Milk Shop, ByWard Market

Boutique had some very cute merchandise, however I left empty handed because I was made to feel so incredibly uncomfortable by staff. Not a pleasant shopping experience. First, my cousin and I were in a spend-y happy mood and wanted to purchase some sunnies. After trying a few pairs on we were told that since they have to clean them after, could we please refrain from trying on any we didn’t want to buy. Afterwards we saw the prettiest anklets. I asked if I could try the size, as I have thicker ankles and they don’t always fit me and I was told no, because bracelets near feet are unhygienic. After feeling pretty uncomfortable we chose to leave.I know that retail isn’t easy. It’s disheartening to have people try things and not buy. Or accidentally break things. However cleaning up and remerchandising usually comes with the package of owning/working a boutique. As so many people choose to shopOnline nowadays, the benefit of Brick and Mortar retail is the experience it leads to its clientele that other shopping methods cannot offer. After seeing many others have similar experiences, I hope this genuinely adorable boutique decides to re evaluate and put client’s experience first. Best of luck

Believe the reviewers who say that the owner is extremely rude. The very fact that the shop has responded to the countless other reviews complaining about the behaviour by claiming that other customers haven't experienced this should tell you everything you need to know about how the owner treats others.In my experience, the owner is particularly nasty to younger customers. I assume because they think we are all planning to shoplift the cheap jewellery that can't be handled without fear of it breaking. Pathetic, honestly.

One of the best, local, original shops in Ottawa. My go to for any event I have to attend and the best staff. A must stop and can’t wait to go back!

I’ve been coming to Milk Shop for years and even after moving out of Ottawa I make an effort to return whenever I can. I’m SUPER shocked at some of the lower reviews posted about the staff being rude. The owner in particular has always been kind and gracious to me and certainly appreciates retuning business. Seems happy to chat and even once included a tiny gift for my mother when she came into the shop on her birthday! I find the clothes decently priced, it’s not fast fashion prices like H&M or Zara but certainly cheaper than somewhere like Aritzia. I agree that the quality of the jewelry is on the lower side and I wouldn’t go there for any staple jewelry pieces, however they have some quirky and unique pieces that are sometimes worth grabbing. As someone who used to work retail in Byward Market, as a customer be understanding that the area is super high traffic and crowded in the summer, especially weekends. I completely understand why they implement rules about trying on sunglasses and jewelry and seem to be on high alert for theft. As a small business they seem to really want to avoid any damage, and as customers I feel like that’s understandable. These guys are a staple in the market and I will be a returning customer for years to come!

Who seems to be the owner, short dark haired girl is straight up disrespectful and rude. Every time I go in, I’m followed like a thief. I completely agree with the other reviews about this place the items are cute but not worth it, with over unwelcoming feeling.

I want to echo what the others have said. The staff in this store are incredibly rude. In fact, I was taken aback by how rude they were. They make you feel like you shouldn’t be in there let alone bothering them to let you buy something. I had already picked out a tote that I liked otherwise I would have left. The dark short haired woman is the rudest of them all.

The LEAST hostile place I've ever shopped. Great selection, terrific owners, calming atmosphere. MILK Shop is supportive of our queers and allows them to have a safe haven to visit and shop at.Thank you for bringing magic to my wardrobe. I am also famously known now for my hair clip collection and I have you to thank for that.Always looking forward to seeing what's new in store!!

This is one of my favourites in Ottawa! They have so many cute styles and are always on point for the season. They have an exceptional variety of accessories that it's hard to leave with just one thing.I recently purchased a dress for a commercial I was shooting and it wore beautiful on camera.Thank you!!!

Very friendly people, always there to help me complete a gift or an outfit as sometimes I don't have the eye for it. Some employees do speak French too ! It's a small shop that I love to go when I'm in Ottawa.

Nice pieces but NOTHING in the store in an XL. Regular sizes were S to L with one rack of plus size 1X to 3XL. Disappointed I couldn’t try on or bring anything home.