splendid finds you’ll feel like a “ kid” in a candy store !

Terrible experience in this store. My friend and I went in to browse and immediately determined one of the women working there was following us around, watching to make sure we weren’t shoplifting! I found a pair of gloves I was going to purchase, but after the blatant disrespect, I decided not to spend one penny in this store. If you are going to make your customers feel that uncomfortable and unwelcome, I suggest shutting your doors permanently.

The rudest lady I have ever encountered in my life. I would not give her one cent of my hard earned money with her kind of attitude. Don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt she will judge you like you are nobody, not good enough to be in her presence and don’t ask her name she just answers “WHY”. The lousiest customer service I’ve ever encountered. This owner is definitely out of her own element.

Ignore all those picky reviews. I have gone out to lunch with friends nearby and visited Elements with them. Everyone is thrilled (including me) with all the artisan handmade clothing, jewelry and pottery the store offers. You most likely will go in and come out with a special item. Love the prices and the items make wonderful one of a kind gifts. Best store in Occoquan.

I shop here all the time and we love the store and the owner. They are very nice, helpful and they have wonderful merchandise. The jewelry is very unique and high quality. I highly recommend the store. It is small like a boutique, but that is the joy of it. The owner is a wonderful person to work with. One of the great shops in Occoquan.

I find really sweet things here, have bought a lot, but, horrible person at the counter. always suspicious, snide.

Not great visible accessibility: They wouldn't let me taking a photo to show if i want for birthday or Christmas.

Maybe a salesperson on the floor changed? I went to Elements for the first time today with friends, and our experience was very nice (we all found a lot of fun things and had to narrow our choices down!), and the saleslady was friendly and chatting with others who came through the store. Hopefully I wouldn't encounter the negative experiences other reviewers have had, but I do plan on returning because I found several lovely items, and there were other fun things I would buy as gifts for friends and family. I also thought the prices were totally reasonable for handmade and local items (I bought some ceramics).

Owner had a horrible attitude upon our entrance. She was literally screaming that she didn't allow more than 2 people at a time. Even though it looked like a nice selection, this is not a friendly boutique. Owner was very very rude! I did not feel comfortable shopping there and left immediately.

Honestly, I didn't even go into the store but I was standing outside the store for no more than a minute with my girlfriend and a couple friends when the owner flung the door open and yelled at us for standing to close to the entrance in an incredibly rude fashion. I was actually briefly in shock because it was so unexpected. We were actually considering maybe going in, but this woman doesn't have to worry, we'll never be entering her business. Horrible way to attract new customers, avoid this toxic owner.

I have been coming to Occoquan for years, and my favorite store is Elements. They are very friendly and always there to assist. We always find ourselves in a long conversation discussing our lives and current events (sort of like that show Cheers). This store is full of small knick knacks and cute items that can easily be picked up, so I would understand them monitoring the customers. But along the same vein, their customer service is exceptional. They're also there to help. If I can't think of any gift ideas, I go there. They carry good quality items at a variety of price points. You will never be disappointed coming here.

We have been coming to Occoquan, VA for a long time now and know it rather well. Elements is hands down our very favorite store in this small charming artistic refuge from the world. We come about twice a year from and to the Auto-train in Lorton, VA. We are always pleased to come here and even though we are not especially looking to find things to buy, we NEVER leave empty handed. I noticed that many of the things I buy here are the things I carry with me daily. I have been doing this for years now. I bought a wonderful wallet here and two different small fabric bags to hold my cellphone in separately. The pattern on the small fabric bags is highly unusual. Check out the photo to see exactly what I mean. But my description belies what this extraordinary shop has to offer. There are unusual and beautiful items everywhere. There are clothes, home decor, jewelry, bags, notepaper and books. There is a large collection of exciting and different stuff in this little but packed with artistic goodness shop. I think you will find the experience as wonderful as we always have if your tastes cater to handmade and unusual finds.

Visited this shop during the holiday fest. I have never been made to feel so uncomfortable in a store. One of the women working the counter followed me around in this tiny store to make sure I didn't steal anything! I was going to purchase a pair of gloves but there was no way I would give this business one penny. If they are that paranoid about their customers stealing, either purchase cameras which are less intrusive or just close the doors permanently. Terribly disrespectful way to treat a potential customer.

