Just heard about the new store opening. Spent many hundreds of dollars at the old one, but haven't been to it in years, won't be going in, for one reason - I know the owners, at least what's left of them. I used to find going in to the store great - used books, good selection, cards, knicknacks, etc. The core consumer experience at this store, on the face is this - Lovely products stocked by lovely people. Not so much. They employ purchasing of items at big box stores to stock shelves during big events. Not so indie minded. Sad that there are no competitors in the Phoenix market because I believe independent bookstores are one of societies most important business ventures. Overall, the experience here is not so good. They really are no different than any corporate bookstore and are also not so open to accurate, honest, documentable criticism--they scrubbed my previous review even though it accurately represents exactly who they are and how they go about business. For a company as interested in pushing their value to the community, they aren't so good at allowing customers who've had opposing experiences to air that here and share information that is important to know if you are a customer. When you shop here, customer, be fully aware that any excellence you feel is strictly because of employees who love books and NOT because of the owners. These owners now and owners past have stood on the shoulders of their staff for decades and always take the credit for what they are not good at doing - being real. Any books you find that you love, be thankful to the next floor person you see there. The staff are great readers and love books and will help you find the next great novel or memoir that will move you. If you'd like to see the full, unedited, unscrubbed-by-Changing Hands review,send me a message and I'll get it to you. read more

Very immature and disrespectful behavior they showed today .very disappointed from the bookstore's mgrs. They should remember that they need to be appreciated from customers, not to force them to say "very sorry". read more

Great place to trade your books! I bring my daughter here, she loves giving them her old books and being able to pick out new treasures.

I am a big fan of indie bookstores. Changing Hands is a good one, if mostly for the cozey atmosphere. Mmmmm booksmell. Good size store, plenty of new books with some used scattered throughout. They have a gifty section and an appropriately overflowing children's/young adult department. They are also attached to Wildflower Bread Co. Mmmm breadsmell. And they offer a kind of "Frequent Buyer" card that you can get punched for every certain amount you spend & you get a discount when you fill a card. Disappointing selection of design books. Borders wins hands down when it comes to that. There are folks on staff who can conduct rare book searches, but I wasn't impressed as they never called me back on the two searches they were supposed to do for me. I wish they had more places for customers to park themselves and read, as stools/benches/the floor isn't very comfy. read more

Whenever I walk into Changing Hands, I get this happy little butterfly feeling I can't explain. I am definitely a kid in a candy shop....No more like Charlie in Wonka's Chocolate factory. This is the most delightful bookstore in Phoenix in my opinion. They have a nice selection of new and used books and lots of fun unique etc. items for purchase. I have found some semi rare stuff here. The staff is soo frickin friendly, it's ridiculous. I just feel at home when I am here and never want to leave. read more

Local bookstores are often a delight, but Changing Hands is truly delicious...mmmm....books. Plus, I saw Sarah Vowell here which was uber cool. yes, I am a fan. boom read more

I have been a fan of Changing hands for about 7 years now. The staff is helpful and open to conversation. The have a great variety of books and also carry a lot of used copies of McSweeneys which I really enjoy. I love the atmosphere and the good deals on used books. I do like the idea of supporting local businesses as well. read more

This is one of the best bookstores I have ever visited in Arizona. Great selection of books, gifts, great book signings, overall worth the stop! read more

My favorite bookstore. They have an awesome selection of new and used books. There is also a gift boutique with perfect little knick knacks that make perfect presents! The Wildflower restaurant that is attached has amazing food and a delicious bread selection! read more

Worst planning I've seen from a bookstore. Oversold tickets to Sally Field book signing. Hundreds of folks, myself included, didn't even get our books signed. It'd be different if we hadn't paid twice what we would have for the book, had we just been buying it off the shelf. Greed. Greed. Greed. Total and complete waste of my day. Thanks for nothing. You guys need to fix this somehow, and not with a signature card stamped with her autograph. It's not the same thing as the book being signed, and having been able to speak with her and get a photo. Used to think you were pretty principled. Turns out you're just like the rest of them. Won't set foot in your stores again and will recommend that none of my family or friends does either. read more

i could see myself spending major amounts of money at this place if i lived here. it's a well organized bookstore. the sections are well defined and in a logical order. they have a bunch of knick knack items and new books as well as used books. you can trade in your old books. they have stamp cards, for every $100 you get $10 off your next purchase. read more

Excellent independent bookstore. I've been going there for years, and followed them from their original location on Mill Ave. The staff are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and well read. I've always been able to find the niche book I happen to be looking for, and usually, a couple of additional ones "land in my basket". They have both new & "pre-read" books, so you can often pick up a gently used copy for 1/3 the price of new. read more

