Dec 20th, '08, 16:14
Posts: 1633
Joined: Feb 15th, '08, 10:15
Location: Pennsylvania
"I have not shopped there, but due to reputation, I would not shop there"
I picked this option, though the truth is, I have been in a Teavana shop. It was more of a recon mission than shopping, though. I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to find, and it was worse that I thought. The staff was really sales driven, and didn't seem interested in educating the customer in any real way. Plus, they will put caramel and chocolate shots in your tea. That's sacrilage in my book.
I picked this option, though the truth is, I have been in a Teavana shop. It was more of a recon mission than shopping, though. I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to find, and it was worse that I thought. The staff was really sales driven, and didn't seem interested in educating the customer in any real way. Plus, they will put caramel and chocolate shots in your tea. That's sacrilage in my book.
Other: I have not shopped there, but I would like to at least wander through the store and annoy the sales people by asking very specific questions about tea that I doubt they will know the answers to. There is actually a Teavana opening in the Carousel Mall soon so I might be able to visit it eventually. I am looking forward to it from the entertainment standpoint over the products they are selling. It will probably also cause the Teaosk to go out of the business, which would be sad since the Teaosk has a good selection of Harney and Sons teas and knows how to brew a decent cup of tea when you are looking for something on the go.
I didn't have much tea today since we had our family Christmas party, so I am making up for it by enjoying some Ali Shan oolong.
I didn't have much tea today since we had our family Christmas party, so I am making up for it by enjoying some Ali Shan oolong.
I live way out on the NE coast and I've never even heard of the infamous Teavana until reading some of the threads around here. We have absolutely NO tea vendors out here - I'd have to travel 45 minutes to Boston for a decent teashop in Chinatown district.
Although It's an experience I wish I could say I at least have had the privilege of undertaking, I'm not so sure about it after what I hear. This place sounds terrible, and I probably can find most of the tea they seem to sell right at my health food store down the street (definitely NOT a teashop either). From the pushiness to the cliche selling points and outrageous prices - I think I might get thrown out for accidentally tripping over the jaw of a sales rep with my closed hand- in a purely constructive way of course. . .
Nice to know about it from all you who have unfortunately had to learn the hard way though. Thanks!
Although It's an experience I wish I could say I at least have had the privilege of undertaking, I'm not so sure about it after what I hear. This place sounds terrible, and I probably can find most of the tea they seem to sell right at my health food store down the street (definitely NOT a teashop either). From the pushiness to the cliche selling points and outrageous prices - I think I might get thrown out for accidentally tripping over the jaw of a sales rep with my closed hand- in a purely constructive way of course. . .
Nice to know about it from all you who have unfortunately had to learn the hard way though. Thanks!
Dec 20th, '08, 23:53
Vendor Member
Posts: 2084
Joined: Sep 24th, '08, 18:38
Location: Boston, MA
I used to live very close to Carousal Mall! And back then there wasn't even a teavana and I didn't know anything about this Teaosk and I wish I had known!Cinnamon Kitty wrote:There is actually a Teavana opening in the Carousel Mall soon so I might be able to visit it eventually. I am looking forward to it from the entertainment standpoint over the products they are selling. It will probably also cause the Teaosk to go out of the business, which would be sad since the Teaosk has a good selection of Harney and Sons teas and knows how to brew a decent cup of tea when you are looking for something on the go.
Had lao zhu da fang and bergamot oolong today. We got a lot of snow (not comparable to central NY level though). Perfect day for staying in and drinking tea.
Dec 21st, '08, 00:05
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
A great TeaDay today for me, hope it was for everyone else. Ending the TeaDay with Karigane Sencha, like a tropical ocean breeze, love this stuff.
And now Mugi/Genmai, home fired.
I am surprised by the voting TBH. I thought more TCers would have voted that Teavana was a gateway vendor for them, hardly anyone fell into the group. The results are simply quite different than I expected, so I guess I am glad I asked.
And now Mugi/Genmai, home fired.