I felt extremely uncomfortable shopping here, I was watched and followed the entire time I was at this store. It was like they thought I was going to steal from this store, not to mention their items are not that interesting or attractive but to feel racism in the town that I live in adds another element to my frustration. Extremely disappointing. I hope they can get their act together, lots of stores in this town are closing due to lack of business and I can understand why.

It's 2017 and sadly nothing has improved with the super RUDE STAFF at this store. This woman (the gray shorthaired one) barked at me, "Those are copyright! You can't take photos in here!" when I was about to take a photo of some notepads. Notepads that I've seen online and can most likely Google the images if I really wanted to. It'd be different if they were actually something that she had copyrights to, but NO. Clearly this dumb woman has no clue about copyright laws. When I replied that I didn't know, she barked about having signs that read, "No photos in the store." I had to look around to find one. When I finally saw one, it was a small hand-written sign, behind the register, way off to the left that no one would blatantly see. My boyfriend even told her they needed bigger signs if that's the case. But this woman just kept rudely barking. So we just walked out of there. And this was after we decided to return to the store because I wanted to go back to buy a couple items. But not after that experience. I will NEVER return to this store and I will make it a point to tell everyone to avoid this store. Besides, the items sold there were overpriced and aren't anything special that anyone can't live without. Just a bunch of scarves, outdated women's clothing and accessories, and random items like the notepads. So please pass this information along. If you're visiting Occoquan, Va., don't waste your time with this store. This woman needs to be fired. And if this woman is the owner, that's just a shame. She needs to take some remedial course on better customer service.

Fun merchandise that would be great to adorn a happy go lucky bar area. Loved the funny coasters and small wall hangings but the aisles were a little small and hard to navigate if more than a few people were already in the store. For the age of the building that was to be expected. Items sold here would make for good stocking stuffers for the holidays.

I have been coming to this store for years. I love the merchandise. So unique. The owner, like many owners of local stores these days, is trying to keep her business afloat. Perhaps we need to send good thoughts her way and overlook any rudeness caused by too many anxieties about the future.

Cute stuff, reasonable prices for this type of store- bute RUDE STAFF! I went in here to pick up bridesmaids gifts for my wedding after a dress fitting nearby. I saw a gift book I had heard about before but been unable to find and was so excited by what I found that I wanted to tell my friend about it- the saleswoman/owner (not sure who she was) very rudely asked me to put the object down and said I was forbidden from taking pictures of it, although I wasn't taking pictures of it so I'm not really sure where she got that idea. While this is a policy I understand, the owner's tone was very rude and condescending not to mention I wasn't taking a picture of the book, and I ended up leaving the store, which meant not only did the book in my hand not sell, but the 6 others I planned on buying didn't either- that would have been a several hundred dollar sale for her. I will not be going there again- I'm not sure if the rudeness because I was dressed somewhat down or what, but I don't care to go back in and find out. I'm giving it two starts because they have a good selection of gifts and for a small local business, the prices are reasonable, however, I will never spend a dime here.

The merchandise is still wonderful, but the friendly ambiance is long gone. You're made to feel like you're a suspected shoplifter the moment you enter the shop. I am a loyal/repeat customer and have never caused problems or made returns. I don't bring children in or break anything. But, every time I walk in, I am followed around by the shop assistant, who says nothing. Once, a friend & I were looking at an item and were rudely told to put it down, because it hadn't been priced yet. What if I had wanted to buy it? What used to be an experience I looked forward to, I now debate doing every time I'm in Occoquan. I'm sorry if they've had problems in the past, but there has to be a better way. I've also heard that customers frequently get kicked out. So sad. I hope that it gets better before they lose all business. :(

While in the store the owners followed me around repeatedly. They made me feel as if I was unwelcome or unwanted. The items were nice and artsy but completely over priced. One of the women yelled at my wife for attempting to take pictures of a bar of soap on display. I was then offered a butter cookie to try and make up for her rude attitude. Come on lady my grandmother has 5 tins with my name on it for Christmas!! Show your customers some respect and maybe you wouldn't have to offer crappy snacks to make up for your crappy service and attitude.