This store is so awesome! I needed a study guide right away, went to other bookstores last night, not in stock. They said they could order but that it could take 7 days to get delivered AND it would be $70! Called this store this morning and the sales clerk went and checked , sure enough they had ONE copy left for $22 dollars!!! The store is full of funny ass knick knacks and u will definitely be coming back as you all should too read more

Such a fun store! They have all kinds of gifts like jewelry that I haven't seen other places, and a ton of books! In my opinion an inordinate amount of floorspace is taken up by hippie/ spiritual/ new age stuff. The science fiction, fantasy and science sections are somewhat lacking especially as far as used books go. I do love to go there though for gifts or to buy books for myself! It is always fun and they do usually have books I want. read more

I love this bookstore. When i move i will be very sad to leave and not have one of these around. They carry used books and new books. You can trade or sell. They have a very cute area for kids to read books and play. Every week they have events and book groups that get together and family events on the weekends. We have seen Clifford the Big Red Dog, and the Grinch. Every Thursday they have story time for kids at 10am. You can order books online and have them ready for you there. i have no complaints about this bookstore. They are also attached the Wildflower Bread Company which has awesome food. read more

I am always a fan of a clean, new and used bookstore that also happens to be well organized, independent and attached to a delicious restaurant! The selection is plentiful, the staff is helpful and the community events are great. Three things about this store I have had the pleasure to experience myself. If you're looking to buy a small gift, check out a new book, or maybe watch a great documentary on a week night - this a great place to do it. Support books and keep print alive! read more

Gift givers paradise while being a gift to our community! The precious people who run this store need our support to keep this jewel of a shop vibrant. Penna and many of the people around her have been selling me books for years. They have brought the most amazing people to our community for book signings and have brought us enlightenment in the variety of programs that they schedule. I love this place! read more

I have always felt good in this store. The books are great and the gifts are wonderful and some are very nice. The children's books section are a treat. The people there are very helpful and they have books for sale on stands outside in front of the store. There is a coffee shop connected to the store and I have brought many of my old books there to exchange. They only take the ones they need or can sell of course and ask if you want to donate the others whIch I sometimes have done. I enjoy going there! read more

First time visit this shop. I was surprised by the good conditions of these used books. These books are clean and well maintained. The selections were good too. Recommend to any book lovers. read more

gotta love an independent book store in a world of huge chains like Barnes and Noble. they've always had a book i was looking for, and plenty of gift items for someone on your list. plus, they are ALWAYS hosting some author or event... i get press releases every other day about another event here. Local and national authors, big and small, from books on sex in your 60s to workshops on how to get your children's book published. they really have a sense of community, bringing people together, holding events that will truly benefit their customers, and 99% of the events are FREE. plus, they're right by Trader Joe's and Wildflower, so it's a fun little pit stop before morning coffee or after a shopping trip. read more

I can spend hours in this store. They have such a wide variety of items, I am always discovering unique things. Awesome customer service, everyone here is extremely kind and helpful. Love to relax, read a book, and explore here. read more

Amazing book store! Great local store with lots of shopping options. It's like its own little community. Besides being a great place to pick up new and used books it's also great for gift shopping. The children's section is excellent. They also offer author meet and greets, kid events, classes, lectures and so much more! The staff is always nice and helpful. Love this place and I stop in any chance I get. read more

The best book store. A good place for kids to find books they like. SW corner.

A hidden gem. In these days of growing big-box bookstores and ever shrinking small bookstores, this one stands out as one of the best. A wide selection of new and used books covering an eclectic range of subjects, I rarely pass up an opportunity here when I'm in town. Friendly, helpful staff, inviting surroundings, good prices; what could be better. I'd compare it to Denver's Tattered Cover before they made the move to their new store. Superlatives fail me for this one. read more

Best bookstore in town, for all of the reasons everyone has written below. I miss the old location on Mill... but the new location is near lots of other cool stuff. And I love the gifts section... can always find something neat and eclectic for a birthday etc. read more

I love this place! The staff is always friendly and they have a great children's section, which not only has a great selection of new and second-hand books, but a large selection of quality toys (aka, educational and not made out of plastic!). I also love that there is a Wildflower connected, in case you are craving something to snack on. read more

