If you love (and use) fine stationery, this is your happy place! Lots of open stock pens, sealing wax and brass seals, pen refills, fountain pens and fountain pen supplies, fountain pen-friendly papers, and of course, cards and a small amount of giftware! They have journals, planners, planner refills, Crane stationery, and a selection of fine gift wrap. You can find Claire Fontaine and Rhodia products here, as well as a few European and Japanese brands. I can usually find what I need here without assistance, so I don't really have much of an opinion about the customer service except to say that it's not exceptionally warm personalities at the register. This isn't important to me, but if it is for you, this is not a place where the staff will hold your hand or check on you actively. Still a solid little neighborhood stationery store, and very different in terms of stock and character from its sister store in Berkeley's Elmwood Neighborhood (I shop both). read more

This is a great local shop that carries a wide selection of stationary items that I just love! Of course the usual writing implements but also refills, notebooks, mailing envelopes, colorful single sheets of paper in large and small sizes with matching envelopes, tea towels, CA themed goodies and more! Items are more pricey than the big chain stores but it's okay because when I need something in a pinch, this shop is perfect. On another occasion, I stopped in for a specific type of birthday card that they didn't have when I eyed the Chinese New Year red envelopes. The price? A couple dollars for one. Yikes! Parking is generally easy and free. The staff is friendly and helpful. Please support this local business. Go in and browse the goodies here. read more

They have a wide selection of daily and weekly planners. Just what I need as January 1 approaches.

I love this cozy cluttered little shop. Whenever I need cards or small gifts I stop by here. It's chockablock full of stuff...and I usually end up buying more than I went in for. I also love supporting small local businesses...so should you! read more

I adore this store! I still sends cards often and their selection is excellent as well as the swath of writing instruments, paper goods, gifts, high end journals of all types and all things Stationery. Staff is so helpful and we so value having a gem like this one in our community. Abundant free parking in a plaza that offers a wonderful selection of stores. Highly recommend! read more

One of my favorite places for cards, notebooks, fun office supplies, and gifts. I always leave with some little (or big) goody. If you enjoy paper products and office supplies, this is your spot' read more

I noticed all the pretty greeting cards outside the shoppe, and decided to go inside to see what other things they had. I had planned to purchase a few cards, but there was a customer paying. The interaction between them was kind of odd. I kept walking around the shoppe until the employee was free. Walked right in front of her, and absolutely no acknowledgement. Stood there...nothing. I walked out...cute local shoppe, but horrible customer service. My money is better spent elsewhere. read more

Nice display of cards, but POOR customer service and, honestly blatant racist behavior I had to experience. Had an awful experience here. The white lady at the front was extremely snappy when I tried to come in an buy a greeting card from them. Disappointing customer service for a local business. I wouldn't recommend coming here. read more

The atmosphere in this shop is awful. The woman working there this morning was complaining to one customer about her "shit day" (It was 10AM) and her dog's problems when another customer came in. She was saying she just bought a certain item and it doesn't work and could it be replaced. The owner said "fine, get another one" then later argued with her that it was old and on and on. She was SO RUDE it was actually awkward being in there listening to this. They had cute stuff but I had to leave. Super unpleasant. read more

Best place to get pen refills. My sympathies are with the cashier. While I was perusing the pen refills, a tall, youngish white guy carrying a 4' long package charged in with his son stating "I hear you have UPS pickup. Where can I leave this?" The cashier demurred explaining that their storage space for packages was too small to accommodate such a large package. The guy waved aside her objection said that the package was light [not the point] and then propped the package in the counter opening. The cashier gave in and the guy left without so much as a thank you let alone making a purchase. The other customer in the store wondered aloud why the guy didn't take his package to the UPS Store just down the street. I commented on entitlement and arrogance. The cashier confirmed that the guy had not previously been in the store (i.e. not a customer) and said that fear of bad Yelp reviews kept her from pushing back. read more

