The Old Potting Bench

I have known Vada for quite some time, being a customer as well as a vendor and I can truly say she’s not only an expert in her field of design, she has a very warm heart. The thing that most people don’t understand is that she wears it on her sleeve and you’ll know exactly how she feels — no guessing here which is refreshing! She cares so much for how her store looks as well as how people are treated by her staff and loves her customers and hugs many of them.
Granted, like any store, there have been some vendors that have come in and out of the store that were either not friendly, NOR customer-​focused, hence she let them go (including the vendor who followed that couple around and said not to touch the succulents unless they buy them– that was appalling!!) Every owner should have the right to run their business as their vision sees fit.
Vada chooses to work 6 days a week and is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen. She takes great accountability of what happens there at her store. The vendors here who work the floor as her staff also work hard to bring in lovely things all the time and are very sweet and kind. There’s lots of variety and it’s not your standard «vintage store». This is truly one of the most wonderful stores in all of the Central Coast.

Wonderful store and the ladies are great. Bought a very heavy chandelier, they graciously unchained it from the ceiling and carried it to my car. I make it a point to stop by if I am even close.

If I could give it no stars I would. The store itself has decent stuff, but nothing terribly special (in my opinion.) Like other young adults I had a terrible experience today. Along with the incredibly rude nature of my interaction with the owner I always feel watched. Every time I am in the store I have someone follow me the WHOLE time. I honestly feel like anyone under 25 is looked at instantly as a criminal. After today I will NOT be going back.

This is my kind of store! From the moment I walked in the store I fell in love with the exquiste selection of mechandise. Veda, the owner, welcomed me and gave me a tour; me asking questions about the history of antique pieces to see if she knew her stuff; she was right on with her answers.
Veda helped me select some vintage furniture and collectibles to remodel my bedroom. Veda and her staff have cheerful and fun personalities and are very helpful and knowledgeable regarding the authenticity of the merchandise and were a pleasure to work when I redecorated my home.
Veda delivered the furniture I purchased to my home, free of charge, and while she was in my home, advised me on color and decorating ideas for my bedroom, e.g. curtains, paint, headboard, prints, valances, etc. I really appreciate this excellent customer service and I will continue to shop at Veda’s store, The Old Potting Bench in Arroyo Grand Village.

The Old Potting Bench has so many beautiful things; I always find a treasure to take home. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

I’m baffled by the poor review below for two reasons:
1. Because I would never think to ask any proper retailer for a discount. This beautifully curated shop cuts the junk you normally have to sift through (though I’ll admit that too can be fun) and just gives you the treasures.
2. The staff here has always gone above and beyond for me, sifting through their troves to find me just the right copper pitcher for my dad, and even showing me the vintage makeup discovered in the antique train case I picked out. The delightful woman who assisted me today even helped me LOAD FURNITURE INTO MY CAR even though it was across the street and she was about to close.
So! Don’t let two highly divergent reviews decide wether you should or shouldn’t fall in love with this place, just go check it out for yourself!

Pretty cute items, but store is a bit overpriced. When I asked sales person about discount on $ 35 purchase, she literally laughed in my face… actually chuckled and said they don’t need to give discounts. No worries. Plenty of other cutesy antique shops with super warm and friendly staff who don’t mind taking off a buck. Skip this one.