Island City Antique Market

cloakedwarbird

2024-03

For those questioning the negative reviews, it's true. I've been to hundreds of antique stores all over the U.S. and Canada and the staff here are definitely in the top three as far as hateful and rude conduct is concerned. A horrible store in San Francisco, CA and one in Tampa, Florida managed to exude about the same level of sheer creepiness as this place. We had several items grabbed from us and taken to the counter but after the continued petty abuse and snide comments from staff we left it behind and drove off into the sunset. It is truly astonishing that this place is still in business. For those that mentioned feeling singled out and picked on, the staff seemed to mistreat everyone equally in my opinion. That's really the only positive thing to be said.

Kelsey Larson

2023-12

Our big truck broke down and so I was able to spend some time exploring local antique stores (there are many!)I was excited to swing through this place, as it looked to have an incredible amount of treasures inside.The lady that ended up checking me out at the end was actually quite nice. But they other two ladies working were awful.I was looking at items in a case (that was NOT locked, nor did it have a lock on it). The larger women (wearing a mask) loudly addressed me, "Mama!" If you need something in a case, we will get it for you. I had already placed my item on the counter and was about to make my purchase. The lovely lady helping me proceeded to ask if we were out antiquing and that there was a pamphlet at the end of the counter with a map of other places to stop.Hey, crabby ladies, have a great day 😁

Pamela Markey

2023-12

One of the best antique shops you will find! So many great items. MCM, glassware, jewelry, art, advertising, old farming items, lamps, perfume bottles, a bit of everything! The staff is so lovely. I really enjoyed chatting with them. I am only sad that I live 4 hours away and can't visit more often.

Natalie Nienhuis

2023-07

I am surprised with negative comments overall. I often stop after hiking north of town ...love the store, wonderful conversation with either owner or worker around logging industry memorabilia and they held something for me ...had to measure space in my cabin and could not pick up immediately. I have bought a few things over the years and while some items are high I seem to always walk away with a good deal .

Haley Ocwieja

2023-05

The merchandise is antique heaven, but the staff act like they're trapped in antique purgatory. They hate you as the customer and hate that they are there. Definitely don't come if you have children, a backpack, or social anxiety.All the cases are locked (understandable, reasonable) so you have to ask for them to unlock them, which they seem annoyed by, as if they didn't put the locks there. I've asked questions about whether a lamp turns on when plugged in and was answered by a snappy "Everything here is old!!! You need to rewire it!" There are signs taped on the cases that say "If you try to open this case, we'll assume you're stealing!" My husband was standing next to the counter while we checked out and a staff member told him "I'm going to need you to move."I've visited this store more than 10 times because it's organized well and the prices aren't bad. Every time I go, I think "Maybe I overexaggerated that experience in hindsight" but every time, it's validated. I'm a quiet browser and I often make a purchase so I don't feel like I've earned their vitriol. I guess it's nice to know their spite is distributed equally.

MaryAnn Cicero

2023-05

This is an excellent antique store.They are all very nice people and I have been treated well. The customers need to have respect. I've been asked not to bring my large purse in. No prob, I carry my wallet. Do you blame them? Things can get knocked over and broken or better yet, stolen. For the negative people and the easily offended, stay home and leave the treaure hunt for the rest of us to enjoy.

Mike Kelliher

2023-05

I read some of the Terrible reviews on this place, however, I still went as the store seemed to have many Antiques. Well this business did not disappoint!!! I witnessed what I believe to be one of the owners yell at a woman who had on a Backpack. The Backpack was the woman’s purse as explained by the woman shopper. VERY RUDELY the person from behind the counter yelled back for everyone in the store to hear, it’s a Backpack… take it off and remove it from the store. A few minutes later this same woman ran over to a male customer and grabbed his arm and said he could not take pictures of anything in the store! The woman was asked to remove her hand from him and also to back away from his face as she was right in it…You can’t make this stuff up, this place has the RUDEST OWNER/WORKERS I have ever witnessed…the people who were so RUDELY TALKED TO AND GRABBED LEFT! We also left as well as we felt we did not want to patronize a business who could treat customers so RUDELY!!! I hope many people read this before planning any visit to this establishment. They are the WORST OF THE WORST OF ANY MINOCQUA BUSINESS!!!