The store has a great inventory and I have recently purchased some greeting cards and other gift items. However, each visit has been has been met with very poor and disappointing customer service. The staff member (who has been previously mentioned in other reviews) who carries her dog while she works is very rude and makes no effort to engage with customers. On my last visit, she didn't bother to say hello and was annoyed when a customer came in prior to closing (10 minutes before the store closed). She gave a big sigh when the woman asked if she could quickly come in and grab a birthday card. She was in the process of bringing in all the stands and apparently wanted to get out ASAP--her efforts paid off because she ended up leaving the store at exactly 6:04pm. I'd love to continue supporting a local business especially during these hard times but I might very well visit other stores who are happy to engage with customers and have much more pleasant employees. read more

This store is truly a happy place for me. A wonderful selection of fine and fun pens that you can hold and try (unlike the chains). Iconic office supplies by the item...do you need two file folders rather than a a box of 25? This is your spot. They also have unique greeting cards and small gifts. I found a great little something for my boss as a thank you. When I was in this afternoon I was assisted by a lovely woman and her little dog who was more than happy to dig around for a pen refill that I was asking about. I found exactly what I came in for, three Le Pens in particular colors, (they carry the whole collection) and you only need by one, not an assortment. Some folks like boutique clothing, Elmwood in my kind of boutique! read more

This is much smaller than their College Ave location. They had tons of Christmas cards but their regular card selection was sparse. They seem to have a limited selection of pens, office supplies and other items. Staff seemed friendly enough. Wouldn't make this a destination spot but might include it with a Lafayette visit. read more

This is an amazing little store. Yes, you can find all the office basics here, but go in sometime when you have a few extra minutes to spare - explore-and you'll be happily surprised. Lots of little, interesting items- many good unusual gift ideas too. Their buyer has a very keen eye and knows what their customers are looking for. I consider this store to be one of the best in the Lamorinda area. read more

I was in the store yesterday to buy a couple birthday cards. I found two (the same card) priced at $3.99/each. I also grabbed a cute & funny little recycled coin purse, just big enough to fit a gift card. When I went to check out, my total for the three items was over $18. When I asked what was so expensive the cashier explained that the owner had increased the price of the birthday cards by $2.00 a piece. So, a 50% price increase. She said it was there on a 'post it note' on the cash register. So the owner had increased the price of their merchandise, did not have that 'post it' where the customer could see it. Cards are priced by their manufacturer on the back of the card! This shop owner is nuts! I'm not a cheap skate, hello... I live in Lafayette, unfortunately I'm used to this ridiculous mark up. But not sneaky like that. Bad business. Buyer beware! I want to shop local but this is terrible. read more

Noticed their 25% off coupon from the Lamorinda stub book which is the reason I knew they existed in the first place. Apparently, a discount on kiddie erasers is too much for the younger sales lady to offer. Shoved the coupon in the drawer and rudely asked, do you want a bag? No "thank you" on the purchase, no nothing. Too bad, love small business, but this one's small on customer service, big on attitude. read more

Two days ago I visited the store to buy lead refills for my Pilot Dr. Grip pencil. After searching without success, I asked the woman behind the counter if the store carried these refills. She asked "Did you look in the Pilot Dr. Grip section?" I replied that I had, but didn't see any lead refills. She said she would go and look after she finished what she was doing. I returned to the pencil section and eventually found the leads. I returned to the counter to pay. She told me the price, took my cash, handed me a receipt, and that was it. She never smiled, never spoke a word of thank you, have a nice day or any other comment. She seemed completely disinterested in what she was doing. While I was in the store, there was one other customer also wandering around trying to find a specific item. The clerk made absolutely no gesture to help either us. Neither did she say "Hello" as I entered the small shop. I have made my last visit to Elmwood Stationers. read more