Cool place. I couldn't find a book I needed (it was somewhat rare, can't blame them), and I agree with the orgininal poster that the design selection was limited. Those are the reasons for the one star off. I could care less that its "independent". Its quality, but I honestly don't see a difference between here and any other bookstore (in terms of selection, aethetic, etc) other than it being frequented by the mountain-biker-in-spandex-shorts type. Then again I don't go to a bookstore to interact w/ people, I go to get books. So it's purpose is served. read more

I always go just to clear my mind, but always end up buying another book :O. It is just too tempting. I've got really good deals on hard copy used books in almost new conditions! And they have so many interesting new books and there is always some author or an activity going on. It is very much like a home place. read more

I support local business, recycle everything, eat clean, and consume as much used product as I possibly can. If you're anything like me, Changing Hands Bookstore is the place to spend your hard earned money. Everyone in there makes you feel welcome, from the cashiers to the stockers and your fellow shoppers. I also actively participate in many of the events held by Changing Hands. (Book signings, language classes, discussion groups, workshops, ect.) Oh and if they don't have what you're looking for in stock, they will gladly order it. Get involved. read more

This bookstore is the diadem in the crown of all that is shopping local. The selection and knowledge of the staff are huge for such limited square footage, not just books but really wonderful and unique gift selections. If they don't have a book in stock, they will in less than a week. Their bathrooms are much cleaner and easier to access then Amazons, and don't forget to pick up a calendar, their community events cater to all ages and tastes. If that isn't enough to get you to visit, they are attached to a Wildflower Bread company (tasty food and beverages) and just down the way from Hoodlum's Records (Best Music Store in AZ!) read more

the best! thank you for having mr palahniuk, and beautiful you is a blast to read! read more

These are the types of bookstores I like, independently owned. Unfortunatly I've been there 2 times where they didn't have what I was looking for. But if I'm going in there with nothing in mind, I leave with tons of stuff. It's also great for gifts when you don't know what to get someone, they have lots of crafty local artist stuff for sale. read more

This place is a relaxing environment and you feel it when you walk it. I had a reading done there and I loved it.

I cannot say enough great things about Changing Hands. I was lucky enough to live right behind this neighborhood gem for a year, and I could only survive a few days without walking over and exploring. Free wi-fi? Check. An awesome selection of new (and used) books? Check. Author talks and other great creative workshops? Check. Fun, quirky gifts? Check. Direct connection to a delicious sandwich and soup shop? Check, check check! I would send anyone in the Valley to Changing Hands. Find a quiet corner, cozy up with a book that was lovingly cared for by it's previous owner, and relish in the stories that surround you! read more

Best local book store I've been in in the Phoenix area. So many wonderful things to look at! Books, journals, candles, cards, incense, puzzles, meditation pads, wind chimes, and much more. I will definitely be going back!! read more

I've been going to changing hands bookstore for quite some time now Wildflower being connected to it does not hurt at all But changing hands is awesome too Not corporate like Barnes & Noble but not overly full and cluttered like bookmans can be read more

I've never had a bad experience at changing hands. The staff is always so pleasant and eager to help. Whenever I can't find something, they'll make sure I either walk out the door with that book or make sure I find it elsewhere. They even showed me a website that has no affiliation because I was looking for an older and more rare book. Now that's customer service! Plus having the wildflower cafe next door is a plus because it makes for a good mother/daughter lunch date :) read more

Absolutely adore this place! They buy and sell used books along with having new books. They have an array of all things funny as well. Looking for unique gifts? This is your place! Candles, incense, novelty, cute, quaint trinkets are all over the place. A lot of Archie McPhee stuff! Book selection is amazing and plenty of books and crannies to sit and read. It's also connected to a wild flower or panera, I can't remember but it's nice to have a snack or meal and enjoy some good reading. They also do some interesting events. Kudos to the place for being around for so long and THRIVING!!! read more

I love supporting local shops and this one is one of my favorites. We love coming here for unique gifts, books, story time, and puppet shows. They even have an improve night! What more can you ask for in a bookstore? Oh, that's right... they also sell new and used books! read more

In the desolate stretch of desert and tumbleweed, Changing Hands, you are my beacon of light. The magnanimous nature of CH compensates for the fact that I sneeze roughly 8.7 times more in Arizona than I do anywhere else. This bookstore has both used books, which are marked with a nifty little dot on the spine and new books. I purchased a hardback memoir for $6.95. We perused the compilation of books recommended by the staff, which was very helpful. My gf and I even inhaled gourmet sandwiches at the adjoining bakery in between skimming back covers and paring down the book selection. Changing Hands is an awesome local bookstore and a refreshing change from the ho hum corporate Borders/Barnes and Noble environment. read more