this place has bee traps set up all around the flowers that kill the bees. People were rude and…read moreconstantly following us around .

Everything I've bought there has grown nicely! Great vegetables and decorative flowers!read more

This store holds a special spot in my heart. It's where I found a lot of my favorite snacks and…read moremeat alternatives, it's where I come to shop for the holidays, and their Blossom Bar was excellent. Sadly, it has closed down and they are no longer offering their smoothies and juices made fresh (although I do believe you can find some premade juices in their cooler). I am excited to see what this store does with the space and I look forward to watching them grow.

Love me some Kind Bars, but they are so expensive at other retail stores. Not at Rainbow blossom…read more So I stocked up on those and got some candies ginger for my upset stomach. They have a variety of items for anyone who suffers gluten and other food allergies. Produce is locally sourced and I appreciate local business supporting each other. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. If you have a problem or are looking for a remedy, they will do all they can to help you. Forgot pictures so these are from online photos. Stop by and just browse a a bit. I bet you find something that strikes your fancy and will not leave empty handed.

This place is legit. Reminds me of the carnicerias (butcher shops) and panaderias (bakeries) I grew…read moreup with in Los Angeles, CA. Excellent selection of pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) and great selection of meats as well. The tamales are AMAZING and well worth their price. They used to only have them there on weekends but it seems they now have them every day last I checked. Red tamales are pork and not spicy. Green tamales are chicked and chiles and have some heat to them. Overall this place has most everything you need to make an authentic Latinx dish at reasonable prices. We are frequent shoppers.

Just a quarter mile off of the well known path of Lewis and Clark Pkwy sits this relatively new…read moreplace called El Mercadito. I've been here twice now and finally added this business into our lovely Yelp world. This place is a "Panaderia", a "Carniceria", and a "tienda"..essentially an all in one grocery store but filled with a lot of neat Mexican things. You can find Pinatas here, you can find Mexican Candy, Mexican sweet bread, and pretty much everything else you can eat or decorate with- with a Mexican brand name. You can find all the aisles with enough room to walk through without feeling cramped. Everything appears clean and organized. The employees there have been friendly and helpful in assisting me find something specific both times I have been there. This place is a bit hidden- it's on Eastern Blvd but deep within a large lot. Find it and give this place a try for some great Chorizo or sweet bread!

Stumbled upon this little shop while exploring downtown New Albany. I was immediately greeted and…read moreshown around the store. From spices to salts to sugars and teas this place has it all. I had no idea how many types/varieties of sugars and salts existed until today. Every product had a corresponding jar beside it, which you could open to smell (this was really helpful). I ordered a large Lemon and Cherry Tea, it was refreshing. I like that they have sampler sets, which reduce the costs if you were to buy the items individually. The prices are on the higher side but they do advertise their products as "fine spices, herbs, blends, salts, teas". I picked up 1oz of the Crazy Chicken Seasoning and 2oz of the Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal tea. My partner chose 1.5 oz of Pineapple Sugar, 1.5 oz of cranberry Orange Sugar and pineapple upside down maple syrup 8.45 oz. Our total with my tea came out to $60.43 after tax. While I can't afford to shop here regularly, this place is a perfect stop for someone needing to pick up a gift for any occasion. The shop was organized well and inviting to newbies.

