Toho Shoji has a great collection of MIYUKI and Delica beads! They don't have Toho!! The employee…read morewas super helpful when addressing my questions because when I first arrived, I didn't know where to find the toho beads! The value is standard for NYC, a little more pricey but generally in step with the market for US!

I've loved Toho Shoji since their days on 36th St. and 6th Ave, been shopping here since I was 16…read more They're the only bead and trimming store from that era still standing, and I've always appreciated their consistency. Kazumi has been my favorite manager for years--our encounters are always joyful--and today I also met Tamaki, who had a wonderful, welcoming presence. Normally my visits are a 9-10/10, but this time fell short due to Kaoru's behavior. After I politely declined a tray in the crystal section, she sucked her teeth and muttered something under her breath. Later at checkout, Kaoru -- a woman with a bob haircut) -- ignored my question until I repeated it, tossed my receipt at me, didn't bag my items, and walked away when I asked her name, telling me "it wasn't necessary". I also couldn't help but notice I was the only one who looked like me in the store at the time, which made the interaction feel targeted. This was especially disappointing because every other transaction I've had here has been handled with care. As a loyal, long-time customer, I hope Kaoru's attitude improves, because the warmth and professionalism I've consistently received from Kazumi and Tamaki are what make Toho Shoji such a special place.

I appreciate arts and crafts stores though mainly rating 3 stars because sadly this is the only…read moreMichael's store left in Manhattan, which unfortunately means certain areas of the store can get really picked over--especially seasonal items--right before peak holidays. To some degree I understand that many retailers are tighter on inventory to reduce how much needs to be sold at deeper discounts after certain holidays are over. However this also means certain things run out and there's no selection left which could also mean lost sales, which was the case when I came to look for a couple Christmas-related products a week before Christmas and much of that section looked decimated outside of wrapping paper, kitchen/dining supplies, some decorations and wearable accessories. They were already setting up for Valentine's Day. Walking around the store, I still appreciated that this location is still around, it's been a while since I've visited so I was glad to see still a strong selection of frames, scrapbooking supplies, paints, yarns and ribbons/trimmings. They also installed more self-service checkout machines. The shopping stop wasn't altogether unfruitful in that I picked up a pack of baked goods boxes (to place home-made cookies/pastries inside before gifting to others). I hope next time to find more of what I need!

I absolute love Michaels as it has everything you could need to craft and be creative. Their…read morecoupons aren't as good nowadays as they used to be and I don't have as much time as I used to have either but I still love coming here and browsing. The store layout here is a big congested and feel the checkout area and online order area could be better designed. I placed an order online for store pickup and it was ready in less than 10 minutes after I placed the order, which was quite impressive (I couldn't go until a few days later). The pickup area is located to your left as soon as you get off the escalators. There really wasn't a shelf to get your items and your bags situated after you pick up your item and the waiting area was quite small. No one was there when I went to pick up but a line of about 5 people behind me formed as I got my item making it a bit tricky to navigate to leave the area while also trying to stuff my item into my bags. The general checkout area was quite tight as well. It's long and it's sometimes hard to see if a self checkout counter is open. Self checkout itself is pretty easy to use and I like how the machine is able to detect if the handheld scanner was properly placed back in its slot before it moves forward with checking you out. I was able to find my account easily and apply all my coupons during my transaction. The staff I asked about inventory were quite knowledgeable and were able to point me to the right aisle to get the things I needed. things were well stocked and neatly displayed as well.

Exactly what I was expecting: a real store, with real people, having expertise, and a wide…read moreselection. I went in with a general idea of what I needed for a portfolio to use at a job fair. The manager helped me hone in on a vintage '80's indigo pad. Looks so much better that your standard, big box store options. (Although they have those too.) Was already in a condition that looked new. He also inspected it, and made sure it was freshened up. So, it really popped. They also have all the Pentel's--picked up one of those. As well as, a wide selection of pencils, pens, fountain pens, stationary, ledgers, printer toner, other printer needs, and many other treasures. Classic Manhattan store, in a great location in the Diamond District. I will definitely come again.

