Stopped in because the shop looked like a cute local bookstore. I found a few coloring books and…read moregames I was interested in purchasing, even though I could have easily ordered them online but today I didn't mind spending a few extra dollars to support a small business. While shopping, I had to go to the bathroom but wanted to keep browsing so looked for a bathroom. I saw a couple of people (white people) come out of the restroom, even though the door said "Employees Only." I asked the woman at the register if there was a restroom available, and she told me, "No, our bathroom is not public but you can go to California Tortilla and use theirs." I returned to my fiancé, who was waiting near the bathroom, and overheard another employee tell a different customer, "We don't normally let people use the bathroom because there are boxes in there, but we can make an exception (white customers) I mentioned that I had just been told the restroom was not public, and the employee responded, "Yeah, but we can make an exception for her, not you," in what felt like a very dismissive and condescending tone. The interaction left me feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. Consistency and respectful communication with customers of all skin tones is important, and unfortunately that was not my experience here. Definitely recommend buying on stores like Amazon and not supporting this behavior.

I'm usually going to enjoy visiting any independent book store. The place is small but has a great…read moreselection and is in an easily accessible location. Decent amount of street parking with a big garage only a block away. Jeffrey was very helpful and they didn't seem to mind that I showed up 15 minutes before they closed. I hope to visit again very soon!

While it's wonderful to have a local toy store in town, the shop is not open at posted times…read moreconsistently. The owner is super sweet so you can call and she'll usually be able to open up, but there have been a few missed opportunities where we were walking by and would have popped in but they were closed. The shop has a large variety, but it is highly disorganized, you will need help if you're looking for something specific. It is packed to the brim, almost claustrophobic to me. Very hard to manage if you have a tiny kid who wants to touch everything.

A staple in Takoma Park, Fair Day's Play has been around for almost two decades. Inside a tiny…read morespace, shelves are full of toys, stuffed animals, games, and more. With a section for babies all the way up to older kids, there's something for everyone. When I popped in on a Sunday afternoon, I left with a large sticky hand toy for my eight-year-old daughter.

Really easy to walk in and order a set of balloons for a birthday party. The woman behind the…read morecounter was extremely helpful and actually picked out most of the balloon bouquet. They really have everything you need and in a convenient parking lot so it's easy to get in and out.

Eclectic variety store several notches above the chaos of dollar stores, that's managed somehow to…read moresurvive into the current decade. Great selection which is impressive give the breadth of what they try to cover, from home goods and sundries, to party supplies (including helium balloons), to gifts, to costumes around Halloween, and yard and garden supplies (for heavy duty items, hit up the Strosnider's a few stores up).

We visited this bookstore after seeing advertisements for one of their craft nights, and it was a…read morelovely experience. The shop is quaint, but it carries a thoughtfully curated selection of books from a variety of genres. Their social media was also very colorful and eye-catching. One thing to note is that the store requires using stairs. I didn't notice signage for an elevator or an alternative, though it's possible I didn't see it. If there isn't a sign already, more visible signage would be helpful for visitors with different accessibility needs. The store also offers a selection of merchandise catering to different interests, including hats, stickers, bags, and other gifts/trinkets. Prices were fair for a small book-store and conditions of the books. Staff were attentive, checking in on both customers and craft night participants throughout our time. Flyers and posters about upcoming events, book clubs, craft nights, and staff recommendations were clearly displayed around the store. Our group enthusiastically noted the eye-catching small bookshelf craft displayed next to the register! The space was clean and organized. The craft area was arranged ready with supplies and appeared freshly cleaned before the event began. The seating seemed to be a little tight but it's a small store to begin with. Pricing for events seemed fair and registration process seemed reasonable. We had a last minute person join our group to a sold-out event and staff was helpful finding a solution. Shelves and merchandise displays were tidy and engaging to customers. The single-room bathroom was also clean. The beautiful star-pattern wallpaper added a whimsical touch--I almost wanted to take a picture of it but it's a bathroom lol. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and want to return, especially for future craft nights.

