This wonderful novelty toy store is brimming with popular and unique offerings for all ages. My…read morenine year old granddaughter and I had a wonderful time browsing. We only had 45 minutes to shop which was not enough time to check out everything, but with the guidance of the friendly, knowledgeable owner, we spent our time well. We selected fidgets for her, presents for her cousins as well as several games to bring on our annual family vacation in Narragansett, RI. It was great to be able to ask the store owner about items and get informed responses. It was much better than shopping online and searching for questionable product reviews. Again, we chose to support a small local business!

For a relatively small store, it's amazing how much interesting (to me anyway) stuff there is in…read morehere. When I first walked, in, I thought it was mostly for kids, but as I strolled around, I was amazed in a good way at the inventory here, including an assortment of smaller games (card, dice, social, party, etc), "grumpy old people" themed socks, a variety of interesting books, and more. There's a lot of things here which I don't necessarily need but are still calling out for some of my discretionary income. I have quite a few friends who would also definitely enjoy coming here when they visit me.

I came here as part of a Yelp Elite event. I work nearby but had never noticed this place. In fact,…read moreeven after I parked I didn't see it because it was night outside. However, upon discovering it I was warmly welcomed into a whole different world of books. I should say upfront that my favorite thing to do is lay around the house and read a train magazine. Reading is my passion, and also my career. I just love it. So, finding a bookstore like this is a really nice experience. His shop focuses on old books (old paper), and as such you won't find the newest releases here. However, it is well stocked and neatly sorted and likely is what a bookstore looked like 100 years ago. Also scattered around the place are records, old board games, Lionel trains, toy cars, and other such things to delight and amuse. I spent about 5 minutes talking with the owner and his reason for running the store is very thoughtful and interesting. I will let you ask him if you want to find out what it is, but I fully support it. I can't see how he makes a lot of money on his sales, as his prices were very reasonable. In addition to the free book and toy (thanks!) he gave as part of the Yelp event, I picked out two other books and a train toy that interested me to buy. It isn't the sort of place you would visit to a lot unless you collect the classics, but it is the sort of place you go to if you want to lose a half-hour and a couple of dollars and walk away with a couple of adventures and diversions in paper form. I highly recommend the place.

Great little spot with a lot of used books, movies, toys, clothes and all kinds of stuff.read more

Wife and I stopped in after finding this place online and looking for mechanical toys. Called ahead…read moreand the guy was super friendly and helpful, and after we arrived was just as friendly and helpful, as well as being a delight to talk to. He was more than happy to show us items behind the counter and you could tell that he was just happy and proud to talk about the things he's collected. He really loves what he does and it shows. The store has a bit of everything for everyone, just shelves and shelves of stuff you could spend hours looking at. We left with some amazingly unique and eccentric items, even scoring a deal after some negotiating. An amazing store and an amazing owner.

BEWARE! I purchased an autograph from this seller with a Beckett hologram which I believed to be…read moreauthentic. Recently a dealer looked at the piece and hologram and said they believed the autograph and hologram were not good so at my own expense I sent to Beckett and it came back as not an authentic signature or hologram. The seller (Chris at Junkdrawer) would not refund stating they do not guarantee pieces over 30 days, so If you are buying anything from this seller be prepared to spend the additional time and money to verify with PSA/Beckett/JSA or be out the money you spend. I lost $200 in a very expensive lesson.

When I walked in, I wasn't greeted, even though staff acknowledged other customers who entered…read moreafter me. I spent about 15 minutes browsing and tried to ask a question about a title I was looking for, but the response I received felt dismissive and rushed. The staff member didn't make eye contact and seemed uninterested in helping. What stood out most to me was the difference in tone and attentiveness shown to other customers compared to my interaction. I left feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, which was disappointing because I wanted to support a local bookstore.

I have stopped twice while waiting for a patient at the Stram center nearby. The selection is…read morewonderful- books of course, but also lots of gifts! There is jewelry, cards, socks, reusable bags, toys, journals and 3-D flower arrangements (paper). The staff is friendly and helpful. I think I heard them offer to gift wrap! Shopping local is SO much more rewarding than waiting for an Amazon box to arrive.

I came here with my wife recently, who is an Otaku. If you don't know what that means, don't worry…read more However, this likely isn't your store. There are lots of anime and cartoon themed items here: shirts, mugs, crock pots (!), games, candy, back packs, hats, novelties, toys, etc. It has a decided slant towards Japanese pop culture, though other things such as "The Office" (show) and Disney characters made appearances here and there. I enjoyed walking through with my wife and it seemed like a cute, well laid out store. That being said, I am not an Otaku and probably wouldn't be back. My wife, on the other hand, certainly will. It is a niche market that either you like or your don't. Stop in though and look around because you might just discover a little Otaku inside you...

Lots of cool Albany swag. Even if you live here, you'll want a sweatshirt! Or a shot glass with…read moreNipper on it. Lots of unique things too, from body butter to bar tender essentials to books about Albany. Stop by and browse! It's a small boutique located in downtown on Broadway.

While I do understand that the ownership has changed and inevitably will give the store a different…read morevibe, my main issue has been that in the times I have been into this store since the change in ownership and management, the staff has been unpleasant and on one occasion in particular, made my friend and I feel very uncomfortable as she had a loud and extremely personal phone call during the entire time we were in the store without even acknowledging that we were there at all. I do think the selection has always been great, and I appreciate the emphasis on supporting local work, although that also seems to have changed a bit since the change. It is a pricey location for most things, but I do always enjoy seeing what is in the store, the card selection is consistently excellent, and it is a great place to find a gift!

Jay St. Video Games is a video game store that specializes in selling vintage video games and pop…read moreculture items. Also, they sell new video games, movie posters, and collectibles. Bearing in mind, this Jay St. location is extremely small and is not as good as their other locations. I personally find a lot of the stuff here cool and I love vintage games, but the prices are ridiculous. A lot of these games cost well over $20 and some are over $100. The old PlayStation 2 games are about $20 a piece and I can buy them online for half that. In similar fashion, the brand new video games usually cost more here than anywhere else, I suggest going to GameStop instead. I would also like to mention that the employees here are usually rude and treat the customers poorly. However, this Jay St. does have a lot of classic movie posters and large variety of vintage games even if they are overpriced. Once and for all, Jay St. is fine vintage game store, but it's expensive and the employees are rude.

everyone is always super nice and helpful! always have everything i need within their selection at…read morea great price.

I went in to browse and found some lovely books for my grandsons and a birthday card for my sister…read more What a large assortment of stunning items for almost everyone I know. Free membership that doesn't expire. Discounted items (including book shelves of them as well) from holidays and their book selection offers. Helpful, kind present people working there. It's downtown Schenectady so street parking. (Best to go on Sunday)

The Open Door is Schenectady's locally-owned independent bookstore and gift gallery, serving the…read morecapital region for 50 years. We carry a wide selection of literature for adults and children, including those of local and regional interest, as well as an expansive variety of toys, gifts, jewelry, stationery, personal accessories and home goods. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady on the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall, they are around the corner from Proctors Theatre and many restaurants. There is lots of parking. The knowledgeable staff is wonderful to deal with in person or by telephone. The store even offer a frequent shopper rewards card. I had to pick up a book I ordered. Like many people, I prefer to support small businesses rather than Amazon and large mall bookstores whenever I can. The store was packed with great displays of books and gifts artfully arranged. I am always impressed with the space and attention devoted to books etc. for children. Before I checked out with the book I ordered, I selected a children's board book, three greetings cards, a stained glass frame for a 5 X 7 photo, and an adorable pair of llama socks for my young granddaughter. Great retail therapy!