This Coles store has been in Southgate mall for ages. It is well worth a visit if you don't need…read morethe selection of a larger big chain bookstore. That said, while doing holiday shopping this year, I needed to visit a much larger Chapters location to find everything that I was looking for. Still, they're part of the same large company, so there's that! It seems to me that some care is paid to what items end up on the end displays and what books are talked up by bookstore employees which is something that is important in bookstores regardless of whether they are small independents or chain locations.

I really don't understand the difference between Coles, Chapters, and Indigo stores. Aren't they…read moreall part of the same giant brand? So isn't Coles just the small, kind of crappier version of Chapters? While this store isn't exactly large, its selection isn't too bad. The staff here were also very nice last time I was in. I have to give them props for allowing me to return a book after the 14-day time limit, albeit via store credit. It is a great policy that they allow full refunds on books within 14 days. I don't think Chapters does that, if I remember correctly. That store credit allowed me to offload the book club book I never got around to reading, and pick up Bossy Pants instead. Win!

While doing my Christmas shopping I had a particular book on my list that was very hard to find in…read morethe city. After phoning around, I thought I might try phoning Coles in Downtown Edmonton to see if they had it. I had nothing to lose at this point. The lady I spoke to on the phone was very confident and engaging. She mentioned that her store had 2 copies of the book I was looking for. She put both copies on hold, as they had different cover art, so I could choose. The next day I visited the store to pick up the book. The store was easy to find in the mall, and was fairly busy. The staff were plentiful and they looked like they were having a good time. To say the least, it was worth the visit downtown to get this particular book. If there is any area for improvement, it would have been nice to have a plastic bag instead of a paper one as I had to walk a fair distance out of the mall. Otherwise, I had a great shopping experience. I would come back again. If you are having a difficult time finding a particular book, phone here or another Indigo store near you.

I find that Coles is an 'okay' alternative to Chapters. I find this location to be lacking a lot of…read moreselection, however considering this is downtown, you do not have much of an option when it comes to bookstores. If you need something quick to read like a magazine or a popular book title, I would recommend this place. They do have a decent selection, just nothing comparable to Chapters. It is extremely convenient to pick something up for downtown professionals. Otherwise, there is not much in this store that would attract me to this location. The staff here were quite friendly, and gave me some good recommendations on fantasy/sci fi books to read from their current selection, which I found quite helpful. I often find myself amazed that Coles is still in business whenever I pass by this location, but there must be a steady stream of customers to support this business through.

I love this store. They are so passionate about their books…read more I was in yesterday to sell off a few of mine to make room for more. She always gives good deals. A very pleasant place to shop. This area is exploding with condos and businesses. I hope they do well.

Does anything smell better than the inside of an old bookstore? Correct answer is no. This place is…read morefilled to the brim with all sorts of cool stuff, new and old. If you're like me and you like vintage books and hunting for these types of goodies you'll really like Alhambra. You can find all sorts of cool stuff here that you never even knew you were looking for. The staff are very kind and helpful as well! If you need help finding something they're always eager to help. I like it here because there's a lot to look at and there's a lot of gems tucked away in the shelves. If you're looking for a cool gift or something to add to your collection you can almost always find something here. A big chunk of my vintage medical collection I've found from here. There's a lot of interesting history and there's books on pretty much any topic. Woodworking book from 1953? Check. Massive book about garden herbs? Check. Vintage 60's textbook on experimental psychology? Check. Midwifery manual from 1940? Check. If you're in the area, stick your head in and wander around. Prices vary depending on what you're looking at, but usually you get good deals on your finds. Books are super cool, and so is Alhambra.

I like the fact that they have a great selection, and are willing to at least try to get books in,…read moreunlike some of the big-box book stores. I'd heard of a new book in a series I'd been reading. A quick check at Audrey's showed they had 2 or 3 in stock, so I ordered one. I was kind of surprised, but not really. I'd give 10 starts if I could.

This fantastic local bookstore is sure to please - they host local authors for book signings; are…read morefast and friendly and beyond knowledgeable about books for ALL ages. Audreys Books is so easy to find.... On Jasper Ave, just look for the maroon awning and inside you will be transported to a world of books. Anything and everything you could want to read - magazines; non-fiction; new releases; local authors - they have it all. And, if you're not sure what you want to read they will help you find it. I've been to Audreys for 2 local author book releases... I love the fact they support local authors. Encouraging them to host book signings and book releases at the store and encouraging patrons to purchase local books. I've also called the store asking about what to buy for a niece, unsure about her age group and they made a suggestion, put it at the front so all I needed to do was run in and make the purchase. They are amazing, friendly and accommodating.

