Kelly Clarkson has called out a Brooklyn shop after a visit that she says left her feeling judged over whether she could afford its merchandise.
The singer, 44, named Art of Play in an October 10 post on X, describing an interaction with an unidentified employee.
She compared the experience to Julia Roberts’ character being dismissed by boutique staff in Pretty Woman, the 1990 romantic comedy.
Art of Play declined to comment when contacted by phone on Saturday, Page Six reported.
Clarkson Says an Employee Offered to Find Something “Comparable”
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. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. 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 👎
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 10, 2026
Clarkson said she drove to Brooklyn specifically to visit the store, which had caught her interest, and already had several purchases in mind.
She wrote that she was “looked at as if I couldn’t afford it” and that the employee offered to “find something comparable for me.” “Wow, dude,” she wrote. “You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”
She finished by sarcastically recommending the shop to followers who wanted the same treatment, adding a thumbs-down emoji. Her account did not identify the merchandise, its price or how much she had intended to spend.
The Store Shared, Then Removed, a Customer’s Praise
Hours after Clarkson’s complaint, Art of Play shared a customer’s favorable message through its Instagram Story, according to Us Weekly.
“From the very first time I walked into @artofplay, I felt welcomed and treated with such genuine kindness,” the customer wrote. The message also praised the shop’s unusual merchandise and staff, with the writer saying they planned to return in two weeks.
Us reported that the store later deleted the Story. The testimonial did not mention Clarkson or address the conversation she described.
Her Comparison Invoked Vivian Ward’s Shopping Revenge
In Pretty Woman, Roberts plays Vivian Ward, who visits a Beverly Hills boutique while shopping for clothes with money supplied by Richard Gere’s wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis.
The employees turn her away after judging her appearance. Following a successful shopping trip elsewhere, Vivian returns carrying bags from other retailers and confronts the saleswoman who refused to help her.
After confirming that the employee works on commission, Vivian delivers the line that became one of the film’s best-known moments: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Art of Play Sells Puzzles and Games and Houses a Magic Theater
The shop is at 69 Atlantic Avenue near Brooklyn Bridge Park. Its official website lists home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books among its merchandise, alongside playing cards and design objects.
The online catalog includes gift categories priced under $25, $50 and $100, as well as a separate luxury-gifts selection.
The Brooklyn location also contains a hidden, 26-seat theater for close-up magic performances. The business describes the retail space as “warm” and “welcoming,” with music, plants and an invitation for visitors to stay and play.