Kelly Clarkson, the Grammy‑winning singer and host of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” took to X on Saturday to describe a disappointing visit to Art of Play, a boutique in Brooklyn known for its eclectic selection of toys, games, books and puzzles. Clarkson wrote that after driving to the borough to shop, an employee “looked at me like I couldn’t afford it” and suggested he could find a comparable item elsewhere.
Clarkson compares the encounter to a classic film scene
She likened the experience to the memorable moment in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts’ character is dismissed by a boutique saleswoman who assumes she cannot purchase the merchandise. “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson added, echoing the film’s line, “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Public reaction and online reviews
Clarkson’s post quickly attracted attention from her followers. Some defended the singer, while others criticized the store, leaving negative reviews on Google and Yelp. One Yelp reviewer wrote, “Rude!!!! If I could give zero I would! Treat people like you want to be treated walking into a store.”
Store’s indirect response
Art of Play has not issued a formal statement to Fox News Digital. However, the shop later shared an Instagram Story featuring a customer review that praised the staff’s “genuine kindness” and described the location as “a place that leaves you smiling and wanting to come back.” The story was subsequently deleted, according to the outlet.
Background on Art of Play
According to its website, Art of Play offers a “unique collection of magical home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books” and includes a 26‑seat theater for close‑up magic performances. The boutique’s emphasis on experiential retail aims to attract families and hobbyists seeking distinctive items.
What this means for local shoppers
While the incident involves a single customer interaction, it highlights the importance of courteous service in boutique settings, especially in neighborhoods like Brooklyn where small businesses rely heavily on word‑of‑mouth and online reviews. For shoppers who value respectful treatment, the episode serves as a reminder to voice concerns promptly and to consider multiple sources before forming a lasting opinion of a retailer.
Clarkson’s experience underscores the broader expectation that all customers, regardless of appearance or perceived spending power, deserve respectful service—a principle that aligns with the values of many families and faith‑based communities that prioritize kindness and hospitality.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
