TWO LOCATIONS As a California alum there were two stores I would go to buy apparel - ASUC Student Store (on campus) and Bear Basics (two blocks away from campus). There is another place that is close to the Berkeley Bart Station - Shop College Wear. The first time I went here was in May. The store is located between Residence Inn and BAMFPA. At the store I was looking for a matching hoodie and sweatpants as workout attire to go to the gym. I had no idea what I was looking for in style. I looked around the store and could not find a hoodie or sweatpants I was willing to buy. As I left the store one of the workers at the cash register informed me there is another Shop College Wear around the corner. I crossed the street and headed towards to Jupiter. The second Shop College Wear store was right there. This second location is larger with more varieties than the first store. At this location I was able to find a matching hoodie and sweatpants. The pair was charcoal-colored, but most of all the word on the hoodie and sweatpants isn't Cal but California. I feel as a graduate the flagship campus should be called California. Instead of going all the way to the campus at ASUC Store or two blocks away at Bear Basics if I need to buy California apparel I can go to the two locations of Shop College Wear near the Berkeley Bart Station. read more

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This store sells all things Cal, that is the University of California apparel, and it's located in Downtown Berkeley, right in the middle of everything!! Price wise, there were actually some t-shirts that were not ridiculously overpriced, and were really nice. They were sectioned off by price, so that made finding one a lot easier. Lots of clothing, but their hat and cap selection was kind of limited, but this is a very small store, so it's understandable. I was here before the Cal/Duke football game, so it was pretty crowded that day!! read more

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This store is monumental. Easy to get to from Campus, right in downtown Berkeley. It's always clean and the staff are very knowledgable about Cal and it's products. I usually see the same people when I go in, perhaps it's family operated? I definitely trust the guys there, they have a security guard and oftentimes, if you have too many bags you'll have to leave them by the door. There are so many different emblem T- Shirts to choose from, some larger sizes (than small), and various colors to choose from. Sweats, Back packs, discount rack, are neat too. I've worn the sweats too and they are comfortable and warm. Standard UCB designs, a staple! A must- have for winter in dorms. They also sell back packs, water bottles, mugs, and flags. And lots of fun stickers, key chains, and other accessories, too! I purchased a large yellow button with blue logo of the bear. One of a kind. An Oski Bear keychain, and a magnet with the Campanille. All things I still cherish until this day. Check them out. read more

This store has the widest selection UC Berkeley apparel and accessories anywhere in Berkeley. Some other places may have one or two things this place doesn't have but this store for sure has the widest selection of clothing and everything else CAL related!! And the staff and owner are super nice.. FYI..they got a website..idk if everything in the store is on there but you can an idea of what you're looking for before you come in. read more

Greta spot to get sweatshirts and gear for Cal! So happy this place was right next to my hotel.

Great selection of Cal merchandise, probably the best online. I have made several orders online, and everything was great, shipping was fast, and packaged well. The store is also nice, big selection of merchandise, good prices. read more

Bad customer service. Upon entering the store we were followed. That is not a good feeling. Even walking around we were followed. I wanted to leave immediately but my partner enjoys this store. We eventually purchased an item because of the quality of items are good. Next time i would wish to speak to a manager about their store associates. I do not appreciate being typecasting by their employees. read more

I am a student at UC Berkeley I was told my some friends this store had better prices than others so I went to check it out on my own I was followed around the store and the staff blocked the door while I was lookin at some clothes I did not see the same treatment for customers of other race and the tone that was used when talking to me was majorly different than used with the other customers I was a bit neglected by the staff compared to other customers and I believe it is because of race please do not support we have other Berkeley stores we can shop at! read more

Their website is very easy to use. They have a lot of merch that you can choose from. Their standard shipping is great and fast! Very reliable and highly recommended! read more

It's complete BS!! that their hours say 10am-8pm when they start closing at 7:30pm!! Then why not change your hours dumb dumbs!!! They hid in the back just waiting for 8pm to hit so they can finish closing the metal gate up front when 7 of us were waiting outside wondering why the door was closed much before 8pm. It's ridiculous! They are lazy! The closing crew should be fired for causing the company to loose money for their selfish reasons! I have worked in retail before and when our hours stated closing at 8pm we would CLOSE at 8pm NOT before that! Does it take that long to set an alarm or restock or count money? NO! If you don't like closing at the posted closing hours then QUIT! SMDH! read more

Very quick to respond and remedy my request for return. Very quick to send me my bigger size on a new order. Just did everything very quickly and easily, which is very rare nowadays! Thank you, I'll definitely order again. read more

