I've appreciated Teavana's selection of tea because Charlotte really has a dearth of good tea shops. I was spoiled growing up in the Boston area and being able to shop at Tealuxe in Cambridge. Anyhow before I headed out to Southpark Mall this morning I had gone online to see what looked interesting. I chose 5 teas but only bought 4 because the salesperson was too pushy. I hate people that say that every tea is their favorite, especially the higher priced teas. If its tough for me to afford expensive tea why would I believe that a retail clerk could afford it, discount or not. Also if I want to sample a tea I've never had before why would I order a pound of it?
I bought Earl Grey Creme, Capital of Heaven Keemun, Golden Monkey & the taster tea was Sinful... Hmm Slimful Chocolate Decadence. I thought it said Sinful on Teavana's website. Now I'm doubly glad that I didn't order a pound of it. I was initially going to buy pounds of each but settled for a pound of the Earl Grey Creme & 1/2lbs of the other two. Daniel being pushy was mainly the reason for me not spending more money. I don't like being rushed.
The clerk was way too chipper for a Thursday morning. His name, according to the sales receipt, was Daniel R. I'll make sure that the next time I visit I don't have to experience his Red Bull frenzy of pushy salesmanship.
The Golden Monkey is excellent despite its spendy price per ounce.
Strangely the last thing Daniel said to me before I left the shop was some gobbledegook about me buying the tea for investment!?! Dude, its tea. The leaves will be steeped and later thrown into my garden. I'll savor the flavor as I daydream but its hardly an investment.
I had to rate this encounter at three stars because of Daniel. Normally I would rate Teavana higher. Their selection of teas is excellent & normally the salespeople I've interacted with have been laid back & personable.
I was surfing on Amazon.com earlier in the week & noticed that they carry Teavana teas too! Just something to remember.