Ethnic Concepts North

I went here on a Sunday afternoon to replace some glass that I had broken the day before. I was greeted warmly by Pauline. She was super helpful and welcoming and let me look at multiple pieces side by side to compare and make the best choice for my needs.
Sometimes when entering a smoke shop, you kind of get the vibe of «buy something or get out». I didn’t feel this way at all. Pauline was genuinely interested in finding me something great in my price range. I ended up buying a really cute piece by a local artist that I love. The selection isn’t HUGE but I will surely return based on my needs, store location and helpful staff.

Wow, opposite experience where I had a great impression of this place, and also the guy behind the counter but they have absolute shit customer service by phone.
Nice guy sells me a pen, show me the elements they stock if I ever need a replacement.
Fast forward 4 months I need a replacement and stop in, also wanting to get two more pens for my dad and husband for Father’s Day. None in stock, he will order the following week.
Following week I call and get a woman who says nothing was ordered. YET, but will be the next week.
Following week I call and they are not in yet.
Let another week pass… Call today. No answer, no answering machine a few times between 11 – 12. I Decide to call once more while out running errands.
Surprise, a woman answers. I ask her if the element is in stock and this is how the conversation went…
ECLady– um, I don’t think I have seen any of them around.
Me — do you have the pen in stock?
ECLady– yes, we have the pens.
Me — do you have the bullet max G pen?
ECLady — oh, no not that one.
Me– they were supposed to be ordered weeks ago.
ECLady — well sometimes orders happen and sometimes they don’t.
Me — um, okay?
ECLady — well the ups guy is here, so good luck.
Good luck? Is she high?

It’s time I wrote an update on Ethnic Concepts North. In the nearly two years since my last (scathing) review, things have taken a complete 180, from the layout and the lighting to the staff and the goods for sale. On my last visit I was impressed by the service from the guy behind the counter, who was genuinely interested in conversation whether we bought anything or not. I saw lots of local glassware, incense and hacky sacks, rolling machines and other gizmos and gadgets that come with the territory. Prices are very reasonable. EC is definitely back on my radar.

The folks in here were nice and helpful. Had a very nice selection of some local hand blown glass at reasonable prices.

Small cramped shop, with barely enough room for more than 4 people. Glass art selection leaves something to be desired, and the employees are rude sometimes.

Tiny tobacco shop… but full of character– I pick up cigarettes there… there’s variety of goods for sale, i.e. tobacco and papers… it’s fun going in Ethnic Concepts… recommend (unique).