While telling my neighbour about the now former film professor's faux pas of mixing up Dior and Chanel during lecture on the first day of class, I was admiring my neighbour's Cal Berkeley hoodie on the bus ride home. I asked her where she procured her hoodie. She told me she got it at a store on Shattuck Avenue near the bus stop. I knew which one she was talking about as another Cal student was kind enough to inform me she got a Cal bracelet here as well at Shop College Wear. I have been to the store before when it had a different name. I procured a pink lace swing top five years ago that I still have yet to wear. Probably this will finally be the year (when the weather is much more nicer). So I stopped by to seek out the hoodie I was admiring on my neighbour. The woman on the floor greeted me and asked if she could be of assistance. I told her what I was looking for and described the hoodie. Navy blue with BERKELEY in gold with a gold bear claw with "Cal" in white script letters. The lady told me they had the sweatshirt I described with a gold hand. I told her it was a bear claw. I asked her if she could find it for me. She brought me over to the hoodie. I took a look. I had to set her straight and told her this was a bear claw, not a hand. She conceded, probably to humour me. She told me I could try on the hoodie to see which size suited me best. I went with the small size. Medium was rather huge on me. I would have been swallowed up whole if I went with the larger sizes. Yep, this is the place on Shattuck Avenue with wall-to-wall Cal Berkeley gear at reasonable prices. They have similar and the exact same items as the student stores on Bancroft Avenue. And they do have more of a selection to choose from, from clothing to accessories promoting UC Berkeley/Cal. I would recommend Shop College Wear to others if they are in the area. When I went to the till to pay, I recognised the manager and owner, Mike. It was a pleasure to see him again and to have him ring up my purchase. I did say something to him about his associate not knowing it is the bear claw on the hoodie. There is a difference between a bear claw and a human hand . . . . Gee, this was just as bad as the former film professor . . . I mean, who mixes up Dior and Chanel?! Sacre Bleu! I could not believe I was being informed that Charlize Theron was in a commercial for J'Adore Dior parfum by Chanel he was going to show us. Wot?! OMG--really?! I immediately informed the aforementioned good professor on the spot that J'Adore was by Dior--not Chanel. (AWKWARD!!!!) Just so we are crystal clear for the record with French subtitles: https://youtu.be/Rm-vBq-1T1k My neighbour was quick to remind me that Madame Chanel did not think well of Monsieur Dior's work. My neighbour was not kidding. I shudder to think Madame would be rolling in her grave upon hearing the professor's lecture faux pas. Sacre Coeur! According to this biography I found online on Madame Chanel: "After World War II, designers appeared like mushrooms after the rain in postwar France. One of them, a young fashion designer Christian Dior commented about Coco Chanel's designs and style: "With a black pullover and ten rows of pearls she revolutionized fashion." Monsieur Dior's comment about Madame Coco was quite sweet and respectful. Take two simple basics, put them together and, Voilà! I am going to borrow, credit, and utilise the French celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai's quote to describe French chic and style, "We are all about effortless elegance." Quite. "After the war, Christian Dior dressed up women like flowers. He dressed them in crinoline, tightened their waist and filled numerous folds on the thighs. Coco Chanel was laughing at this 'hyper-femininity': "Look how ridiculous these women are, wearing clothes by a man who doesn't know women, never had one, and dreams of being one." Au contraire--Madame Chanel's comment about Monsieur Dior, OUCH!!!! Talk about sticking it! 'Nuff said. Le Source: http://astrumpeople.com/coco-chanel-biography/ I lost one of my heroes this past week. Here is one of my favourite songs and the video from the year 1980, seems apt to end and finish this review: https://youtu.be/GA27aQZCQMk read more

I walked by this store and saw this random store that claimed to be a sporting store but saw cute boots in the front window. I walked in and was surprised to see a small section of Cal sweatshirts and such, but a huge section for women, and a huge section for men. I walked over to the boots because it's October, which confirms the Fall season which confirms my absolute necessity for a few pairs of boots. I was amazed to see at least 7 pairs of boots on sale for $25-40. THAT'S CRAZY. I know it's pleather and not genuine leather but I wasn't looking for expensive boots (I'm saving my Macy's card for when that sales rolls around). I tried on 2 pairs, and they were super comfy. I got a new pair of black boots for just $25. I am so glad I came here! They also had a few jackets that were really cute too. For the shirts, nothing special, same with the jeans. I kept it just to the boots. If you're looking for affordable jeans ($20-$25) or tanks (2 for $11) or lacy shirts ($15) stop by here. Personally, I thought it was a little risky buying anything in addition to the boots. However, the jackets did look really warm. Service was A-OK also. read more

Do NOT shop at this store !! First, they are way over priced, and second, they have a NO REFUND policy that they did not post a sign about in the store very conspicuously, and I bought a pair of medium sized sweat pants. They ended up being too small, so I just decided that I wanted my money back. They refused, citing their NO refund policy, so now I was forced to buy something else that I really did not want !! If the NO REFUND policy sign was more conspicuous, I would have NOTHING to say, but in this case, I feel I got totally ripped off. They also said that their NO refund policy is on their receipts, but by the time I get my receipt, they already have my money, so by then it is too late to do anything about it !!!! BUYER BEWARE !!! Once this place takes your money....they keep it !!! And it is so funny actually that the staff got all pushed out of shaped and acted like they were offended and surprised that I would dare ask for my money back. To me, this is not a good way to treat customers. Here in town, all three CVS, Walgreens and Target give full refunds on all purchases, even if the package is opened. There should be NO reason this store can't do the same thing!! NORCAL SPORTSWEAR......Shame on you !!! read more