A Lesson in "Local" vs. Franchise: My Experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange…read more I'm writing this not from anger, but from concern for fellow consumers who prioritize supporting truly local businesses and expect quality products backed by genuine customer service. What I Thought I Was Supporting When I visited The Spice & Tea Exchange during their grand opening, I was delighted. The boutique aesthetic, the owner's involvement, the community feel--everything suggested an independent, locally-owned shop. As someone who intentionally supports local businesses over chains, I became a repeat customer, purchased multiple items, and referred others. The Quality Issues I experienced problems with two different teapots: First purchase: A yellow stoneware teapot infuser with a design flaw--a tiny screw that constantly came loose, making the lid crooked and unstable. The store provided a replacement (the glass teapot), which I appreciated. The exchange: I chose this BEAUTIFUL glass teapot infuser as replacement. Within a short time, this teapot cracked while I was washing it in the sink--not dropping it, not exposing it to temperature shock, just routine cleaning. I own numerous glass items--French presses, teapots, bowls--many for years without issue. I've even accidentally dropped glass items that didn't break. Quality glassware does not spontaneously crack during gentle washing. The Customer Service Breakdown August 2025: Since I do not live in New Albany and wasn't sure when I would be able to make it back to the physical location, I sent a detailed email to the New Albany location. No response. October 2025: I contacted corporate through their website. Customer service (Toni) was sympathetic and promised a replacement. However, she stated: "Since our stores are independently owned and operated franchise stores, if you would like a refund or credit, contact the store directly." Three months later: No replacement ever arrived. December 2025 in-person: I explained everything to owner Kellyjean Gettelfinger. She told me "glass breaks" and that their in-store containers also break "for no reason." She said she'd "be the one losing money" if she helped, and asked what I expected her to do. No accommodation was offered--no exchange, store credit, or goodwill gesture despite my being a repeat customer who referred others. The Franchise Reality The Spice & Tea Exchange is a franchise. It may be owned by a local resident, but operates under corporate structure that fundamentally changes the business: Quality Control: The owner likely can't source better products. Franchise agreements typically mandate approved vendors and products--explaining why she knows their containers break but can't change suppliers. Customer Service Limitations: You're caught between franchise owner and corporate--neither takes full responsibility. Corporate says "contact the store," the store says they'll lose money helping you, and you're left with a broken product. Where Your Money Goes: Your money splits between the local owner, franchise fees to corporate, and corporate-mandated suppliers (often out of state)--very different from a Mom and Pop where revenue stays in the community. Decision-Making Authority: Independent owners can take a loss on defective items to preserve relationships. Franchise owners operate within corporate constraints and seem less empowered to prioritize customer satisfaction. What Quality Retailers Do Reputable glassware companies (Pyrex, Bodum, Ball, Le Creuset) stand behind products with warranties. Quality retailers source products they trust, warn customers about limitations, offer guarantees, or stop carrying problematic items. When glass breaks during normal use, it's defective. A responsible retailer addresses this, not dismisses it. For Fellow "Buy Local" Consumers "Locally owned" and "local business" aren't always the same. A franchise may be owned locally and employ local people (so does Walmart), but the business model, decision-making power, and revenue flow differ fundamentally from independent businesses. If supporting truly local businesses matters--where owners have full autonomy, money stays in the community, and customer relationships are prioritized--ask whether a business is independently owned or a franchise. I believed I was supporting a local owner who would stand behind products and value customer relationships. Instead, I encountered corporate constraints without corporate accountability, unresolved quality issues, and dismissive responses to legitimate concerns. I don't write this to attack anyone personally, but because I care about where my money goes and what business practices I'm supporting. I hope this helps others make informed decisions and encourages all businesses to prioritize quality and customer care. Documentation available: Emails from August and October 2025 if needed. I wish I had photos, unfortunately I threw away or gave back what I had.

great product and live plants (get there early in spring). they help you find what you can't find…read moreand are hesitant to ask. a great local company.

I've driven by Shireman's many, many times without stopping, but needing some fall decorative mums…read morefor the yard, we found a great selection here! Alongside the pumpkins, corn stalks and hay bales, that would complete the look at excellent prices. Service was friendly and quick. I wasn't sure if they only accepted cash, but cards are welcome as well. Parking was a breeze as well. I'll have to come back in the spring as I know they have a ton of plants that I'm looking forward to checking out!

I found out about this place from visiting Rainbow Blossom, as they sell some of "The Elderberry…read moreCo." products. While at Rainbow Blossom I purchased the Elderberry Syrup, which is not only delicious but helps immensely when you are not feeling well. I love the product! I was walking downtown New Albany and came across "The Elderberry Co." actual store and just had to visit it because I am always looking for healthier options. I met the owner Jenny and she was super helpful, and her staff was as well. The store is pristine and inviting, and the range of products offered surprised me. I purchased Castile Soap, Biotin Gummies, a new Face Cream product which just launched recently, and Magnesium Balm to help aide with my sleeplessness. I can say without a doubt I love ALL the products! The Biotin Gummies are delicious and the perfect texture, the Magnesium Balm is helping me rest better at night, and the Face Cream works great for my super sensitive skin! I will definitely become a regular customer of this establishment!

This is a very cute, local woman owned shop that specializes in elderberry products. Elderberry is…read moregood for the immune system. I got a jar of elderberry syrup on this trip. It needs to stay refrigerated. One tablespoon a day keeps the bugs at bay, lol. They also offer elderberry tea, and other natural products such as gummies, beard oil, facial products and candles. They have a website that you can order the products and have them shipped to your door. The shop has grown and expanded since it was started in 2019. The staff was friendly and helpful.

A wonderful place to do deep work and also to get food and drinks. It is a very convenient area…read morewith outlets and variety of restaurant selection. They have "Con Huevos" and " I love Tacos" they have Heine Brothers insider and the grocery market for smalls grab and go snacks/drinks. I highly recommend using their parking garage for safety dt to downtown location. By purchasing a drink/food item, they will validate your parking for 2 hours.

We popped in the Omni to see the Christmas decorations in the speakeasy and have a holiday drink…read more Unfortunately the bar was closed on Christmas eve but there was a sweet employee stocking the lobby bar that gave us a sneak peak. The decorations were very cool. So we decided on a coffee at the coffee shop in the Market instead. I had a holiday Mariah Cherry, white chocolate and cherry latte. It was so very good with a distinct cherry flavor and piping hot. My hubs had an americano that he enjoyed. Service was good and it was fun to sit in the market and watch the few folks that ventured in while we drank our coffee. Such a unique space for a downtown hotel lobby attachment. Check it out.