Elena Beihoff

2024-01

Had a great experience here with the unique antiques and friendly staff.

Debbie Schmidt

2022-05

I used to stop at this shop when I would visit my sister and would always purchase something. I would put up with the totally rude employees because they had nice antiques. But, the last time I was there I think they went out of their way to be nasty. My sister would wait in the car while I went in because of she refused to deal with them. I don't understand why they have a business where they have to interact with people when they obviously don't like them. There are plenty of other places to spend my money and I will never stop there again.

M M

2021-05

This antique mall has a great variety and decent prices. I have been shopping here for many years during vacations to the area. Last week I stopped in three times and discovered new treasures each time. So much to see! As far as the staff, they are not very friendly and can be sarcastic. But I also witnessed nasty customers while I was shopping. One older man was acting like a child making loud comments because he was asked to put his mask on that he had dangling on his ear. They also might be strict about large purses and may walk around the store watching people, but in my area, antique stores are getting hit hard by theft during business hours. Yes, they could work on customer service skills, but for me the shopping experience is well worth it. And there was a line at the register each time I was in there, so attitude or not, business looks good!

Eliza Cudz

2020-05

Very rude ladies working there. I agree with everything people have reviewed about how condescending the shop ladies are (one more so then the other). I spent over $100 on glass (which was extremely over priced) and asked for some more packing paper, because I have a 6 hour car ride and 2 dogs traveling with me. I was told no and that they packed the box fine. For the price I paid for the dishes, they could have parted with a few sheets more of packing paper. Very disappointed with my shopping experience here.

Ole Da Hammer

2021-05

While I have found some decent items there over the years, I have to mentally prepare myself for the rude owners\staff every time I go. They are horrible with customers. If you can tolerate really bad customer service skills, you can find a gem here on occasion. That's a big IF for most folks though...and I get it better than most, I'm a long time antique collector and live locally.

Super Bloom Media

2021-05

I feel supported in that so many people have been mistreated as a customer at this store.. I thought it was just me who was being eyed suspiciously.I’ve gone out of my way to put a smile on an effort with these shop owners. They are cold and rude every year I’ve visited in the summer. I dread dealing with the staff!! Store itself is fine?? Pricey... and you feel heavily surveilled as a customer browsing. Bad energy.

Stephanie Wells

2020-05

Finally had enough of being mistreated. As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted as if you're either bothering the staff, or are eyed suspiciously. I love browsing so I've braved it before but actually gives me anxiety walking into this place. Love going through their pins, I used to bring all my out of town guests here, but I'm done. How they stay in business is beyond me. There are friendlier stores in the area. These rude people can keep their attitudes to themselves. I'll spend my money elsewhere.

Alexis Koshollek

2021-05

The rudest workers I've ever encountered. My husband and I went here and had items in our hand but put them back because of the way we were treated. Not sure if we were steotyped because of our appearance or what, but was made to feel very uncomfortable as 2 employees bombarded me and told me I couldn't send my sister pictures of a ring as if I was going to steal it...it was $20...this place is a joke and I'm disgusted with how we were treated.