Awesome store! - Huge selection of tees and sweatshirts. Found just what I was looking for. - The fit on their sweatshirts is perfect! (You may be wondering, how can one screw up making a sweatshirt... Well, ask Bear Basics - see below.) - Nice price! (Half as expensive as Bear Basics, for a better quality and fit shirt) - kind , helpful employees. Had nice chats with a lady and man working there. Didn't get that "we're angry you're here" vibe some (but not all) of the Bear Basics employees emit. Comparison to Bear Basics: I was sorely disappointed by Bear Basics' sweatshirts. The ladies ones were trendy cuts or super expensive with way less selection than the men's, and the men's have the most unflattering fit I've ever seen - huuuge baggy arms and tight elastic at the bottom. Nice, if you're going for that look of the spoiled girl who turns into a blueberry in Willie Wonka. Otherwise, stick with NorCal Sports. read more

Great experience ordering online. I ordered a package Tuesday morning and 90 minutes after ordering I got an email saying it was shipped. They also sent me email updates when my order was out for delivery and had been delivered to my house. Overall great prices and impressive customer service. read more

Best shop in town! Love the customer service! Mike knows his stuff!! They have a great variety and are very helpful.

Shop College Wear just turned what could have be a very disappointing experience into the BEST experience possible. Ordered UCLA sweatshirt for my granddaughter for Christmas. When it arrived she decided she needed different size. Customer service instructed me to return the shirt, shipping free, and reorder which I did. Refund showed up a few days later. Unfortunately, when reordering, I typed the address incorrectly. The post office evidently delivered to an address that did not exist. When I contacted customer service about this they immediately agreed to ship out a replacement! Awesome! read more

I love this store!! Great customer service, friendly and helpful people. I highly recommend this store. They have everything you want for cal and gifts. read more

Best selection of Cal hats I seen in any store. If youre looking for Cal gear this is the spot, one stop shop for all Cal gear, they got it all. read more

Every year before college football season begins, I stop at Norcal College Wear to stock up on all my Cal gear for the season. Awesome selection and great prices. If you need Cal wear, I highly recomend this store. read more

The selection was great and service was very helpful and friendly. Located right next to BART which was very convenient. If you want variety of Cal gear for a great price this is the place to go! read more

Bought a few sweat shirts from here a couple months ago and they are already falling apart. The stitching is poorly done and coming unraveled. The selection is great, but the prices are too high and the quality is too low. read more

It's a pretty good store. Pretty much has the same Berkeley/Cal gear as the ASUC Student Store on campus and Bancroft Clothing. While the clothing selection is about the same, it has less accessories, such as pens, folders, cards, etc. than the other two stores. The main benefit of this store is its downtown location, so if you live or are near downtown it's probably easier to go here for some Cal clothes than walking all the way up to the other side of campus. If you're looking to buy other gear (instead of clothes), like folders, pens, notebooks, cups, etc., the store on campus will have more selections. read more

Wish I read the reviews for this site before going. I tried exchanging a cap because I wanted to get a different type, but even though the receipt said you could do exchanges within 14 days, the manager claimed all sales were final. I feel like such a sucker. What made it worst is the whole time he had this cheesy Cheshire Cat grin -- creeped me out. read more

I bought 2 pairs if shoes at this place,and they both fell apart 1 month later as if years old. The manager was rude about exchanging them or even repairing them. My advice if you love shoes don't buy them here. read more

Came up here for a graduation and stumbled into this store after refusing to pay extra on campus. Two ladies immediately approached me and helped me to find exactly what I wanted at a very reasonable price. The huge selection was a Little overwhelming but the staff helped me find what I wanted. Great place will definitely come back! read more

This store had very bad customer service. They won't let you try more than 4 items per customer, according to their "store policy." I went there to try couple of dresses and the manager (lady) told me that I can try only 4 items because of crowded fitting room even when there was no one else in the store. I told them that I'd wait for other customers to use the fitting room and then try the other items, but they won't agree to it. I think she just got lazy, taking down the clothes for me to try on. The most I tried was 6 items!!! Obviously they don't know their job. I won't recommend going to the store. read more

Good selection and Mike is awesome! Went in and had great service from the moment I walked in. I'll make sure to make more visits when I make my trips to the area. Keep up the excellent work! read more

I travel the country and collect College gear. Great store, super selection and very helpful staff. I live across the country and had to exchange an item I had purchased for my wife. I called the store, they were very helpful, they put the item I wanted off to the side so that when the item I returned was received they would be able to re send the correct size which they did. They called me on twice to make sure all was received, etc. Very pleasant and highly professional staff to work with. read more