Lovely little store with friendly service…read more Is it just me? Or are they a little cheaper than Chapters? There isn't as much selection, but there's still little delights to grab for stocking stuffers and cute little gifts. There's the ever present mini books, but I really liked the environmental conscious 'Grow Me Money Plant' as well as other plants and flowers in a cube. Need stocking stuffers for the man who hates everything? I picked up a little contraption for the husband. You push buttons, and it gives various sound effects. There was another type available, but it only made increasingly obnoxious farting sounds. Maybe I should get him that one too. Score of the day was the $25.00 'Starfinder--The Complete Beginner's Guide to Exploring the Night Sky.' It came with it's own planisphere disk. I'm sure I'll be back again before Christmas.

So times are crazy with Christmas coming up and so are the shopping malls. I recently got the…read morechance to check out the new Coles bookstore located on the lower level of Kingsway Garden Mall (just outside of Zellers). The place looks great even though it feels small. The store was a happenin' place to be since the place was packed with shoppers. I really don't like to shop so I'm a list maker. I go in, get what I want and get out. I had a list of four books to locate before I had a panic attack. James, a Coles employee, was my hero. He located three out of the four books on my list... I was able to find the last one on my own using the computer for directions. The staff was great and I would totally go back to do my book shopping and I suggest you do the same.

If you're going to look for a book or board game here, then you came to the right place. I found a…read morefew board games here to add to my collection. I'm not much for book reading but if something catches my eye I tend to buy it. A great place to find a selection of books but if you want a definite answer for a specific book at location just check it through their website. Website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/ I find it very useful. They also added a section for unique gift shopping like mugs, bento lunchbox, & etc. A section for children books which is great for the easter season. Accessories such as book-markers are handy. Atmosphere is like a library but fresh books ready to be bought, staff is friendly, & parking is large. Starbucks is connected to the store which is quite nice. Recommended for anyone looking for a book or just a browse.

I've been here a few times and the last time was for a book signing. The parking on the weekends…read morecan be busy and difficult to find a spot in the front. We just parked at the back and walked around. The book we were getting signed was displayed right after walking in. There was confusion which way the line was going to pay though. The line when straight back but then it hit a book shelf and people lined up on either side of it. For busy times, it would be great to know where to stand. The layout isn't ideal with the shelves forming a V instead of horizontal lines. Even though the layout isn't great, the store is big and has lots of selection. They had children activities going on and it was great to see staff there and families doing crafts. The book signing line was along the wall by the Starbucks. People would cross to access the magazine area but it wasn't a major inconvenience for everyone. The staff were good to make sure we paid for our book and asked for our names for the book to be personalized. Someone offered to take our photo with the author which was a nice touch. I didn't browse much but did see to the side of the cash area is the stationary and gift area. A great addition to the strip mall but not a place I would frequent on busy weekends.

I'm always amazed at the things people cite as issues. The owner has overhead, he can't pay full…read morevalue for what you find on the internet. I found this store to have an amazing collection and the owner was way cool.

This store is so clean, you could eat off the floors. There is not one speck of dust anywhere. No…read moresmell of staleness or that faint mildewy odour so common with old books. Barb runs a superb business with some of the most interesting finds. She has books dating back to the 1600's. Look up and you'll see an autographed copy of Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk". Kids books, travel books, the classics.... With Rigoletto playing softly in the background, I could browse all day.

This chapters used to be my most favourite chapters for years! I went there yesterday and…read moreeverything felt like chaos!! Computers don't work! Not sure if they are removing them! And if they do, it's not very convenient! Starbucks is closed! Everything is moved and it seems like they have somehow 20-30 percent empty space! I'm not even sure if they are moving or closing that store! In general last visit was not very good and if they are not closing that location, I hope they come up with a plan and clean up the mess!

I love the kids section in this Chapters, I could get lost here for days!…read more There is usually an assortment of goodness to keep the wee ones occupied from a Train Table to a colouring table as well as places to sit and look at books, it's quite kid friendly. My recent visit was on the hunt for the elusive Shopkins which they had just received a whole shipment of AND they had a B3G1 Free sale! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. I cannot believe Shopkins were included but they were so we bought a whole whackload! Also picked up a bunch of cute thank you gifts and some clearance items for a rainy day. We were offered assistance by staff members no less than three times on our hour long recent visit and I had initially phoned to see if they had Shopkins in stock and if they were part of the sale. EXCELLENT customer service all around. What I don't like? CANADIAN book prices!!! But I can't really blame Chapters for that. Normally, I'd give 4 stars for this sort of place but the excellent customer service and beautiful kiddo zone left me all smiles even if my pocketbooks was $150 lighter. Thanks Chapters, and see you soon! PS - There is a Starbucks inside and the SOFTEST stuffed animals you will ever hug in the baby/gift area called "Jellycat."