my boyfriend and i went to go have brunch at eggy's nearby and while waiting for the bus we were…read morejust looking at the stores nearby. i saw the signs outside that made it feel like i was more welcome but i unfortunately felt anything but welcome. i was just walking around looking at everything but a couple minutes after i had started looking at some items i noticed the worker starting to follow us. of course i didnt suspect anything of it because i thought that she would ask us if we needed help or wanted to check up on us. but i made a little loop around one of the areas and she still followed. she kept getting closer and closer to us which made me feel really uncomfortable. maybe its because of the way i look since i have dyed hair and am asian idk but my boyfriend suggested that we leave because she probably thought that we would steal something. i saw a similar review with the exact same situation but seriously if you are poc / look queer please just be careful here

I've shopped here frequently over the years. About a year ago I bought a sterling silver ring here…read morewith a blue stone. Unfortunately, the stone turned into a greenish brown color. I stopped by today to ask about it and was prepared to simply buy a new ring-- it was fairly inexpensive. The store was empty, and there were two people working there who did not greet me when I walked in, as they were busy complaining loudly about someone. I stepped up to the counter, and despite the workers standing behind the counter, and one person looking at me directly, they still didn't greet me. At one point, one looked like she was coming toward me, looked me in the eye and then grabbed her beverage and turned away. Finally I asked directly for help. I showed her the ring and asked to look at the identical one behind the counter. She got very nervous and told me they hadn't seen a stone turn brown before. She immediately told me that she would not contact the company for me, that I needed to do it myself. I hadn't even asked her to. She kept saying things like "well if it had been two weeks we maybe could help you." to which I responded, "do you expect a ring to turn brown after 2 weeks?" She then said she couldn't contact the company because they would "ask her questions" she didn't know the answer to. I have no answers either why a stone would turn brown with occasional wear, no chemicals, etc. I would think they would want to talk to the company about this if they are selling jewelry that turns brown. Anyway, I was just really turned off by the fact that they had an empty store, but yet basically told me I had to contact the wholesale distributor myself. It really seemed like these two are doing everything they can to do the least work possible! I typically think a nice thing about shopping at a local boutique would be the customer service.. not here. I did not buy a new ring, and will not shop here again.

Everything is cute, but unbelievably overpriced. It's the kind of store that's nice to walk…read morethrough, but unless you're planning on buying just one small trinket as a gift, is definitely not worth buying multiple items from.

This is still my favorite card shop. They have a "frequent buyers" program to track your spending…read moreand offer rewards. Nice selection of garden adornments (wind chimes etc) & other gift items. But their standout is the fantastic quantity and quality of beautiful cards!

Great products and friendly service with quality recommendations. The jar deodorant will now be our…read morego-to deodorant.

I have been using the chai tea scented soap and it smells and feels good. I love it and will buy…read moreanother bar of it when this one gets small. I will also refill my Trader Joe's laundry detergent when it gets low although that will take a while because I don't use it much, just to hand wash my bras. But eventually I will refill it.

This is such a great little store with amazing service. The owner is so kind and lovely. She offers…read morean array of clothing, housewares, beautiful dried flower bouquets, jewelry, and more in a cozy space.

Great addition to Solano Ave. The owner, Ada, is really nice and was able to help us pick out one…read moreof the beautiful and unique hair clips that she felt would manage my 8 yo's super long and smooth hair. It was perfect! Ada has a wonderful selection of women's clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, home goods and gifts. Located across from Oori and a few doors down from Five Little Monkeys. It's my new favorite place to pick up a present or a little something for myself. Plus, Ada is just so friendly.

bought an amazing fit from them at the himalayan festival.. the store is cute and well-stocked too…read more fair prices, everything is 100% cotton and handmade.

These kind people could not be sweeter! The gentleman really went the extra mile for me in finding…read morean order I badly wanted. He was wonderful! The things they sell are so colorful and cheerful and it's so peaceful in there. This kind of shop and this kind of kindness is exactly what our world needs. Thank you so much!