This is a fun shop! Lots of eclectic choices in jewelry, scarves & useful items for the home, etc.... I've purchased scarves, pewter salt & pepper shakers, earrings & necklace, & wall art. If you can't find something you have in mind, the staff will help you. They really know their inventory. Occoquan is a cute little village with fun shops & eateries. I try to visit there whenever I'm in the area.

I love Elements. I think it's the only place in Occoquan I ALWAYS have to visit and I'm never disappointed. I've been shopping here for years for jewelry and purses, scarves, home decor and gifts. The owner has wonderful taste and this store is a treasure in this lovely town. Oh, and I love the owner. She treats me like an old friend every time I stop by.

My fiancee and I are residents of Occoquan and when we are shopping we much prefer to bring our dollars to any of the lovely shops in the area. Elements is no exception to our attempts to "shop locally" and in the past we have stopped at this lovely shop to browse and purchase quite a few items for holidays, birthdays, etc. We love the merchandise in the store--it has interesting recipe books, which we often browse for ideas, then purchase. We have never had a bad experience until the Chocolate Walk in February 2015. First of all, let me explain something. My fiancee and I had just completed a run and were perhaps slightly under-dressed compared to the other clientele; but certainly not dressed disrespectfully. My fiancee wandered around the store, we even scored a signature for the Chocolate Walk drawing to be held at the end of the day; I began my usual routine of investigating the new cook and recipe books--this shop should be credited for keeping merchandise relevant and interesting. Nevertheless, as I was reading the shop keeper (or an associate) approached me. I commented that I really liked the book and generally, all of the books they carried. She nodded in acknowledgement, but instead of encouraging me to browse the other excellent books in their inventory she condescendingly directed me "not to bend the binding, as to otherwise convert the book into a 'used book'". I was a bit taken aback with the comment. I looked down to check myself--I was and am always cognizant of not mistreating merchandise--after all, I am an adult. We felt offended at the suggestion that we were somehow suspect in this shopkeeper's eyes. As residents, perhaps we feel a bit more sensitive to this kind of tone since we spend a lot of money supporting the store owners. That's what we do. We felt like we were being treated as children, but we got over it and just left without saying anything. It's unfortunate to be condescended this way since I was actually going to buy the book; I definitely gave it serious thought until this intervention. Just left a bad taste in our mouths. I'll end up ordering the book on Amazon--and that's sad to me.

Unfortunately I have to agree with all of the negative reviews. We went shopping today and holy heck! We were stalked by one of the sales people like we were shoplifters which we are most certainly not! The vibe was so bad at this store and a few others that we will not be returning to the town to shop again. Shame too because I tend to spend a good chunk of change at local stores buying gifts during the year. Occoquan = unduly snobbish.

If I could leave no stars, I would. It's that bad. Today was the chocolate walk, but all the short gray haired old lady wanted to do was find faults with every young person walking around the store. My girlfriend and I had every intention of buying a few items, but after this lady scolded us for trying to text a picture of a notepad to a friend to see if they wanted it, we decided our money could be better spent elsewhere. We don't need to deal with bitter employees who lack respect for customers when we can go somewhere that appreciates our presence and interest in their store.

My sister and I entered this shop for the first time yesterday and wound up wishing we hadn't. The shop itself was very nice; the wares were artisanal, varied, unique and high-quality. There were sweet hand-knitted hats, locally made pottery and hand-crafted jewelry. But, it was difficult to take in the general splendor when almost as soon as we entered the door, the two shop keepers swooped upon us and hovered over us like two disapproving buzzards. (When we entered the store, we were the only customers there and given the shop's tiny size, they could just as easily have observed us from behind the counter instead of shadowing our every move.) It is very off-putting being made to feel that it is a privilege for you, the customer, to shop in their store; and as our arms were full of shopping bags from other businesses in Occoquan, it stood to good reason that we would also be purchasing goods there. When my sister went to take a few photos to send to our shopping companion, who was down the street, one of the employees immediately pounced on her with a loud and snarky, "What are you taking photos for?!" Really? You're going to discourage free advertising for a business that is losing business thanks to its cold and inhospitable customer handling practices? We did eventually make a few purchases but I have deep reservations about returning to this store until they improve their bedside manner. It's a shame because it really is a sweet little shop.

