my boyfriend and i went to go have brunch at eggy's nearby and while waiting for the bus we were just looking at the stores nearby. i saw the signs outside that made it feel like i was more welcome but i unfortunately felt anything but welcome. i was just walking around looking at everything but a couple minutes after i had started looking at some items i noticed the worker starting to follow us. of course i didnt suspect anything of it because i thought that she would ask us if we needed help or wanted to check up on us. but i made a little loop around one of the areas and she still followed. she kept getting closer and closer to us which made me feel really uncomfortable. maybe its because of the way i look since i have dyed hair and am asian idk but my boyfriend suggested that we leave because she probably thought that we would steal something. i saw a similar review with the exact same situation but seriously if you are poc / look queer please just be careful here read more

I've shopped here frequently over the years. About a year ago I bought a sterling silver ring here with a blue stone. Unfortunately, the stone turned into a greenish brown color. I stopped by today to ask about it and was prepared to simply buy a new ring-- it was fairly inexpensive. The store was empty, and there were two people working there who did not greet me when I walked in, as they were busy complaining loudly about someone. I stepped up to the counter, and despite the workers standing behind the counter, and one person looking at me directly, they still didn't greet me. At one point, one looked like she was coming toward me, looked me in the eye and then grabbed her beverage and turned away. Finally I asked directly for help. I showed her the ring and asked to look at the identical one behind the counter. She got very nervous and told me they hadn't seen a stone turn brown before. She immediately told me that she would not contact the company for me, that I needed to do it myself. I hadn't even asked her to. She kept saying things like "well if it had been two weeks we maybe could help you." to which I responded, "do you expect a ring to turn brown after 2 weeks?" She then said she couldn't contact the company because they would "ask her questions" she didn't know the answer to. I have no answers either why a stone would turn brown with occasional wear, no chemicals, etc. I would think they would want to talk to the company about this if they are selling jewelry that turns brown. Anyway, I was just really turned off by the fact that they had an empty store, but yet basically told me I had to contact the wholesale distributor myself. It really seemed like these two are doing everything they can to do the least work possible! I typically think a nice thing about shopping at a local boutique would be the customer service.. not here. I did not buy a new ring, and will not shop here again. read more

I just came from A Priori Designs on Shattuck and Vine in Berkeley and had a wonderful shopping experience. Their owner and manager balance being present and helpful with allowing customers to shop and try on clothing without sales pressure. They've expanded their clothing lines with some of my favorite designers, and I've already found several new things that I love. Their home goods are lovely and varied. There is a wonderful assortment of small items, some that will make excellent stocking stuffers. I expect that, like last year, they will have a lot of holiday-themed items, like cards, candles, and tree ornaments. I will be doing all my holiday shopping there, no doubt finding some more clothes for myself. We're lucky to have this shop in our neighborhood. read more

I've been meaning to review this wonderful boutique for a long time. Although they have many beautiful things, the shop feels accessible with price points for all income levels. I'm on a fixed income so I really appreciate that. The staff are open and friendly but there is never any pressure. I'm so glad they are starting to carry books since the bookstore closed. I got my daughter a charming book about native birds on my last visit. Thanks for being here! read more

A Priori - Home Decor Near Me - Berkeley, California

Another circuitous route led to this review. I needed to replace a clock that sits on the windowsill in my office and doesn't keep proper time. When I was in Pot-Pourri a couple of weeks ago I noticed some wooden clocks that I wanted to look at more closely, but I wasn't sure whether any of them were the kind that sit on mantles or windowsills. Sunday I was out, so I stopped by Pot-Pourri after my first errand to look but found they were now closed Sunday in addition to Monday. Today I returned and asked Max. He didn't have any wooden clocks like what I wanted, but did have several small ceramic clocks on stands. That wasn't what I had in mind. He directed me to A Priori, saying they carried what I was looking for, so I walked down the block and into the store. I asked the woman at the counter where the wooden clocks were and she directed me to where they were displayed. There were several in various sizes, designs and price points. I looked at them all and there was one that was most practical and cheapest, but that wasn't the one that wanted to come home w/ me, so I brought the one that called me up to the desk. She told me that the man who made them lived in North Carolina and was impacted by the hurricane but has rebounded and is doing OK. She went in the back to find a piece of cardboard to protect the face of the clock and when she returned she had a new clock still in its box, which pleased us both. She rang me up and I returned to my car. I have removed the clock from its box, took the wooden panel off the back, removed the piece of plastic separating the AA battery from the terminals and set the time, then returned the back to the clock. It's beautiful and very well made. I was impressed w/ the care w/ which it was packaged. The face is decorated w/ three ginko leaves. Here are some photos so you can see it. Tomorrow when it's light I will take more; or not. read more

A Priori - The new clock - Home Decor Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Elegant, tasteful, fun home decor. Looked all over and this was simple, modern. Reasonably priced for hand-crafted home pieces.

