The Apothecary in Inglewood

Needed to find Hawthorn Berries for my aunt and was led to this place! Cutest shop with an abundance of natural products, was in a hurry but look forward to coming back with my aunt who will be very happy to visit!

Rad shop with all the things a hipster would ever desire. Lol.
But for real, ya great stuff.

Best part about this Apothecary is you can get small or large bulk loose leaf. Incredibly helpful for those that need a variety on a monthly basis but are on a budget. Also I’ve received zero plastic in my shipments. It’s so nice to have my teas not put in plastic. Will continue to be a happy Ontario customer.

Such a gem! How did I not know about this place until now? ! Started with an online order because I didn’t want to miss out on the sale price, and when I went to go pick it up I was utterly wowed. Great selection, high quality and local products, great prices, friendly staff (but not pushy or hoovering), and really fair prices. Just go see it for yourself- 10/10.

Staff seemed a little reluctant to help us, but when we did get service it was good. Very poor parking in the area, and website stock vs in store stock varied slightly

My new favorite place. All natural products and environmentally friendly with its reusable jars and bottles to refill with your favorite cleaning product, shampoo, bathsalts etc.

One of my favourite places to shop in the city. I refill so much product and feel good about saving extra plastic from landfill. Cute gift ideas too for your environment friendly family & friends. Beauty, kitchen, bath, health and more. P.s the more you shop the more you save there points system rules!

Update: After several subpar experiences at the apothecary in 2020, I've had several recent experiences that have been much improved.

The staff have greeted me upon entering and have been helpful and not overly pushy or rude.

I am used to going to bulk barn to select bulk goods, so it was different for me when the staff took and filled my containers for me, allowing me to continue shopping. The staff let me know my options then asked how full I wanted my containers. My containers were then waiting for me at the till.

Overall a fine experience!:)

- Original Post -

Abhorrent customer service. The customer service has always been subpar, but with the expansion, it seems to be worse.

Three staff were working during our 30 minute visit at 3: 30pm on January 26,2020. The only time any of them stopped chatting with each other and stepped out from behind the counter was when two of the workers were busy cashing out customers and there was no one else to chat with. So the third, came out and approached us (we were within a few feet of the counter) The interaction was awkward at best, they didn't try to sell us anything, rather assumed that we didn't know anything about herbs and told us not to buy them if we didn't need them. But sure enough, when there was a co-worker to talk to, the third staff bee-lined back behind the counter and continued their conversation.

Were we greeted when we entered the store? No.
Were we approached within 3-5 minutes of entering the store? No.
Were we approached during our visit? Yes, only when there wasn't a co-worker to chat with.
Were we asked what brought us into the store, or if we were familiar with 'bring your own container' protocol? No, in fact they were quite rude when I didn't get it 'right'.
Were we told to not buy herbs? Yes.

It was an annoying visit. Two stars are for the products and the direction that the company is moving - zero waste.

Zero stars for the sales team who aren't interested in selling products to customers.

Bottom Line:
If you know what you want and what the protocol is, you're fine. Shop away.
But if you're looking for an experience or some expertise, be prepared to feel small and like you're an annoyance and an interruption.

When it comes to finding excellent low waste and more environmentally friendly alternatives to airly products, this is my go to place! Tons of selection and helpful staff!

My experiences at this store are super inconsistent. It's a high contrast of either super helpful and friendly service or not feeling welcome/I am asking all the wrong questions. I asked questions about my last purchase in store and they were answered wrong so I don't have the proper supplies to utilize what I purchased and have unfortunately wasted product. An ironic issue. I love that this is a low waste staple in Calgary but it would be awesome if it felt more welcoming and staff was willing to educate customers on the products in store and how to become more efficient in a low waste lifestyle as they seem to have just about everything you need to accomplish that or to get a great start.

* Review Update *

A bit late to update but I was in the shop a few months ago. I needed some birthing aftercare for my bestie after having her first baby. The afterbirth care is amazing and I have recommended the Peas in a Pod line and especially the "Sittin Pretty Perineal" spray to many friends and clients over the years. Even though I didn't really need help that day, I noticed a huge improvement in the customer service and a more welcoming energy. The staff we're friendly and all offered me help. I really appreciate the noticeable improvement from my previous review. I did try to purchase the spray at other stores that carry the Peas in a Pod line but none of them had the Spray. Would be nice to see it in other stores just for ease of purchase:)

Had every intention of going here until I saw the bios of the people on their website! Virtue signaling pronouns for every one of these people. Great way to turn off half your potential customers without even trying.

