The Gentle Rain

I am shocked in regards to how they treat people coming in the store. I have chemical sensitivities and I was told I have to sanitize my hands in order to enter, even though I just sanitized my hands with my own sanitizer. On another occasion, I was wearing a mask, but only over my mouth. I was told to wear it over my nose. I told the lady at the counter that I am exempt and that's the best I can do. She hesitated to let me in at all. I told her that I don't have an issue at other stores. She sarcastically said, That's going to change". I'm done with that store. I won't be back."

Nice Collection of organic produce, and other packaged products, only complaint is on the pricey end. Gluten-free bread selection is touch and go.

I have shopped here for specific items for years. I always get really good customer service from knowledgeable and friendly staff. I appreciate the precautions they have taken to make shopping safe especially when their store is not very large. I will continue to shop there and hope they do well in the pandemic and are around for many years to come.Their pickup service is excellent and a great option for those who can't wear a mask.I wouldn't shop there if they allowed people in without masks. Thank you for caring about people's safety.

This weekend (Friday) we received a flyer from The Gentle Rain advertising some specials they are offering. We went to the Stratford store and found the item that was advertised and the special item that was supposed to be free if you bought the first item. I verified that it was exactly what was advertised and went to the check out. I showed the lady the flyer as she asked me for 3 times the amount of the advertised price. She went for help and a few minutes later another lady came to the counter and told me that they were out of the specials and that is what the price is now. I asked if she was kidding me but she replied no, and that they buy the special product together and it comes in wrapped in plastic so she could not sell me the two individual items for a discount. We drove there from another town, specifically for those items. I asked to be put on a rain check list and they could call me when the special product came in wrapped in plastic.This happened a prior time and I just ignored the issue but I figure when it happened twice that I should at least try to tell someone of their bait and switch retail system.

We live in a rural location outside of Stratford that does not have a grocery store. We had the same experience mentioned in many of these reviews - I tried to enter the store with a child and was told the child needed to sit in the car while I shopped. This was ultimately corrected after I called from the vehicle to suggest that the point of the regulations is not to deprive single parents of the opportunity to shop for healthy food. The experience left us both so shaken that we did not return for a long while.Today, we were going to attempt to shop again, but in the process of checking for hours of operation, these reviews assisted me in making a decision otherwise.It is a very sad time. We are so divided right now in the name of safety. There is very little consistency to these policies, but what does seem to run through all of it is a lack of capacity to see ourselves in others when most of us are just trying to get by.A person who is unable to wear a mask for medical reasons is not an “anti-masker”. Inherently, attempting to buy groceries is not a political act. It is made so by those who oppose these reasonable attempts, for whom I am trying very hard to hold compassion. Shaming, blaming, deflecting and scapegoating are the new normal. This will be with us long after the fear subsides.Businesses have wide latitude to self govern right now. So do patrons.

Been going to Gentle Rain for over 8 years now. They were a big support when I chose to change my lifestyle. They assisted with any questions I had and shared tips that I would have never known otherwise. I am very appreciative that they have online ordering now! It is very convenient and helpful. I can still get the things I need even when I’m sick and can’t leave the house. Prices are a bit higher for certain things but it is worth it because they carry some great local things as well.Thanks guys!

Love the Gentle Rain!! The staff are always helpful and very knowledgeable! Shopping is available for everyone's comfort level. The new online store is very user friendly. Thanks to the staff for all their hard work in keeping staff and customers safe! Stay well!!

9 out of 10 times, when I go to Gentle Rain, I feel unwelcome. And I'm going with it's not me

Caring friendly staff, amazing selection. I buy all my vitamins and supplements here and the team is so knowledgeable about all of them. So sad Anti-Maskers are trashing this lovely store who are doing everything they can to keep customers, employees, and their families safe!

I'm not sure about all of these negative reviews. And I find it ironic that they all mention mask complaints. Seems suspect. The gentle rain is a lovely local store with a variety of natural and health foods and supplements. The staff has always been more than helpful and friendly.The store offers personal shoppers, online ordering, phone ordering, delivery and pick up for those who can't or don't wish to mask up. I feel that's more than accommodating and the opposite of these discriminatory claims.Thank you gentle rain for being there for your community. I'll.definitely be back!!