I want to give a shout-out to A Priori Designs in North Berkeley. I soon will be doing some holiday shopping in this terrific store with its friendly staff. As an unskilled shopper, I appreciate being able to browse all of their great stuff. I especially like their handmade wood boxes and the local chocolate. They have a great selection of jewelry, and I'll enjoy picking something for my wife. Great store! read more

I stumbled upon this store by chance & I'm so glad I did! It's a really well rounded shop that has a little bit of everything. It's sooo cute and you can tell it's a small business based on the products being sold. They have great quality kitchenware and even clothing. I purchased a beautiful wooden cutting board, a Sherpa jacket on sale, some hair clips & multifunctional kitchenware and I'm so excited! Amy was super helpful and such a delight to work with, I'll definitely be back read more

WARNING: If you 'clearly look' POC and/or queer, this is not a safe space and they will follow you around the store as they did to me who identifies as both. I was at the store with my friend, just browsing and waiting for cheeseboard to open when I saw that the woman who was working started following us. Of course I didn't want to assume the worst, so I walked with my friend up and down the left side of the store where the purses are to see if she followed and SHE DID. She was right next to us the entire time, looking through the clothes racks. Every time we moved, she moved to the clothes rack closest to us. When I realized this I expressed to my friend that I wanted to leave, I don't feel comfortable and I don't want to be in a store that's going to profile us. We left and went to cheeseboard across the street, but my friend was fuming, as was I, and wanted to come back to get her name and confront her. When my friend came back from confronting the worker she said the worker's name was Lisa, and she claimed she wasn't following us. She then said she always walks behind customers to straighten up. However, if that was the case then why did I see her so often in the clothing racks. We NEVER, not once, touched the clothing racks, yet she was always there moving them around as if she was looking for something. During the confrontation my friend said Lisa wasn't looking her in her eyes while denying that she was following us and when she said sorry you felt that way. Lisa obviously seemed to be lying, and my friend said it felt very disingenuous. This is very disappointing as I really did want to buy a butter dish that they had, but I will not support a business that makes their customers feel uncomfortable. There's better business else where I promise. They may have signs outside that say they want to build community, but their actions made it obvious they do not. So unfortunate when Berkeley is full of diversity. To Lisa, if you're reading this, do better. My one review might not do anything, but I'll let karma pay it forward. read more

I have been shopping here since the very beginning. From their cute little store up the block, to their larger corner location. I have interacted with the owner, Lisa, and her manager, Amy, many, many times. Not only is this one of my favorite stores in the Bay Area, but Lisa and Amy are some of the nicest people you'll ever hope to meet - even when the holidays bring out the worst in customers! I've shopped for every member of my family here, and these gifts have been among the favorites my friends and family have received. If you haven't done your holiday shopping yet do yourself a favor and make one trip to A Priori. read more

A Priori - I got these for myself! - Home Decor Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this place. Beautiful and thoughtful merchandise in a welcoming environment. I'm so glad they were able to weather the lockdown and move to a better location! I bought all my holiday gifts there and will continue to support this great local business. read more

Great service and ethically sourced. Friendly staff happy to explain where products are from Great service and ethically sourced. Friendly staff happy to explain where products are from read more

I accidentally walked into this store thinking it was Earthly Goods and was pleasantly surprised to find this gem store. Great stuff especially the African American greeting cards (which you never see in Berkeley) and enough little gifts to complete my shopping list. read more

A Priori is one of my most favorite stores. It is truly gorgeous with so many unique and perfect items. I go in to purchase one gift and always leave with a few extra beautiful things that were too special to pass by. It's all put together and displayed wonderfully, so the vibe is inviting and relaxing, making it a cheery spot that's easy and fun to stroll through. The owner and staff members seem to have a great time curating everything, really "getting" and caring about their community. I would encourage a stop by this extraordinary store anytime you can. read more

Ultra high markup Kirkland tchotchke shop with an *impressively rude* owner/staff member. There are many wonderful places to buy well made things in berkeley, this is not among them. read more