Wonderful associate, very cheerful and helpful. Forgot to ask her name but was wearing black clothing. Amazing product variety was able to find everything I was looking for not found anywhere else. Definitely going back there soon. The place smelled so nice. Very clean and organized and not pricey compared to other healthfoods stores.

Very cool selection of products for the home! I love the emphasis on buying bulk and reducing waste. The staff are wonderfully friendly and very knowledgeable.

Great products, great staff. Katie, I believe her name is, has specifically helped me each time and she’s awesome.

This is an amazing eco-friendly shop with great sizes. Refill service for your containers and welcoming staff

Received an online gift certificate and can't wait to use it. Just sooo many options and everything looks phenomenal I want to purchase everything

First time being there and wasn't acknowledged. I didn't know where I was going, what they offered, or where to start. The person I talked to wasn't very enthusiastic, he gave me what I asked for, but wasn't overly helpful with my decision making. I'll be back because the oil I got was reasonably priced, and it's a unique store.

I usually don't write reviews but I have to after reading few of the negative comments. I received second to none customer service from these people. I ordered some amber bottles online and all of my questions were answered promptly via email. This nice lady even tested the capacity of the bottles for me because of my specific requirements. She could have said "I don't know" and I'd be fine with that. Thank you Sage:). Next day I received phone call to be notified about out of stock products, their arrival time, and was offered store credit or refund. My order arrived fast to BC and I must say they are serious about their packaging. So bottom line is, visit them, call them and support them. I'm glad I did. Thank you guys!

Some great products and 90% of the staff is friendly and helpful. Unfortunately twice I've been and one gal was just miserable, and when I asked her a question not once but twice she sneered at me! My friend and I couldn't believe it. Next time I'm in and she's there I'm asking for a manager.

Local! Unique snd sustainable personal care and household products. The helpful staff listened to my questions and suggested an Advent calendar for my son and wife and shipped it for me too!

Absolutely love this place! The staff there is always super friendly and patient. They also make amazing recommendations. And most importantly, all their products are 100% natural with almost no chemicals.

You could spend hours in here. A wonderful shop full of things you didn’t know you needed and such a great way to go more green with conscious products for your home. Also, they have AMAZING sour gummy worms?

My go-to place for all my bulk refill/zero waste needs. Fantastic selection and even more fantastic staff! They're all very knowledgeable, helpful and kind (:

I love the selection but I do not love the prices. Why is there not discounts for places that use all natural and vegan products?

Always a pleasure to shop here. COVID-19 protocols are obviously in place. Customer service is super!

Love going here for my small business stuff, good prices, friendly, helpful staff willing to go the extra mile

Awesome place, reminds me of The Witchery that was on 16th and Centre St years ago. They have a lot of essential oils, and raw herbs to select from, snacks, and even some essential cooking supplies like citric acid and various salts.

I love love LOVE this store. Amazing selection of products. Their refinery is awesome and is something I think more people should be aware of. I get my laundry soap, hand soap and dishwater tablets here. I can't wait to explore more bulk refill products. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Absolutely amazing customer services. I will definitely be ordering from here again. I ordered a few health care products packaged in glass and the packaging was perfect! Minimal waste, but enough support so that nothing breaks. Shipping is very reasonable considering it's coming from AB and I'm from ON. I will continue to support this business because of the quality of their products and the perfect customer service.
Thank you!

We need more places like this! For goodness sake, why are we still buying packaged goods when we can reuse!

Staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. Purchased a custom tea blend for the perfect Christmas gift!

Great zero waste store! Staff was very helpful in finding what I needed. Great vibe and very COVID safe!

Great staff, wide variety of products. Great location. Im excited to go back and explore their products some more.

The store is beautiful, they we very helpful and they had exactly what I needed. I will be back.

I want to start by saying I really like the products here. But the customer service I received in the afternoon on August 20th was terrible and one staff member in particular was quite rude. All three staff members were behind the counter, only one was actually helping someone with their purchase. So I went to the back of the store to fill my product (like I’ve done before pre covid) well I was then ostracized by a staff member that it’s not done that way due to the new rules. That’s fine I apologized for not knowing, and asked if she would fulfil my order. She then acted like she was being completely put out by this request. Honesty the whole experience turned me off. She was so unnecessarily rude. I live on the Westside of the city and this is usually a special trip for me, not worth the drive/parking to be treated so rudely. I’m going to look elsewhere for similar refillable products from staff who actually care about what they are selling.