I am surprised by the voting TBH. I thought more TCers would have voted that Teavana was a gateway vendor for them, hardly anyone fell into the group. The results are simply quite different than I expected, so I guess I am glad I asked.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
I don't know when the Teaosk opened. It is exactly what it sounds like, a kiosk that serves tea and tea smoothies. You can buy the loose leaf from them too, but mostly, it's a nice stop in the mall to get a cup while shopping. It's been located directly below the food court since I remember seeing it and was actually one of my gateways into loose leaf tea.gingko wrote:I used to live very close to Carousal Mall! And back then there wasn't even a teavana and I didn't know anything about this Teaosk and I wish I had known!Cinnamon Kitty wrote:There is actually a Teavana opening in the Carousel Mall soon so I might be able to visit it eventually. I am looking forward to it from the entertainment standpoint over the products they are selling. It will probably also cause the Teaosk to go out of the business, which would be sad since the Teaosk has a good selection of Harney and Sons teas and knows how to brew a decent cup of tea when you are looking for something on the go.
Had lao zhu da fang and bergamot oolong today. We got a lot of snow (not comparable to central NY level though). Perfect day for staying in and drinking tea.
Dec 22nd, '08, 13:21
Posts: 470
Joined: Sep 29th, '08, 08:49
Location: Floating blissfully in a bowl of Matcha
I couldn't agree more with the comments about the "pushy" salespeople who really don't care what you say or what you want or how much you know about tea! Just reel them in and get the sale! It truly is a great "TEA eye candy" store, very appealing, they know how to set up a store, but they don't know tea!
And I am sure it has introduced lots of 'newbies' to the world of tea, only to have the move on to better pastures!
Have a Merry Christmas
And I am sure it has introduced lots of 'newbies' to the world of tea, only to have the move on to better pastures!
Have a Merry Christmas
Dec 23rd, '08, 15:14
Posts: 29
Joined: Dec 18th, '08, 14:15
Location: El Dorado Hills, CA
Contact:
Oolonga
That's exactly what I've been saying all along. Teavana has high quality flavored teas and herbals. Their other teas are good as well but I think they are overpriced and you can always find a cheaper alternative online.omegapd wrote:I've never been in one, but got a sample of a couple of their flavored teas from kymidwife and really enjoyed them. Probably the best flavored teas I've ever had.
I usually order Teavana's teas online so I can't say anything definite about their stores located in malls. I was in there a few times and their employees never chased me around the store or tried to sell their hyped Monkey picked oolong... Maybe I'm lucky or just don't look like a person who would buy it
Aww, poor Teaosk! I've been to Carousel a few times, and am unsurprised that a Teavana is opening there, as it is going to be the US's largest mall soon. I am surprised that there is apparently one at the Eastview mall, which is closer to my school, and that I have been to somewhat recently but wasn't there when I went (I don't think).
I chose other, as I haven't been in one and want to go to one just to see how it is, but probably not buy anything.
I chose other, as I haven't been in one and want to go to one just to see how it is, but probably not buy anything.
Cinnamon Kitty wrote:I don't know when the Teaosk opened. It is exactly what it sounds like, a kiosk that serves tea and tea smoothies. You can buy the loose leaf from them too, but mostly, it's a nice stop in the mall to get a cup while shopping. It's been located directly below the food court since I remember seeing it and was actually one of my gateways into loose leaf tea.gingko wrote:I used to live very close to Carousal Mall! And back then there wasn't even a teavana and I didn't know anything about this Teaosk and I wish I had known!Cinnamon Kitty wrote:There is actually a Teavana opening in the Carousel Mall soon so I might be able to visit it eventually. I am looking forward to it from the entertainment standpoint over the products they are selling. It will probably also cause the Teaosk to go out of the business, which would be sad since the Teaosk has a good selection of Harney and Sons teas and knows how to brew a decent cup of tea when you are looking for something on the go.
Had lao zhu da fang and bergamot oolong today. We got a lot of snow (not comparable to central NY level though). Perfect day for staying in and drinking tea.
Dec 23rd, '08, 23:27
Posts: 122
Joined: Nov 30th, '08, 21:46
Location: Beautiful Galveston Island, Texas
I went to Baybrook Mall (south of Houston) today and had my first experience with Teavana. I was asked if I would like a sample of tea when I entered. I was never pressured at all and the young lady who worked there was lovely and very helpful, not at all pushy! The store was quite crowded and I decided to go back another time to really explore. I am happy to report such a positive experience after reading all of the negative posts. I'm looking forward to trying samples of Rose Marzipan and Raspberry for iced tea.
Sheila
Sheila