We were asked to leave this store within 30 seconds of entering because we had our 1 year old with us in a small umbrella stroller. The woman was quite rude, pointing out she has a sign that says no strollers (and to be fair, she does, in tiny writing below the store hours). We were happy to leave and not give her our business.

The store does have some cool and unique pieces but the store owner is rude and should be embarrassed at the way she treats people. I witnessed such an incident this past weekend and will not set foot in that shop again.

Here to back up the other reviewer. When I enter this store, the shopkeeper comes out from behind the counter and either straight up follows me around or just watches me like a hawk from afar. It is extremely off putting. I like a particular designer's jewelry sold there, but each time I go in I am discouraged and ultimately do not make a purchase. Her behavior is costing her sales.

Came in here on a Saturday with family. Upon entering I had a stroller with me and was sternly told by the the owner (older lady in her 70s) "No strollers allowed!" I did not get so much as a "Welcome" or even "Hi", just a sharp verbal warning. I decided to hang outside with my little one in the stroller while my wife and 5yr old went inside, I expected to wait awhile since my wife really liked the dresses displayed and some pottery, however 3 minutes later my wife exited with haste saying the older lady was hovering over her wherever she went and scolded our son everytime he touched something. My wife wears a headscarf and our son was only handling the children items. If it wasn't for the poor customer service and belligerent owner, the wife would've actually bought something from this ghastly place that looks like the merchandise wasn't touched in months. I would avoid this place if traveling with kids or the misses happens to wear a headscarf.

This is a fabulous gift shop full of hand made treasures supporting craftsmen from all over. Every time I need a gift for someone, be it b-day, hostess gift, a simple thank you, etc, this is the place I come. I always find the perfect something, and never leave empty handed.

I agree whole heartedly with the previous reviews about the rude staff. We were in the store today and my 15 year old daughter, standing right next to me, saw something that was cute (a bar of soap), innocently went to take a picture of it to send to her friend and was accosted rudely by one of the staff who told her no photos. Both my daughter and I were so surprised by this and truly felt attacked. It wasn't what she said, it was the way she said it. We have never been in a store where photos weren't allowed, nor have we ever been treated that way by any employee in any store. This same staff person proceeded to follow us around the store which was uncomfortable and really made us not want to buy anything. We truly did think the items they had for sale were beautiful however, we will not go back. No material item is worth putting up with such rudeness.

Each time I visit Elements, I find the perfect gift for a friend...or something for myself. There's plenty of quality items to choose from whether it be clothing, books or household items. Visit and Enjoy!

I will never return to this store again!! The owner followed my 2 friends and I around like we were going to shoplift and on top of that was VERY RUDE!!!! My friend saw a book she thought one of her friends would like so she was taking a picture of the cover to show her and while my other friend was at the other end of the store making a purchase the owner YELLED to the front of the store where we were 'we don't allow picture taking'..really....how professional is that?????? Since the picture was already taken she should have finished the transaction and then WALKED over and told us. I can say I would not step foot in this store again if they were giving stuff away. Very sad because they do have very nice things.

I was visiting Occoquan today the city for "family" shopping and when entering Elements before even entering the door the owner yells out from the register with a store full of customers "I'm sorry we don't alllow strollers in our store" now mind you I have a small stroller that has no storage on it nothing large just a small simple single little stroller and wasn't wven allowed in the door with it . Clearly this owner doesn't participate in the family orientation of the city as everyone else in the area . I go back in to get a business card and overhear another customer asking her why you aren't allowed to have camera phones out or cameras in the store , this is so nobody will take pictures of the artwork in her store and post online . Im sorry but I am not interested in shopping at a store that has so many rules like im back in kindergarten U can't touch this don't look at this U can't bring in your kids and meanwhile there was empty waater bottles and coffee cups all over the floor that someone had just dropped off while shopping, maybe they were escorted out with their camera phone before they could throw them out !

LOVE - LOVE - LOVE this shop!! Always has great unique gifts to give those people who have everything. Owner is more than helpful, offering suggestions and helping me find a great gift.