ARITAUM

During my recent visit to this Korean cosmetic store in Annandale, I had the opportunity to explore the exclusive Amore Pacific products, which are well-known Korean cosmetic items from South Korea. Additionally, I discovered a popular Korean bakery, Manoa, located in the same shopping plaza. I visited the store to purchase gifts for a family member. The owner graciously assisted me, provided valuable product information, and offered me samples. She also explained the benefits of becoming a store member, which included a 10% discount on a one-time purchase within a month from the first purchase, amounting to between $20 and $150 on a single receipt. After considering this offer, I decided to sign up for the membership. As a token of appreciation for becoming a new member, the owner kindly gifted me a small pouch of samples. I left the store with a positive impression of the purchase and was genuinely grateful for the excellent service.

Owner argued over a "free gift" when I went to make an exchange. Summary: I've been shopping for gifts at Aritaum for years, but I had a terrible experience with the owner recently when she argued that we needed to return the "free gift" given with our purchase or it would be "too complicated" to make an exchange. I bought my mother & mother-in-law some nice skin cream for Mother's day. When I purchased, the employee gave me a makeup bag and some samples that were included as a "free gift" along with any purchase of $250+, so I included those in my gift too. But it turns out, MIL can't use that brand, so I went with my husband to return one of the skin creams. As soon as I showed the owner my receipt and cream (still in the original wrapping), she started with "Didn't we give you a gift as well?" We didn't have it and only came to return the product. But she started making a big fuss about how we needed to return the free gift along with the return, as that was included in our original pricing. It wasn't written anywhere on the receipt nor had the employee mentioned it when she explained the return policy. Husband offered to pay the price for the samples and makeup bag, or have it deducted from our store credit, but the owner refused that option. She said it was too complicated to do the return because we had been given a discount and the gift was included in the pricing (although again, not on the receipt). After she argued with us about it for many uncomfortable minutes, she ended up just giving us store credit for what we were returning. But to add insult to injury, when we chose some things to use up our store credit, and we had to pay the remainder of $6, she asked us to use cash instead of card (to avoid a credit card fee) and gave us the stink eye when we didn't have it. Sorry for the long explanation, but I have never in my life met a shop owner so stingy and unpleasant in my life. Either charge us for the value of the "free gift" or let it go.

What a lovely store! I’m woefully new to k-beauty and the ladies in the store were well informed, patient, and very willing to help me figure out what to do with my fussy, fussy skin. I know that Aritaum is a well-known brand/chain in Korea, and I am excited to have discovered this store in my town—great skincare and local biz support. Definitely worth giving this store a look-see!

The employee here in Annandale is only kind if you come in to buy products. I was washing my hands to try the lotion products. when she knew the fact I am not making the decision to purchase today after she did all her sales pitch, she asked me why I came today and then suggested me not using their bathroom next time. You dont say that to a customer. If that was the only reason I could go to Manoa bakery instead. smh...

The staff was super kind and friendly. They have some good stuff!:)

Their customer service is really good and they are knowledgeable in the products they carry. They usually have good sales in place not depending on holidays.

Good selection and they give you a lot of free samples with a purchase.