L V Harkness & Co

I needed to pick up some writing paper. I’d never been here, but I knew they carried high end gifts. Store is beautiful and there are things in each price range. I found my stationery.
At the register I had what I call one of my Lexington moments. If you live here, but are not part of the Horse Crowd or the landed gentry, you can feel somewhat snubbed by sales clerks who know you will be making a smaller purchase.
When I asked who owned the store, the clerk looked at me like I had asked what the combination to the vault at Fort Knox was. Anyway, it’s a Mrs. Jouett. I’m sure she has some relation to Matthew Jouett, a famous painter in the Bluegrass. Maybe I’m wrong, but I had read an article about her and she is definitely part of the Horse Crowd.
So, all in all, a nice store. The sales clerks are a bit aloof — some might snobbish — and they do look you up and down to determine where you fit in in Lexington. If you can deal with this — I assume they soften when it’s clear you are going to drop some cash — by all means go back.
My review would be 5 starts for the quality of the merchandise. 2 stars for the snobby help. Right now, though, I’d rather patronize Mulberry and Lime. The owner Mary G., is very democratic in her treatment of all customers. i always feel like a welcome guest there…

Luxury gifts at a price. A special gift for a special person, perhaps? Occasional sales may lessen the sticker shock on items. Still, it’s nice to «window shop.» Worth a visit. Very nice holiday party in December with wonderful food and drink. Join their email list for events alerts.

I was very disappointed in the treatment I and my co-​workers received while visiting Lexington yesterday One of our group really wanted to check it out as it has a good rep. One of the sales ladies kept following us around… asking odd questions. She made us feel very uncomfortable. And it was funny as none of us said anything to one another while we were in there, but when we got back on the road, someone brought it up. We agreed it was a disappointment. Some of the other sales people were nice, but that one ruined it for us. I saw a few items that I was interested in, but decided to get them from my local gift shop.

L.V. Harkness is one is my favorite gift and interiors stores of all time. From personalized stationary to gorgeous china and even Carleton Varney’s Dorothy Draper furnishings, it’s an inspiring place to shop.
Brides should always register here!
I also greatly value LV’s client services. I purchased an adorable monogrammed earring set and the stem broke shortly after purchase. I took them in in hopes for a repair. The jewelry maker was unable to salvage them but LV instead replaced them. Those efforts and care earn lifelong fans and clients. Thanks again!

If you’re looking for a store that has it ALL, then head to LV Harkness. You can choose gifts for others and for yourself from a wide array of the very best brands (William Yeoward, Hermes, Meissen, Raynaud to name a few) and LV Harkness even has a Trophy Room… in case you’re in need of a trophy, tray or statue!
The staff is wonderfully patient and knowledgable– and beautiful, to boot. This is one of my favorite stores in the world and by walking and shopping through it, I’ve learned a lot about dinnerware, glassware and the finer things in life. If you’re ever in Lexington, GO!