Peri Winkle

2017-05

First time customer. Last time customer.Nice organization. I spent quite a bit of money but will not ever go back! When I entered the store, I was the only customer there. Within about 20 minutes, another car load of "out-of-towners": arrived.Let me tell you my experience...I was shocked as to how rude these women were! They made me feel like a shoplifter from the very moment I stepped in the shop. I should have turned around and left instead of spending over $100.Rude-Rude-Rude!My first (and only time) at the antique shop was a horrible experience! I will NEVER go back! I entered the store only to be told that my purse was about to knock over a tea cup. Huh? What? I was carrying an over the shoulder medium sized purse. I knew was the female worker was getting at: "we don't trust you with that purse", so I told them that I would simply put my purse in my vehicle. Let me back up...when I initially walked in the store I was checked out head to toe....in that female catty way. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. I'm over 50...there's no reason to feel anything negative toward me. I felt like I was being followed...strange. When I would pick out an item, within seconds the worker told me that she would hold it at the counter for me. That's just fine with me, lets me buy even more items. But it kept continuing after I picked out a second item, a third item, fourth, fifth and my sixth item. Try to envision this...for whatever reason, they did not want me to hold on to my items I wanted to purchase. I understand if they did it in a manner of wanting to help me out...but that clearly wasn't the case, they were rude about it.The level of rudeness continued. These women simply do not care. I tried the "kill them with kindness" approach and it didn't matter. Then I realized that this was a mother and daughter team. That would make sense because the two of them were a tag team of rudeness.The store was clean and displayed very nicely but it's not enough to make me want to go back.Frankly, I think these women would feel better to chauffeur customers around rather than have customers browse on their own. When you ask them if the have an item, they stare at you and tell you a booth number. How the hell am I suppose to know where the booth is? Good customer service would walk you to the appropriate booth.They do not smile. The are not upbeat. They view the customer with a "mean-mug".I'm sure they get enough business from the tourists that they feel entitled to be outright rude. Maybe business is that good. It doesn't matter to me...after spending a boat-load of money at their shop, I will never go back.-Resident of Minocqua

Fry Road Self Storage

2021-05

Worst Antique shop I have ever! The women are so rude and mean. My friend was asked to leave, because she did not want her things (about 10 items) wrapped and bagged until she made a final decision on her purchases. The shop owner shouted no, I will not unwrap these. If you do not want one of the items, the you cannot buy any items. My friend was mortified. She ended up standing outside in the pouring rain for 1/2 hour waiting for her husband to come back to pick her up.

K Black

2021-05

I have the best time shopping here! The shop has an amazing array of items, my weakness is vintage postcards and road maps. As I was perusing the boxes of maps, Mary (I think I have that correct) offered a nearby chair and table for me to use. She also inquired about postcards I was interested in and gave some excellent suggestions and let me know she would have more added soon...of course I came back. I have filled my kitchen with beautiful restaurant dishes, added vintage Christmas ornaments to my collection and picked up several pieces of silver.As far as being irritated by the purse rule? Well, in Kansas many shops now have lockers and require you to put your purse in no matter the size. Unfortunately, the actions of some can ruin things for the shop owners and the rest of us, but I choose to be understanding, not offended.

Whitney Davison

2023-06

This place was great!! So much to look at and not overpriced. We spent like 2 hours shopping. The staff were polite and helpful!

Beth Warden

2022-05

Used to make this an annual visit. This year we were dropped off to shop, only to find out after our ride left that masks were required. Even though we were willing to comply, since no other store or business requires masks at this point we didn't have ours with us. Tried to return a week later only to find them closed. Won't try a 3rd time to shop here. Not worth the hassle.

Bobbie Erwin

2019-05

Had purchased from them many times in the past, but on our last trip the staff was extremely rude and basically accused my husband of trying to shoplift! Seriously, we had become regular customers at that point and they had no reason to be so rude, condescending and accusatory. Have never gone back since and will never go back. Much better shops in the downtown Minocqua area with great, helpful staff.

Dustin Loveland

2021-05

First time visit as well as the last time. I walked in and saw some antique musky lures I was interested in but I was rudely scolded for not wearing a mask (I have COPD and it makes wearing a mask very difficult). I explained that I have a condition that makes mask wearing difficult and she said I don’t care what condition you have we require masks. I said fine and my wife and I left without spending a dime. She made it easy to leave and not support the business. I’d give it a zero if I could.

Alex Gustafson

2019-05

This is a wonderful antique store. I collect vintage holiday decorations and I always find something here. Some prices may be a little steep at times, but in general you get a good deal. There's something for everyone here -- the building is packed full of treasures. I've never had any issues with rudeness or being seen as a potential shoplifter. I would say that when you do visit: keep any large items (such as jackets, purses, etc) at your car. Some of the aisles and walkways can be narrow and one bad move could cost you a lot. Also, this place can be a maze in some places. If you have a young child or a toddler, keep them nearby and keep any fragile items away from them. This is a great antique store and I hope you stop by!

