While strolling through OTR on a recent weekend to Cincinnati, I found myself wanting to pop into…read moreevery store that caught my eye and seemed interesting. Took Baru enticed me with its window as I strolled down the sidewalk, and I could't help but wander over and see what might all be inside. It's a fun and eclectic gift shop with cheeky magnets, attractive jewelry, and whimsical gifts. I especially loved the fisherman tea steeper, that looks like a tiny person perched on the side of your cup as your tea steeps. I browsed the cute greeting cards and looked at so many cute trinkets. Great for gifts, not so great for someone trying to downsize and move . . . But I digress! If you find yourself wandering through OTR, check this place out! You might just find a new favorite place!

Fun little store with a unique and charming selection of goods, perfect for gifting. Wonderful to…read morehave in the neighborhood.

The owner knows her stuff! She has great taste and knows the fashion world. Her selections are…read moretop notch and in great condition. Well worth the price tag for the rare items you cannot find or duplicate so easily. To top it off, her window dressing is impeccable! I'll have to take pictures to show you what I mean. She's the bright spot on the Northside!

I am updating a previous 5-star review based on recent experiences. Please note in my previous…read morereview how I specifically address the fact that the business owner is willing to negotiate on prices and commonly gives discounts on large quantities. This is important for the information below Quick take: If you decide to try Hi-Bred, I hope you have deep pockets. And don't forget, the owner is always right, never the customer. Back story: I have shopped at Hi-Bred nearly two dozen times over the past 9 years. In the past, when the owner (Shawna) was located at her previous space near Walnut Hills, I really enjoyed visiting her. The selection was good and the prices were fair. Nearly every time I purchased with her she would negotiate on bulk sales and willingly offered discounts for items that had issues; loose buttons or tiny tears. As is common with vintage clothing stores in Cincinnati (Pixel 19 vintage, RAD OTR, etc.) the more clothing you purchase the more willing they are to offer a bulk discount... some places even advertise this. The last few times I had been to Hi-Bred I left disappointed with the selection, the prices, and inclusion. However, I kept returning in hopes I was visiting on an off day. As the operator of a small family owned business myself, I understand the stress of an operation such as this... and we all have bad days. I get it. However, I also know this is the career I picked and that fair prices, patience, and kindness are the ingredients to success. Sadly, these critical ingredients are now missing at Hi-Bred. More details about the owners communication: The last three times I had been in, Shawna seemed very unwelcoming. I totally understand having an off day and was sad to see her so distant. I hoped that she would return to her friendly self in time. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. On my most recent trip I brought up a trench-coat I wanted to buy and asked for the price as the tag had fallen off. I soon realized that I had seen the tag on the floor and brought it up to the front. The tag was indeed for the coat in question, it was $150 which I communicated to her. She then proceeded to print out a new price tag and re-labeled the jacket for $200, $50 more than it was when I walked into the store. How does math like this work? A customer is interested so you raise the price? I have spent a lot of time and money here. I would estimate that I have made a dozen different transactions at this establishment since my first visit in 2015. The vast majority of these transactions saw some sort of discount for one or all items. She was always willing and happy to negotiate when I purchased several items at once. So on my most recent visit I attempted to once again negotiate, as we had always done, to buy four items. Some Buttons were coming loose on a cardigan so I hoped that she may discount the item accordingly. However, before I could finish speaking she cut me off and told me that I was being rude for even asking. She followed up with stating that she wouldn't come to my place of business and ask for a discount. I found this extremely distasteful. Shawna has no idea what I do for business. In fact, customers come in all the time asking for discounts, samples, free goods, etc. In the real world, negotiation is the definition of business. We negotiate our insurance rates, supplier fees, royalties, contract prices, and much more. Shawna continued and carried on stating that the cost of rent was so high where she was located and the pandemic was extremely challenging for her... As if she had been the only person to go through it. And how am I, a customer, supposed to know your rent rates? Shawna isn't the same friendly person I use to do business with. I understand recent struggles as a small business owner, but one thing I would never do is take my frustrations out on my customers! Why bite the hand that feeds you? The owners comments about the cost of living and the cost of rent were extremely tone deaf and hypocritical. The customer isn't responsible for your rent rates, you signed the contract. Sad to see Hi-Bred is a shell of what it use to be. Best of luck, I hope you can bounce back

The gentleman there was very friendly we talked for about 20 minutes or so. Lentz makes these cool…read moreprints from TWA and sells them for only 9 dollars. I also really enjoyed a piece from a local artist (Jim White) I went home with it. Great experience!

This shop is an amazing step back in time...so many interesting items from years ago. So much more…read morethan an antique or curio shop, this is an eyegazm of nostalgic beauty that will have you taken back to yesteryear. The store has two fantastic hosts in Leigh and Nick that will tell you amazing tales of the items all around, and maybe a story or two that are loosely related to some of their finds. They are very friendly and welcoming, and will make you feel at home while surrounded by items that had homes from a time long ago. The only thing that would make this store better is if it were in my hometown, but this place is a must visit whenever in Cinci!

Such helpful staff for beginners (like me) to advanced seasoned gardeners. Their tomato and chili…read morepeppers selection is the undisputed the best in town. They also have an impressive herb and vegetable selection as well as reasonably priced organic soil, mulch and fertilizers... Wish me luck on my journey to kill more vegetables

The open layout,selection of plants . Great parking made it easy to get around.. Decent pricesread more

Has authentic African attire and products, at excellent prices!…read moreBro. Titus service and knowledge is absolutely unmatched.

After actually going to Tanzania and spending a month there, I was curious to see what this store…read morewould offer. True to form, they offer much of the same kitchy nick-nacks many of the locals might try and sell you in Arusha except at better prices! The shoes as soon as you walk in are probably the one exception to this which I found to be more expensive. In Tanzania these same shoes cost about $3.00 with bartering. However, they are unique and one of kind so spending a little extra might be worth it. The clothes selection in the back has quite an array. Sadly, most of them are not truly authentic. The ones that are truly Aftrican style will cost you upwards of $80-100 but they are beautiful, yet not well made. Overall, the gifts are unique and truly from Tanzania or Kenya. You can easily find something for anyone you might be shopping for, including yourself. If nothing else, its fun just to walk around and look at the stuff.

Paul and his team are the ultimate professionals…read more Punctual in getting a quote prepared and delivered. The quality of work is exceptional. They did work for me 4 years ago and just finished some more. They will do more work outside soon.

From the owner: A small family-owned business offering you the best in Residential and Commercial epoxy floors…read more Garages, Basements, Schools, Manufacturing, Line Striping and many more applications.