My mother and I have been searching all over Santa Cruz for 2 matching lampshades. Today we not only found. We purchased. Since we love to support local and shop local. This was a perfect match. The company that makes the shades is in Freedom CA. 95019. We couldn't get more local than that. Thanks. read more

Riverside Lighting & Electric - Awesome day to look for lamp shades. Mahalo for your service. - Lighting Fixtures & Equipment Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The best electrical supply house I've been to in many years Very old school and amazing read more

Great electrical supply. My wife loves the lighting store up front, but I spend all my time in the electrical supply in the back. Their staff knows all the details about which breaker fits in which panel and what parts you need for what junction box. Shop here, the difference from Big Orange Box is amazing. Oh, and the prices are lower. read more

Terrible service from one of the younger guys in the back. Do your job or don't work in customer service. If I get attitude like that again in there it's going to escalate. read more

Would recommend Riverside Lightning. We were in the midst of a remodel. Recessed lighting in the family room, downstairs and upstairs hallways were paramount. Riverside Lighting was a logical choice. Turns out they were more than the logical choice they were the BEST choice. The products were great...but the customer care and service....the willingness to work with us to get it right was exceptional. Kudos to Brian for his patience and being committed to helping a customer obtain the best results! Thanks to Dan for the prompt email follow-ups and Larry for insight on switches. We'll be back... read more

I went there to purchase supplies for my electrician and they were so very helpful. They took time for this old lady walking me through everything. I cannot say enough about the huge inventory and great staff read more

Excellent service-great neighborhood business with knowledgeable, friendly staff that is courteous and takes time with customers.

Good selection of items, but if you're searching for parts in the back of the store prepare to do it yourself. I asked the guy to help me find what i needed and after about 20 seconds of looking around he said 'I don't know what you're talking about' and walked away. I really want to support local business but I guess it's back to online shopping. read more

At Riverside Lighting you get excellent customer service. Daniel Rodriguez is knowledgeable and most helpful. He's your go-to person. Mom's questions were well explained. Thank you. read more

This place is amazing! I had purchased these huge dual island style fans, bout 18 years ago, both motors went bad, no receipt or anything. Brian Blackwell took time to research and find proof that we purchased it. The fan was from Fanmation which had a life time warranty on it. In order to by a new fan would have been bout $2,500. He researched it, very excellent communication through email. Brian ended up finding the motors for us it took some time but he didn't give up. This guy is amazing highly recommended him for your lighting needs. The best thing I have a beautiful quiet fan and I'm so happy just in time for the summer. Thanks again to Riverside Lighting & Electric Margie Reyes read more

Almost all of the negative Yelp comments refer to poor service and I must agree. I've shopped there for years and usually find what I need. But my recent experience is typical and what I've come to expect. I went in looking for a speciality bulb. Was browsing the shelves and, just a few feet away, two employees behind the counter were relaxing and chatting away. No offer of help or even recognition that I was there. The store was pretty much empty. Went over to the counter, showed what I needed and eventually got the help I needed. I wouldn't say the employee I interacted with was curt, but he clearly had little interest in making this a positive experience. Riverside owners/managers, please work with your employees on customer service. read more

Riverside Lighting has served all of our lighting needs -- lighting two properties in just 3 1/2 years -- since we returned to the area. The staff are very well informed, patient, and helpful. Their inventory is high quality, varied, and seemingly limitless. I wouldn't go anywhere else, either side of the hill! read more

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Good selection, snooty staff Store has a good selection of parts, shades, and whole lamps. They have a station for trying out lamp shades with a lit bulb, which is so helpful! They are kinda pricey but you definitely can't try out the brightness while shopping online. The staff member who helped me was judgmental about what I was trying to do and insulted my rental's current lighting situation as "bizarre" when I described the problem I was trying to remedy, while failing to offer alternative solutions. He did ultimately direct me to what I was looking for so I could figure it out for myself. I'd say the ability to try out lampshades alone is reason enough to come here and put up with insults from the staff. read more

This place is okay, it's pricey but that's not an issue. I went in and didn't get greeted nor asked if I needed help, walked around the store and noticed one of the sales rep hanging up on a call without bothering to answer. During my visit not once did they acknowledge me. Maybe next time read more

Always a pleasure shopping here. If especially if you're Looking for unique lighting. Lighting is everything inside or outside your home. Make it sparkle and bring a positive mood. read more

I was immediately greeted and asked if they could help me find whatever I needed. Very pleasant and helpful, including the parts department. Excellent inventory and selection. read more

This place has a great selection and most of it is in stock. Don't expect good service though and any answers to any technical questions; even though they have an extensive parts department and a long history in Santa Cruz. The young gentleman that seems to be the manager treated us poorly when we had trouble with one of the lights we bought. So we returned all the lights we bought. Their loss. We ended up getting similar lights for 25% of the price elsewhere. read more

