They had a promotion for "FREE jewelry repair and cleaning", so I thought I'd go! I needed a small stone setting, as one of the stones on my engagement ring was pushed down further than the other stones (would simply be a process of taking the stone out of the prongs and fixing it back in correctly). I went in and was not greeted, so I had to go over to the group of women chitchatting and stare about aimlessly until I got their attention. The eldest lady there, who I found out is Helen Galloway, asked if I had gotten my engagement ring from the store, and I told her I had not. She asked where I had gotten it, and I told her my fiancé purchased it online. She giggled and was shocked that buying a ring online was a thing anyone would do. She also told me I was too young to be engaged. I was veered away from her by another lady who asked about my ring nicely and told me they would have the guy in the back look at it and have it cleaned.... It was getting to about 5pm, and they closed at 5:30, so I called and asked if they would have it done today or if I would have to wait until the next day. Same older lady over the phone, again she asked me if I had gotten the ring from their store, and I said no. She said she didn't even see anything wrong with it and all they did was clean it, and it was ready. I had to rush back to the store before they closed to get my ring back, and, at this point, I was ticked off.... I go inside, and get my ring back from them, and they told me simply and nicely that some other place would have to fix it, but that they cleaned it for me. I was happy how they handle it. Lo' and behold, however, there the older lady was again. She asked the other staff "Is that the little girl who called recently?" She questioned me about my ring for a third time, and I told them I had gotten it sized at a different jeweler and then brought it here, and she laughed at me again. She told me that "next time" I should buy local and know exactly what I'm getting. At this point I had been belittled twice and laughed at three/four times. I was incredibly flustered about it, I left, and I nearly cried in the parking lot because of how upset she made me. Her bio on the website says "As soon as you walk into The First Place and meet Helen, you’ll see her bright smile, and feel her generous heart and giving spirit. She truly cares about each and every person who walks through her door." I did not feel that warm welcome whatsoever! Unless your jewelry is from their store, I would not recommend this place for repairs! However, the other staff were nice and helped me, and they calmly explained why they couldn't fix it. There was also some neat items throughout the store, but now I don't want to go back into the store because of how rudely I was treated.

My future husband and I were excited to come here to look at engagement rings. It was our intention that he would come back to purchase if we found the one. We started with a friendly employee who let me try on a few options. Not long after we arrived the owner came up to us and very rudely said “I need my employee for customers who plan to buy something”. There were maybe 2-3 other people in the store. It really dampened the excitement of looking at rings together. If you want to be treated with respect and feel good about large purchases and life events, don’t go here!

The owner, Helen Galloway, is by far the most miserable human being I have ever come in contact with. She is blatantly rude to everyone. I have heard many rumors about her and now I now that they are true from my own experiences. The way she is treating people, this business won’t last much longer. Customer service is a very important part of a business and she is so disrespectful to everyone. I would never in a million years recommend this place to anyone. NEVER COME HERE.

Classy store with a large selection of unique items I haven't seen at many other places locally. Definitely worth stopping in if you are nearby, Helen and her staff are very friendly and helpful!

My daughter and I visited The First Place today and had such an exceptional experience in customer service that it compelled me to leave a 5 star review! (I will be making changes at my store because I've now experienced the Helen way of doing things and it is certainly worth emulating!) Helen introduced herself and was eager to meet us and get to know us. I felt like I was at my own incredibly posh Grandmother's house surrounded by beautiful treasures and her warm excited welcome! She requested that a bag be brought out, for my daughter, to pick out treats that she had specially set up in her store. Such fun for her! All of the employees were kind and welcoming to us! The items that have been curated for the store are unusual and special, so of course I found something fabulous to purchase! We will definitely be back again soon!

The First Place is absolutely amazing. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The service there is so personal. They really are committed to helping you make a purchase you feel happy about and comfortable with. The staff spent a lot of time helping me find the perfect gifts for my family and they were just as excited as I was to give the gifts. Helen made sure the gifts were wrapped perfectly. Helen has to be one of the most sincere, compassionate, and joyful ladies I have ever met. She is so friendly and I’m quite sure she has ever met a stranger. I honestly did not want to leave the store because somehow, it felt like home. I just can’t say enough good things about this very, very special First Place! I’d go there everyday if I could! Caitlin Smith

I have loved seeing Helen since the late 70’s when she was on Kellogg , and now in her new location. Very few shops live and practice such wonderful customer service, and fulfill your wishes with a wonderful selection of desirable gifts!! She is a Wichita treasure!!

I Had An Awesome experience.. The Ladies Was Awesome.. The Owner is Awesome/ A Jewel . I Can't wait to go Back in There again.. There Are Enough words to Express my Joy I Had in that Store.

I met the nicest ladies when I went in to buy a gift. They have beautiful items to choose from. I found the perfect gift!! Thank you so much! You made my day!!