A fresh new neighborhood bookstore, FINALLY! It's just in its soft opening stage, but the book…read moreselection was very exciting! It was clean, bright, and owners were very welcoming. You can also order books online if they don't have them in stock. Can't wait to see what events they host!

Was in town for a short stay. Thought I'd drop by before the flight home. Pretty easy to find off…read morethe highway. If you're looking for new comic books, it's a nice bright store. Everything is arranged nicely (marvel, DC and Indy). Was surprised they still had certain issues on the shelf still. There are some older books behind the counter and back issues in the back back but not taken care of too well. So if that's what you're looking for it's your LCS.

It's a roomy store, compared to a lot of comic shops, with a lot of recent series, if not the most…read morerecent issues of those series. Their margins must be tight, as they open at 10 AM on Wednesday, and some titles are sold out by 11:30. So, they appear to be under ordering, so as not to have to potentially sit on stock. Not too long ago, they changed their policy where they wouldn't be ordering variant covers unless you specifically pre-ordered them. Sure, that's their prerogative, but many variants are open-order, not requiring any minimums on the part of the retailer, so it just seems...odd. The service...This is my biggest gripe. Often, I've gone into the store to find the cashier talking to a friend/acquaintance. A customer might want assistance, and the cashier is visibly annoyed that he has to stop his conversation to provide customer service. Then, once the customer checked out and left, the cashier would turn to his friend and say something like "That's the guy I was telling you about", with a laugh. So, they seem to joke about their customers - the people keeping them in business - and it just feels unprofessional. I've worked retail, so I get it, but those aren't conversations to gold loudly, as other customers are in the store. I mean, what are they saying about ME when I leave? This has happened more than once, while some of the other loud topics of discussion aren't always appropriate for "polite company". The most friendly employee, sadly, passed away recently, so we're left with the ones talking behind our backs.

Food and craft vendors (more craft - good for gifts) fill what's known as Veteran's Plaza in front…read moreof the Silver Spring Civic Center, as well as a couple blocks surrounding, and bumps up against the farmers' market that continues through the downtown SS shopping center (though the farmers' market closes up earlier). It makes for a very pleasant hour or two of strolling, sampling, and shopping! There's jewelry, bags, artwork, kids' toys and clothes, and lots of other random stuff - there's even a stand selling refurbished bikes. The Crepes At The Market guys who you probably know from Eastern Market set up shop on the street corner, and right next to them are Migue's Magnificent Mini Donuts, whose name is completely accurate. I've also seen things like cheeses, veggies, and jellies in the farmers' market area, where there's often live music blasting from a big stage. Fabulous place to enjoy Saturday sunshine!

This market has now moved to Veterans Plaza outside the newly constructed civic center in the heart…read moreof downtown Silver Spring. The only sad part is that this past Saturday (Oct.30) was the last opening for the year. It's more spacious now and there appeared to be more craft vendors than in the past. The crepe guy was here too! My friend bought a really cute knit baby sweater and since it was the end of the day and the last event for the season, she got it for about 30% less. I'll be back next April. I hope you will too.

This quaint, little book store is a treasure trove packed not only with books but unique side…read moreitems. A perfect place to find one-of-a-kind tchotchkes for perfect gifts. Prices are extremely reasonable and there's the huge benefit of staff who are lovely and helpful. Check it out. You'll be glad you did!

This is a great little book shop - well organized and nice gift selection! For example, I went to…read morefind a book for a gift and found these great posters of vintage book covers. This is a great place to find a treasure- nice selection and easy to shop!

New store! It's the hobby lobby that's the same as all the others. The arts abs crafts section is…read moreexpansive and honestly every time I'm impressed. The material for the gunpla are beginner level but hey if it gets into the hobby go for it. I would like to see more variety with the models. These ones are fairly basic and generic. The service was excellent for the First day. They wanted every customer to feel welcomed and putting their best display on and they achieved it. The value is good and you know what you're looking for when you first walk in. It still lacks personality that the smaller local stores have but for seasonal stuff and some arts and crafts this will be a welcome addition. Just sewing and fabrics I'll go local.

Love this place. So happy they are in Montgomery County now. Great selection of merchandise…read more Friendly associates and clean, well kept store.