I'm in need of a chandelier that is connected via wall plug for my older home. I walked in and spoke to one salesman who assured me they had an electrician on staff who could adapt any light I chose to a wall plug in. I spent time looking through the store and found the perfect light. I could not find the salesman I first spoke to and ended up speaking to another. He said they don't have an electrician (the first salesman painted to the electrician who even waved) and they don't modify lighting fixtures. All he could do was recommend me to an electrician that I'd have to contact to get a fixture adapted. I am very disappointed, I had high hopes and the first salesman led me to believe this would be a perfect solution for me only to then be told the complete opposite. read more

I love this lighting store!! They have a great selection of lighting, lamps, bulbs, and respective hardware. Recently went here to adapt a used lamp bought at a thrift store (wasn't working) and DAN helped me figure out the hardware I needed and how to rewire it. He verbally talked me through the entire process!!! DAN is the MAN!! And Riverside Lighting is a bright treasure!! read more

Thank you to Larry the lamp repair guy. I brought in a torchier that was giving me problems after 30 years. That's ancient for this type of fixture! I discussed what I thought the problem was and he indicated what it would entail. I left with confidence that it was in good hands. About a day later it was done! Amazing, perhaps because it was a straight forward repair, but I was surprised that it was ready so quickly. I picked it up and was pleased at the bill and that the repair also solved a hum in the lamp that I thought might not be fixable. I'm sorry to see the collection of negative reviews. Working in retail I know that some of us are eccentric and that all of us blow it from time to time. This seems to be the experience of some reviewers, but I can't help that. While my experience was limited to lamp repair, I was pleased with it and would certainly return. read more

Local Santa Cruz business and super helpful staff. No matter who is working they can always answer my questions. Most recently, Karen helped me find the right light bulb for our refrigerator and even called me back to give me more information. Great customer service! read more

Went in looking for help. They did not have what I needed. The customer service person made no attempt to explain what I needed or even the name of the type of light fixture. I showed him a picture and all he had to say was they did not carry that fixture and walked away. I thought this was the place to go for lighting parts and help 0 on customer service read more

Despite the high prices we have been a customer for a few years. So I bought a beautiful ceiling chandelier and it worked 2 times and the 3rd time it blew our circuit. Call back electrician that put it up and he checked it out and came to conclusion faulty lamp. Took it back and lady who is older, manager or owner? She said it works after fiddling with it in back for 15 min. We said no one of the sockets is going. After I was going to have her talk to the electrician on phone she changed her mind after yelling at my husband and finally took it back. NEVER AGAIN will I step foot in that overpriced snotty no customer service or apology waste of time and money (installing and uninstalling AND fixing our switch their lamp blew...) I have learned a lesson. Maybe you can learn from my mishaps? read more

Unfortunately I sometimes have to shop hear because they are the only place in town - that I am aware of - that tracks some specialty bulbs I need. But for any serious purchases of lighting I now go elsewhere. The customer service is just terrible. Terrible. And they are overpriced and the quality of merchandise is suspect. I bought a very expensive lamp at this place in 2001 (just moved to area and my first time at this store) and it broke within a year and a half. Anyway, I really hate to give bad reviews to locally owned small businesses unless they are really bad. These guys are bad. read more

Very glad to have found Riverside Lighting & Electric, specifically the electrical supply counter. This place had the items the I needed that the box stores did not have, and service was great. Prices seemed fair, and the improved selection makes shopping "local" easy. read more

Heard good things about this place so I went in to see if they had solar panel connectors. The gent who opened was honest and said he didn't do electical but the guy who does would be in shortly . I wandered around for about five minutes and he came in. I asked him for what I needed and he gave me a blank look, clearly not knowing what I was talking about. That is fine, but then he pretended to know, which really isn't helping anyone. He starts walking away saying "wire...right? " Nope. I told him connectors. He looked at me again and said "wire, right? " as if I am speaking in a foreign language. I explained what I was looking for and asked if he knew where I could go to find them and he responded with some attitude that I should go somewehere that sells solar. thanks guy, for being rude and not saying right off the bat that you did not know anything about solar and I should look elsewhere. read more

I had purchased LED under cabinet lights from Riverside knowing that I was supporting local business and that if I had issues I would have a person to talk to. To be real, I had considered buying online. Thank goodness I didn't. I am blown away with the customer service. I had an issue and they came out and FIXED IT. I am happy to have a better product and much better service. As humans, we tend to think in the short term, it was a good reminder to think long term. What do I want to see in the community? Every purchase we make shapes our community. Thanks again Riverside! read more

They have a wonderful selection. Great customer service !! I would be happy to refer them

If you look at this shopping experience as a Where's Waldo kind of experience, it's got the potential for more adventure than frustration. Searching for obscure light bulb sizes brought me here. It's an odd mix of made in china fixtures intermingled with new technology LED bulbs of all shapes sizes and prices. The back counter is a real treat with a crotchety character fixing chandliers and other odd duck lights. Service seems like an after thought but sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised. Aim low on expectations, and sometimes score with the help. read more

Riverside Lighting is indispensable! I came in after trying to find replacements for 35 year old fixtures that were an odd size. I was told by Home Depot and many hardware stores in town that nobody made anything that would fit. I was lucky enough to find Lyndy Reed at Riverside lighting. She took so much time to try and find anything that would work for me. She opened boxes, took measurements and finally found me the PERFECT lights. She was so nice the whole time and even said she would be on the lookout for other items that would match the beautiful fixtures she found. I was able to leave with beautiful lighting fixtures and all the necessary LED bulbs to make them shine. That kind of customer service is why they've been in business here in Santa Cruz for so long. Thank you Lyndy for making my day! read more