This is a very unfortunate and unexpected experience. Based on recent reviews I had high hopes. I ordered masks over a month ago and paid extra for postage. I still have not received these items. I've reached out a few times and did receive one response early on.but now that it has gone from delayed mail excuse to the reality that masks are not coming, they have stopped communicating.
Very disappointing.

This shop has given so much attention to detail in every step of the way. The location is gorgeous; the store has character and is carefully organized. The staff are extremely attentive and their email communications are prepared with care.

We have purchased their custom gift boxes for a number of friends and family members and they are always a big hit. With COVID restrictions, don’t arrive too close to closing because there’s likely to be a lineup.

Staff are always a delight. Love the products and selection. Their local delivery guys was especially kind and considerate during this time if Covid.

Nice place. Has what you want.
And staff is very friendly. Def will be back when want something again from this location.

They work hard to ethically source their products, they are great products, the service is fantastic and they have worked hard to make sure they and their customers are safe and taken care of during the pandemic.

Just received my first online order today from The Apothecary in Inglewood. Great range on their website, products are great and free and quick personal delivery! I will definitely be buying more from them.

I have recently discovered Apothecary and absolutely love it. The staff is helpful and friendly! The store is open again for appointments and their going above and beyond to keep people safe in this new world. I have also been ordering on line and love the masks they offer (made by the women shelter with 100% of the proceeds going to charity)

Love this place! It has made my transition to a zero waste lifestyle SO easy. The staff are always super helpful. Even love the commitment they made to launch mobile refillery during COVID-19 when we could not regularly shop at their store.

Excellent service and the products are 10/10. Pleasantly surprised at how fast the products arrived given the postal service with the COVID situation:)

I was able to purchase most of the items on my shopping list was surprised at the prices parking in back I was highly sensitive to the different types of smells chemicals and could not stay inside for long. Employees knowledgeable helpful and caring. Let me out back door so I could get to my car.

I love having a refillery so conveniently located! The staff has always been so helpful and knowledgeable with their products as well as keeping my daughters entertained in order to allow me to refill my soaps.

Apothecary is the best low waste/zero waste store in the city so far. Amazing staff and amazing product. Great place to find gifts and all your zero waste needs. The only thing missing is groceries! Awesome place

Went to an appointment at the apothecary and we parked in the back turns out the back parking lot is an ice rink and you can't really tell that it was I took a big fall twisted my back a bit and so it ends up spraining my wrist what's tilt stop inside and their first response was that's well that's not our fault that's the people who clean up for us but we'll see what we can do not really sure what they did but they didn't release a lot of care and concern potential client falling in their pocket parking lot

This is a great place with friendly and helpful staff. It was quite busy when I was there. I think the idea is great and will be converting more daily household items over to these types of refillable products. Reducing end user waste via packaging is a simple and positive way to make a difference and vote with your wallet.

This place is amazing. And for the products they are selling they are reasonably priced. I love their no waste policy and I love that they carry a large selection if items from food to pet shampoo to laundry detergent to essential oils to food storage containers. They carry a lot of unique items and totally would be a great place to pick up unique gifts.

Hello Zero Waste lovers and all around just trying to reduce people! This is great place for everything you need. Bring in your own jars, try the soap nuts or refill on your favorite products. Love this place

Awesome little store with a huge selection of ecofriendly items and a large refillery. They even have routine cream deodorant available for refills!

I am a long time customer of the Apothecary, and it is not unusual that any mention of going there, or a mention of “you should check there for x product” is met with excitement.

The apothecary has such a following in this city, for its high quality products, warn atmosphere and local Calgary roots.

I first met them decades ago as a small home based business at a trade show, and the owner and her husband selling product. I bought a few things and have followed her brand ever since.

I believe her home based business made such great success because she never compromised on quality.its an amazing concept for both consumer all natural products, as well as ingredients for artisans making their own.

Super glad this little business continued to evolve into something super special in Calgary.

What are my favourite products? The raspberry face oil is my absolute go-to.their peas in a pod line is my go-to for baby gifts. I love their essential oils for my diffuser, and like decades ago, I always pick up a few lip balms. I have liked everything I tried there, but those are my staples.