There is no place like this place. It's such a beautiful store, filled with all sorts of absolutely…read moreexquisite things, nothing like typical Mexican import places. You feel like you're in a museum surrounded by artifacts, except the prices are so reasonable. Talavera Ceramics brings the real Mexico to us. And there's no one like Lilia, the amazingly knowledgeable gal who has run the place for 20 years. She and the store are truly Bay Area treasures!

We are so happy to have our wood burning oven finally completed. The tiles we chose were special…read moreorder, but work the wait. This oven has been used for years and we finally got our tiles done, long over due. There were so many options, it was hard to choose.

I visited my kids during their Spring Break. My daughter got a little job at Hal's Office Coffee…read moreshop. She wanted to show me her new place of employment. I hadn't been to Albany in over 10 years! I immediately vibed with the little town. After my daughter picked up some coffee, I knew I wanted to walk around. I was instantly drawn to Umami. What stunning artifacts. As a minimalist, I wanted to buy everything! I graciously and gladly resorted to and settled on a set of earrings and necklace. I absolutely love them. Umami is a beautiful shop. And the Shop Attendant was just as beautiful, sweet, helpful, personable, and welcoming. When I visit my kids next, during the summer, I will be back!

Such a cute little shop!!…read more I love local stores and Umani Interiors is a treasure! Boho boutique in the middle of down down El Cerrito with amazing customer service! Tip- if you purchase a item and eat some Thai food next door you get a additional 10% your meal!

I purchased a new futon set (foam base + futon + comforter) for my new home and I was looking to…read morerelive my sleeping experience from my time living in Japan. I've been sleeping on it for about a week now and I LOVE THEM. They have this wonderful natural earthy smell and they're so soft and warm. I have zero complaints. The only caveat I have is to recommend better, pre-emptive communication with customers. I was originally given a 2 week lead time on my order, but it actually took around 5 weeks. I had to email multiple times to get updates on my order. I don't mind, 2 weeks seemed super fast in my opinion, but I think just communicating these delays to the customer ahead of time would go a long way in customer satisfaction. But I have to stress this is very high quality bedding, a Japanese futon made the right way. Even with longer wait times, Matsu will be the first place I go to for my Japanese home goods.

I recently purchased tatami mats from Matsu. I initially tried to place the order online, but the…read moreshipping cost was quite high, so I decided to call them directly. They answered all my questions very politely and helpfully, and I learned that they also offer half-tatami sizes so the mats can fit in a regular car. The quality of the tatami is excellent and reminds me of the home I grew up in Japan. The scent of the igusa is wonderful. I'm very happy with my purchase.

This is my "go to" store for gifts for any occasion. I never fail to find something from among…read moretheir collection of artistic delights. And they always do a beautiful job of wrapping every gift. This family owned business is a pleasure to visit, and is truly a treasure in the Bay Area.

This is my go-to shop for whenever I need a gift. There are so many beautiful gifts to choose from…read moreand such creativity everywhere you look. Beautiful and unique jewelry, magical home decor made of wood, ceramics, candles, kitchenware, cards, and soaps - such an array of items you'll find nowhere else. And what I love most is that it is affordable. And Max! Carrying on the family tradition with a helping hand, warmth, and a smile.

My original experience here was great. 5 star! But their exchange policy is very strict. No…read morereturns, credit only, and you have to use it within a short time frame. I had purchased a lot of clothes there trying to support local shops and not buy online. It was super fun and I liked their style of clothing. It suited me. But when I got home I decided to bring a few items back. One has to do so within I think 7 or 10 days? I got the credit and you have to use that within 3 months. I had a hard time finding new things I wanted but had to use the credit! I bought a purse I didn't really need. I wrote the shop before posting this updated review and haven't heard back in over a week. So here it is. I'd say yes, go shop there, but be careful what you decide to purchase. Make sure you REALLY WANT IT! I may not be returning to Yaza. It's too pricey to worry about their policy, too. I'll look for other local shops to support.

Very nice affordable clothing. Amazing customer service. The owner, as well as her workers are…read moresuper friendly and always there to help when needed.