I sure wish I could give this store a good rating, because I love stationers stores, but I am afraid the customer service at Elmwood is so terrible I am inspired to write my first yelp review. I went in looking for a Cross ballpoint refill in blue, with a bold point. Perhaps this isn't the most common Cross refill, but other good stationers carry it. Here's how good customer service would sound: Customer, 'Do you have a Cross ballpoint refill in blue with a bold point?" Clerk,"I don't think we carry that because there's not much demand. Let me see if I can order one for you. No, I am sorry, my supplier doesn't carry that product. There aren't a lot of other stationers around here, but I would recommend . . ." INSTEAD, here is Elmwood (I was helped by an older woman who appeared to be very unhappy to have customers bothering her): Customer, "Do you have a Cross ballpoint refill in blue with a bold point? Elmwood, "Un Uh. No." Customer, "Can you order one for me?" Elmwood, "Probably not. Let me look" type type type, "Un uh." Customer, "Are there any other stationers around here?" Elmwood, "No." Customer, "What about Walnut Creek?" Elmwood, "Un Uh. Only Staples or Office Max." If that's the kind of business you want to support, go ahead. But, I can find other stationers where the clerks are friendly. I don't care if a place doesn't carry something. But I expect the clerks to be cordial. This place is a throwback to the unfriendly little shops of my childhood. I have a hard time imagining it making it in today's market. read more

Wonderful choice of merchandise. However I recently purchased three pens and the first color I tried to write with was dead. I took them all back to show them but when I I tried to explain one didn't write the woman clerk insisted they didn't even carry that color. She refused to even listen to me and turned away. She started to help another customer and completely ignored me. I've been shopping there since the first week they opened and have never been so rudely treated, especially I from a store in Lafayette. Since I owned a business in Lafayette for several years i know the importance of maintaining good relationships. Will not patronize them again and will be sure to get the word out of their service!! read more

Great local shopping experience. Supporting our neighborhood shops is a priority for me. I can easily zip down to fax docs and shop for office suppolies and ideal gifts. Love it. Lafayette's secret. read more

Great store for people who love stationary and its paraphernalia. Outstanding selection of greeting cards that ranges from funny to whimsical to classy. Great gift assortment and pens galore for people who are into that type of thing (I came because they sell Seven Year Pens). read more

I've been hesitating writing for awhile but I'm hoping they will take these reviews to heart and do something about their customer service. Like a lot of the other reviews I want to support small local businesses. They have a nice selection of supplies, but every time I've been in this store they barely acknowledge your presence. Questions appear to be a complete nuisance and if you make a purchase, it feels like the very act of ringing you up is the worst possible chore the cashier could be doing. The woman who I see most regularly is middle aged with short brown hair and seriously gives the feeling she'd love her job, if it wasn't for all those pesky customers. Seriously we have lots of choices, literally right next door for stationery, I hope the owners are able to realize that simply being a small business will get the people in this town to walk through the door, but please make an honest effort to keep us coming back. Say hello, look like you want us to be there, and answer our silly questions with a smile. read more

Ah! There's a new woman working in the shop, and she's a total sweetie! Was walking past, needing a card, and noticed someone different behind thr counter. So I went in, and was greeted warmly. She was really sweet and helpful with other customers, too. A 180 from my previous experience. :-) read more

It is good to care. This place has the worst customer service I have received in quite awhile. I have gone into this store several times and every time I get the feeling that the people running the shop wished I had not. I work in a field that has a large customer service component, so I realize that it is often tricky. However, buck up and at least pretend to care. read more

I walked in all smiles only to be treated by the people behind the counter like they were doing me a big favor. I deserve respect as a customer at the very least. I am paying for your services. Usually I like shopping at small businesses. However, with such customer service I'd rather go elsewhere. read more

Tried to support local small business. Went in and was treated terribly. I have been a regular customer, and planned on continuing to be a regular customer and told many other people about this store. Went in to buy a label maker, but found I couldn't find my 25% off coupon in my purse (It would still be more expensive even with the coupon, but I like to support small business). The Manager told me once I found the coupon, they would refund the difference. I explained I was organizing my house and was unlikely to find it. I then asked if she could make an exception. NO. Could she call the owner and ask to make an exception NO. I have never been treated so rudely anywhere before! Now I have to go back and try to remember all the people I told about this store. Bottom line, RUDE, UNHELPFUL, CONTENTIOUS, and NASTY! Won't ever go back!!! read more

Super service- very helpful. I did a small special order and they were very professional/informed and helpful.. I read earlier posts and went in worried. However they were a perfect 10! read more

Elmood Stationers replaced Contra Costa Stationers in the same strip mall as Trader Joe's. They have much more selection than CVS. While their prices may not be as low as big-box stationers, they are convenient to Lamorinda residents and provide good service. If they don't have what I want, they order it for pickup the next day. read more