Kelly Clarkson Criticizes Brooklyn Store Over Customer Treatment

A shopping trip to Brooklyn turned into a public complaint when singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson accused an employee at Art of Play of treating her unfairly because of assumptions about her finances. Clarkson shared her account on X on Saturday, saying she had traveled to the store intending to purchase several items but left frustrated by the interaction.

Clarkson said the employee appeared to question whether she could afford the merchandise and offered to find a comparable alternative. Her account prompted reactions from social media users, including criticism of the store and apparent negative reviews on its Google business listing.

In her post, Clarkson described the interaction and its effect on her decision to shop there.

"Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me," Clarkson wrote.

She followed her account with a direct criticism of the employee, saying the store had lost a potential sale.

"Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale," she continued.

Clarkson also drew a comparison to the 1990 film "Pretty Woman," starring Julia Roberts. The movie features a scene in which Roberts' character, Vivian Ward, faces dismissive treatment from a boutique saleswoman who assumes she cannot afford the clothing.

Using the film as a reference for her experience, Clarkson addressed the store in another part of her post.

"But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in ‘Pretty Woman.’ For sure, check it out," Clarkson added.

The scene has become a recognizable moment in the film, with Vivian returning to the boutique after being rejected and confronting the saleswoman about her earlier treatment.

Following Clarkson's post, some social media users expressed support for her and criticized the business. A Yelp reviewer also complained about the store's customer service, according to the source article.

"Rude!!!! If I could give zero I would! Treat people like you want to be treated walking into a store," one Yelp reviewer wrote.

Art of Play had not issued a formal statement directly addressing Clarkson's allegations at the time of the report. A representative for the store also had not immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

However, the store appeared to respond indirectly through an Instagram Story featuring a positive customer review, according to Us Weekly. The review praised the staff's approach to visitors.

"From the very first time I walked into @artofplay, I felt welcomed and treated with such genuine kindness," the review stated.

The customer also described the business as an enjoyable destination worth revisiting.

"a place that leaves you smiling and wanting to come back."

The Instagram Story was later deleted, according to Us Weekly.

Art of Play's website describes the Brooklyn business as a shop featuring distinctive home goods, puzzles, games, toys, and books. The store also has a 26-seat theater that hosts close-up magic performances.