This is a wonderful and delightful store, having so many wonderful and uniquely crafted artistry items for gifts or oneself. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The items in this store are from artistic kitchenware, scarves from foreign companies and USA, to many, many great and also useful items that are aesthetically very pleasing. The two owners, Lisa and Amy, are so kind and welcoming. I bring my friends here often. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I love this shop! It is wonderfully curated and is my dependable neighborhood go-to spot for birthday and thank-you gifts...and treats for myself :) Great variety of jewelry, home decor, accessories, kitchen items, bath and body products, cards and fun things for kids. Lisa takes great care of her customers. Thank you, Lisa! :) read more

I never get tired of coming into this establishment. You can tell a lot of thought goes into what they choose and why. This place has so many local goods and environmentally friendly wares. It has turned me on to sleek n sexy water bottles and fine ceramics. I've never considered myself someone who gets excited by a fine cheeseboard but I have to admit, their kitchen ware is exquisite. The ladies that run the joint r friendly as heck and super helpful. read more

Yes, this store has lovely things but beware of the return policy. I purchased a leather bag for almost $200. I changed my mind on the color when I saw it in natural light and it had a finicky zipper that was a struggle to close. I returned it within five days and was unhappily surprised when told I could only get a store credit. This is not a store that I frequent and there was nothing else I needed so I'm kinda screwed. I really wish someone would have mentioned the policy before I bought the bag. Yes, it is printed on the receipt but isn't that a bit late to find out? Since I posted the above, I was contacted by the owner and we worked out a satisfactory solution. So based on that and the fact that the store does have lovely and unique things, I'm revising my rating. I would definitely shop here again but I will keep the return policy in mind. read more

Don't go here with children (even if yours is a delicate angel). I was very clearly given the impression that they are not welcome. The woman working at the store was rude, cold, and unpleasant. Parents are responsible for their children's actions, obviously. My suggestion to you is that you allow parents to peruse your store just like any other adult. read more

I did some Christmas shopping for family, and absolutely love this store! So many wonderful choices that are reasonably priced and good for the world -- whether because of the use of recycled materials, support for local artists, and/or other environmental and socio-economic righteousness. The store staff are super too. read more

This is the place I go when I want a unique gift for someone. I also go here when I want to get a treat for myself as well. They carry this brand of sunglasses 'Fetch' that are super cute and support pet adoption. They have all sorts of jewelry and accessories as well as just random gift type stuff like mini terrariums, wooden wrist watches, and some kids items too. My friends and family have loved the unique gifts I have given them from here. read more

I found it! This is where the former proprietor from Re4m has landed. I LOVE this store - everything I loved about Re4m, but bigger, larger selection and in a better neighborhood! Couldn't be better timing with the Holidays coming and interesting people to shop for. Love this place! read more

A Priori is a neighborhood treasure. With a tasteful assortment of merchandise from all over the world, the store is welcoming, alluring even -- a great place to stop when you are strolling the neighborhood. A Priori has become my go-to destination for my hard-to-shop-for friends and family. I inevitably find something original, beautiful and functional. Love the variety and originality of the offerings! read more

A lovely store, with a truly lovely proprietress. Great vibes there. Very tasteful, with an Au courant edge. Lots of smart stuff, with a good design. I am daily using all the items I got there. To me, that is the test. Great location. read more

Great store! Tons of unique gifts for just about anyone, or your self. I especially like the home decor, and jewelery. Friendly and helpful and a go to place for any occasion. read more

Great place for gifts, cards, beautiful handbags, and more. Expect to find a very well-curated, interesting selection of unique and elegant housewares, gifts, kids' stuff, and all-around nice things, with a friendly, helpful, and very pleasant staff. While they have a lot of lovely stuff, I came back twice in a week to ogle their small but fabulous selection of really well-made beautiful handbags, from purses to totes. All real leather, all American-made by true craftspeople. If your taste leans towards pieces that are stylish and elegant but not boring, you're in luck. Nothing flashy, trashy, or hippie, just timeless, pretty styles in great, fun colors. I walked out with a brand-new bag in a perfect pale-green shade from longtime LA artisan Jo Ann Page, and I'm still finding lovely little details in it. I feel like it will last me a very long time and be a daily joy. Well-priced for the quality and for the assurance of knowing it was made here. Plus, this shop is very close to both the original Peet's coffee AND the Cheeseboard/Cheeseboard pizza. The Cedar/Shattuck shopping area is great. read more

one of my very favorite places to buy gifts for others (or myself!) The merchadise is all beautiful, very reasonably priced and beauifully laid out. nd both staff members are wonderful people who never push stuff on you read more