One thing I love about Riverside Lighting is that they always have what you're looking for at a fair price. The people are friendly and helpful. If they don't have it they can order it. Kevin the owner was real nice and Michelle was very helpful too. I always buy my lighting from the store because it is high-quality stuff. read more

Riverside Lighting & Electric - Lighting Fixtures & Equipment Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Bought an LED light online and to my surprise it came without the plug, so being in need of one and some information as to which of the three wires were which (positive, negative and ground) I went to the experts. I figured since they have a shop, sold tools and had a large staff Riverside lighting could help. This is the second time I've been there and after some rude treatment the first time I was a little hesitant to give them another try. I was told because the light was not one of their products that they could not help me. The guy condescendingly said "you should read the instructions". Really? I showed him the empty box that never came with instructions and asked if they had a way to know by looking at them to which he responded go online, and maybe I could find something. You mean something like an expert? I have always heard from fellow local business people that they were overpriced but now you can add rude, unprofessional and unhelpful to the list. read more

This is as comprehensive a lighting store as you'd find in any major city; wide, wide variety of freestanding, desk, wall-mounted, and ceiling mounted lighting of all types, plus shades, ceiling fans, electric heaters, novelty lighting, lighted decorations. And an entire wall of bulbs, tubes, compact fluorescents, and what have you in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They also have a big electrical supply department for building contractors. The store needs to be about twice the size it is, for all the stock they've packed in. It can be like walking througha forest of lamps. But they really do have everything, and at competitive prices. Frankly, it's fun just to head in and look around. You'll always find something that surprises you. The staff is friendly and helpful, but it can be hard to find one to take your money when things get busy; they're too busy roaming the floor with other customers. That's my only complaint. By the way, the owners of Riverside Lighting own that whole block of Soquel that the store is on, or so one of their tenants tell me. Lightbulbs and lampshades have been veddyveedy good to them, apparently. read more

The electrical department is amazing! Any questions you need answered ask Mark, any parts or orders needed ask Ed or William. Those guys are like the A-team of electrical supply houses. read more

Love the giant selection in this store! Great service every time I visit, but you got to ask for help. They don't pounce on you like some fixture stores. Keep up the great local vibe. Deal of 20% off bathroom wall lighting make the prices terrific! read more

I'm only rating the repair service. They fixed a lamp for $30 that would have taken $200 to replace, the work was completed way quicker than expected. The best part is that they saved a trip to the hell hole known as Home Depot. read more

I found this place to be less than impressive. The only employees willing to give me the time of day were young and pretty inexperienced with my questions. The older ones never gave us the time of day. We walked around heads up in the air to chandelier shop and I was blown away at the prices. Yes, I expected it to be slightly higher than Home Depot or lowes etc. I was willing to pay slightly more for something I really liked and not the run of the mill stuff at the home improvement stores. Slightly ended up being a gross understatement. The one chandelier my husband and I agreed on was 700.00 and a few of the runners up were over 500!! We also needed a mini chandelier for the landing of our stairs...500.00. And a small shabby chic looking lantern for our daughters room....I don't recall the price of that one but remember thinking it was far too high. I really don't think I will be back. I can't afford these prices and the vibe of the place was less than impressive and obviously I didn't buy anything. I feel like the amount of lighting is impressive considering there isnt a lot of shopping in Santa Cruz. So, between that and the fact that while they weren't horrible the customer service wasnt great either. So much for trying to shop locally. read more

Called with lots of questions! Everyone was super helpful & patient, especially Michael! He even helped correct my order to make sure i was getting what i needed! Also, while i was hold, multiple people checked with me to make sure was being helped! Amazing service! They even offered to hold it for me, which made picking up my order a breeze!!! Excellent variety & way cheaper than any of their competitors (even Home Depot)! :) Seems like most of the negative reviews I see on yelp are from unreasonable folks who like to complain! (I mean, what business gives away a repaired item w/o the customer showing proof of purchase??? C'mon now!) Also, everyone who helped me was amazing, knowledgeable & focused! Can't imagine why anyone reserved poor service before!! read more

It has been some time since I shopped at Riverside Lighting, but that last experience was so terrible, that I thought it important to share. I picked out a light there, and wanted to match that light with another, so asked the staff to order it. It was months of ordering, re-ordering, clarifying, and correcting with the staff. Finally, had to go to a higher level manager, who also messed up. It seemed to me that the folks were undertrained or dreadfully overworked- not sure which. But, you can be sure that this was the last time I will shop there for lights. read more

My Husband and I visited the store today for the first time looking for under cabinet lighting. Wow! Daniel, a very knowledgeable, friendly, and personable representative helped us pick the perfect lighting for our Kitchen. We had a great experience and love to find a great local company providing services a big box store would never provide! We would definitely come back in the future and hope that Daniel would be there to help us!! Thank you Riverside Lighting and of course Daniel for above and beyond customer service and product! read more