I went in with no intention of buying anything. But knowing I would spend money. I have a…read morecompulsion of spending money at craft stores, but can't help myself. I've never been here before, and just wanted to check it out. There was a great selection of pens, markers, pencils, paper. Jelly cats lol I had been wanting a fountain pen for a long time but never bought one. Perfect timing I guess? The JT? TJ? Super knowledgeable about the products on hand, and even the ones they didn't have on hand. I'm excited for the Lamy pen, and sailor ink I purchased. The price of the pen was comparable to what I've seen online, so I'm glad I was able to shop local. I also ended up getting some cute stickers and washi tape.

Got an email that the Oakland location will close soon. Stopped by to get pen refills for my…read moreforeign pens. Cruised around the store, picked up a few calligraphy pens and a 2026 calendar. The pen Manager explained the specific refills in detail. Bonus, she wrote down the details of each model on the back of her business card. She was very helpful and detailed oriented and a pleasure to converse with. We'll definitely miss Flax, but in the meantime, we'll make sure all of the items we need, we get 'em here. The staff that we interacted with were friendly, professional and very helpful. Super bonus = off-street parking lot in rear of store

I love blick. this location is great in particular and in a great spot. I like how they said "good…read moreluck on your project" when I checked out. I really needed that luck

They have everything one needs to complete their artistic endeavors. I use acrylic paints…read more Obviously much easier to use than oil paints. And, they have every color imaginable. I also appreciate their sales force. Their associates are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Don't need to look anywhere else.

Service selection and value..? they have it all and sparkling personalities too! Variety ....lots…read moreto see there!

The BEST place to buy yarn in the bay are! And the people that run it are so nice and knowledgeableread more

Went to this Michael's specifically to drop off a package for return via UPS; I found the site on…read morethe web (easier than out by Lucky's or the one near Nob Hill - also out a ways). The young woman who helped me was very cordial & pleasant. I had no wait at all. As soon as she scanned my package, she sent a confirmation to my email. No cost at all for this excellent service. There's no signage on the outside of the store so just go to the 5th St. Safeway; the 2 stores adjoin and share some of the same parking. After I left Michael's, it was a short walk over to the grocery store to pick up a few things. easy peasy

We went into the Michaels at 5:45 PM. They were open with customers. We had a shopping cart full of…read moreitems and were getting ready to check out but needed to use the restroom. I asked an older female employee if I could use the restroom prior to checking out and she said "no" that the restroom was closed for the evening for customers and told me to walk across the parking lot to the Safeway. Note that it was raining at the time. This was extremely unprofessional, and we left without purchasing any items and will not be returning. I would have been a paying paying customer and there is no reason unless it was out of service that I should Not have been allowed to use the restroom that is designated for customers. They even had the restroom area barricaded so you could not get to it. The female employee did not say the restrooms were broken she simply said they were closed for the evening, Yet they were open for at least another hour. I hope Management addresses this matter. I understand having to monitor the restrooms in stores due to People that misuse them but that's not me. I should Not be prohibited because of those that do. I am very Disappointed with Michael's in Alameda as this has not been an issue in any of the other Michael's I frequent.

Came in looking for a specific piece of HDPE plastic, company had great customer service, I…read morestrongly recommend this place.

Thank you so much for your help David. You helped us with the fish tank lid. Really appreciate…read moreall the hale and advice you provided.

I have been a customer of Rubars for a very long time, especially with the former owner but since…read morethen too. I've stopped going. It's the clerk who does the actual customer interaction. First, one calls to be sure that they're open (hours before closing time) only to hear the woman say that she is going to leave soon. This is a common experience according ot others I've spoken with. Next, the stock on hand is pathetic -- maybe 4 or 6 canvases to buy, not like they're trying to sell anything anymore. Last, I ordered well over a thousand dollars of stretched canvases months in advance of needing them for a major show. When I called after they were due I was told that they hadn't been made... even tho they had my credit card AND phone number. No reason, just didn't feel like it. Rude too. My fantasy is that the clerk is a relative and wants out of the job... I'd love to tell the owner that SHE's my reason for never returning! Because it's a buzz you in business, no chance of getting to tell the guy in the back what's going on. Such a pity. I am sorry to see this once prosperous and wonderful company be driven out of business just because they don't know about that clerk. When you can get one of their stretched canvases, they're great!

Great stretchers, using heavy duty materials and good attention to detail. They are a bit old…read moreschool - writing all receipts by hand, and they have pretty ridiculous hours (I think 11 am - 3 pm) especially for their clientele (artists). I tried to get them to deliver a very large panel that I had made, but they obviously don't like being asked that! They also don't like changes to orders. Oh well. But with all the quirks, at least their location is easy to find and they sure know how to make stretcher bars and panels, as they have been making them for ages.

THE Place for materials for Bay Area Artists & Teachers!…read more Everything creative, at rock-bottom prices. Stock changes briskly!

Rude! Crappy customer service! Went to donate. Don't bother. Too busy to even be polite. I would…read morerather toss my stuff in the trash. All of this after I drove all the way down, waited for an hour for them to open, and then I was told they were too busy to even talk to me. Obviously a non profit, rude even to your supporters. Glad my kids are in college now, I won't have to go back to your establishment.

Whales & Friends in a woman-owned gift shop that offers a variety of treasures not available in…read morebig-box stores. It carries hand made jewelry, women's clothing, soaps & lotions, fun socks, cards, books, and one-of-a-kind specialties. It has been located in Alameda for decades and I hope it stays forever in the Island City.

Whenever I enter this shop, the staff ask "can I help you?", with disdain…read more Whoever manages this place- teach your staff to never say this? It's retail 101. Try being friendlier, offering to assist or answer questions. Plus they snark amongst themselves & come off as mean elders. Nice merchandise but refuse to purchase anything because they are so horrid.