Jeff Hubbard

2023-05

The most unfriendly business in Minocqua! Owners are just plain rude (and we live up here full time) to people. The sign up front should say ‘Un-welcome to Island City Antiques’ - There are enough Antique shops up here that will appreciate your business and greet you with a smile - don’t waste your time with this one!

Camille DiNicola

2018-05

My sister was having an estate sale this weekend and someone recommended she call an antique dealer for one of her pieces that was of value and in great condition. My sister also owned a business for 20+ years in the area and always recommended Island City for her guests to visit. When she called to talk to the owner Mary, she was so rude, exclaiming how could she even consider calling them when 6 people already saw her piece. She said she didn't have time for this and hung up on her. I have made purchases in the past here and will NEVER go back nor recommend them. OUTRAGEOUSLY RUDE!

kylie hucke

2022-05

lots of things to look at which was great but, one of the women workers was very rude. she wouldn’t give us space and time to look at things. staring us down as if we would steal something. felt uncomfortable and very frustrated. i would go there again for the things but the way she acted, made me not want to buy anything.

Alli Hermansen

2023-05

Hi! In case you’re wondering where this one star came from, its from the posters and all of the good antiques they have. However, that was the only good part of the experience. The workers were very rude and quite frankly, after double checking our total and calculating our items we sadly realized that we were ripped off.

Jen Genealogy

2022-05

The women who work there are very RUDE!!!! Came in with a backpack and two different women said I should take it off my back, worried I would break something. If I was carrying it, I probably would have broke something, was safer where I had it! One said if I break anything I would have to pay for it, well that goes without saying in any case doesn't it???

88jolzenrocket

2023-05

I have shopped this business for years and am always treated with courteous service. It's an enjoyable experience with an interesting "find" on each "stop". Unlike stoic antique malls with everything behind glass and vendors who are too lazy to rotate merchandise, this shop always is rotating and adding stock. Purchases are painstaking wrapped and someone is always available to open vehicle doors to assist in loading of large purchases. Additionally, payment is taken over the phone for an item which is previously seen but not purchased and ample time is allowed for a return to trip for pick-up. Prices are reasonable for comparable merchandise found advertised in on-line venues.Regarding the critique posted ahead of mine, I have shopped some high-end antique shops over the years where purses are checked at the door or are to be left in the vehicle. At all times at Island City Antique Market, there are at least 4 employees on duty and one or two walking the floor working in the store. Additionally, the store has surveillance making theft impossible. Merchandise is well displayed, but it's "tight quarters". The rule is more protection for the patron against a purse brushing against a piece of porcelain or glassware sending it crashing to the floor thereby encumbering the patron with an unplanned bill for damages. I own a business with tight quarters and although I allow purses, I do not allow children for the same reason.I do not allow patrons of my shop access to my private privy thereby preventing the spread of germs and disease. It is base inconsiderate to make such a request. Located next door to Island City a 90 second walk away is McDonalds with ample bathroom facilities. If anyone is so absorbed looking at antiques that he or she can't take two minutes to walk to McDonald's and use the bathroom, wear Depends.Lastly, with regard to "lights out, time to lock up". No business owner is going to toss anyone out the door who is intently asking questions while making overtures of interest to purchase. However, we as business people put in long hours and often continue working in our businesses long after the business has closed for the day. K-Mart had a policy for years of announcing "closing" 10 minutes before "lock-up". It is easy to differentiate between an interested buyer and someone loitering while "rubbernecking" and handling merchandise. Loiterers are under the mistaken fallacy that the business exists for them and should stay open until they decide to leave. W.C. Callaway

Donnie Martell

2021-05

Rude staff - possibly stereotyped because I’m heavily tattooed. Workers hardly greeted me, watched me like a hawk as I was in the store. Had items to purchase but refrained solely because of how they treated my wife and I. My wife and I go antiquing frequently all over the state and had never been treated this way. Had money to spend but will never spend it there and I hope others will too.