Went down to Phil's a couple times during my lunch break. The heavy door makes it feel like a haven…read morefrom the cold. Phil has stacks of many different types of paper. Phil is helpful and gave me interesting insight into the people that buy his paper. There is great paper here and good objects for measuring and working with paper. I reccomended !

Was just walking around the city at night and saw this row of little shops in Koreatown. I'm a…read moresucker for all things kawaii and saw the sign of DIY phone cases. You can create your own decoden (Japanese word) for a style of decorating whimsically cute things. You get to choose around 15 charms and pick the glue "cream" colors to be piped on. They piped the glue on for me and I picked the charms and they put them on for me (you can put them on yourself if you want). It was $35 to create the phone case. It's a nice reminder of a fun night. Look at the instagram. They are open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm, according to their Instagram @HiHiNewYork. They sell plushes, charms and more.

I seriously need to stop coming here but I just can't. I love a good bookstore, and this one has…read morealways been special to me. Located right across from Bryant Park, it's almost impossible to walk by without going in. It's usually crowded, but that's part of its charm. The store has three levels, each worth exploring. The main floor features an impressive selection of books, including bestsellers and new releases right as you walk in. The lower level is where you'll find collectibles, specialty pens, beautiful notebooks and stationery, unique gifts, even more books, and plenty of cute items that will tempt you to spend more than you planned. The book selection is excellent, although I have to admit the prices can be a bit on the higher side. The staff are always friendly, and checkout is surprisingly quick, so don't let the long lines discourage you. One thing to note: drinks aren't allowed inside, so you'll need to leave them with security before entering. If you're visiting the area or spending time around Bryant Park, I highly recommend stopping by. Whether you're a book lover or just enjoy browsing, this bookstore is absolutely worth a visit.

Hubs: How'd you find this?…read more Ghost in the shell is his fav anime. I knew this was a must have. I was able to score a Ghost in the Shell special archive edition (see pics). This bookstore is one of the coolest spots in midtown. I used to work in the offices next store and would go upstairs to the cafe for lunches or snacks when I needed a break. It was a time way back in the day. Cut back to our Mom's day out... On Mom's day out we made our way toward our lunch reservation, bustling through the glow of the Knicks recent championship win. The city was a vibe and we were living for it. We also were on a mission for finding possible Father's Day gifts and being that 2 out of the three Hubs was into anime, I suggested making a stop here. Not only don't have great stuff for the manga/anime mega fans, it's also a pretty cool book store. One like back in the olden days. Check out was quick and easy and we really did enjoy just looking at all the great stuff. Can't say anything about the food because we saved our appetite for our lunch rez. But all in all, it was great to be back and to show off one of my spots in my old stomping grounds.

I've shopped at M&J for decades for sewing supplies: Ribbon, buttons, various closings (hooks &…read moreeyes and the like) trimming, stitch-on images, rhinestones and the like since the 1970s. My grandma--born in 1899--taught me to sew. She was a businesswoman; she and my grandfather owned a bar. He was the face and she handled the books. Stopped in last week and plan to make one more visit before they close. I'm not averse to buying online, but the great thing about shopping at M&J is that you just might find something you weren't expecting but realize you could put to good use. So yes, I think one last trip down there is in order. I shop online regularly and I'm pretty saavy when it comes to finding the things I need, but when it involves fabric and and other sewing materials there's nothing like finding something you had no idea you wanted/needed... including things for which you can't think of an immediate need but you just know might be useful in the future. M&J is a holdover from times when people bought clothing expecting it to last and assumed that they were going to keep it as long as it could be repaired, altered or hemmed up, not toss it within a year or two. And when clothing wore out, we saved the butons or other closings because hey--might need them one day--along with undamged fabric parts because hey, you might need them someday to patch or create something. I will miss M&J so very much because nothing beats seeing--and touching--sewing materials IRL.

M&J is one of those garment district institutions that's been around for nearly 90 years. They've…read morealways been one of the larger stores with a very broad assortment of sewing and design accessories--everything from hundreds of ribbons (may thousands), trims, decals, rhinestones, fabrics, supportive inner garment materials, buttons, hair/costume jewelry components, the list goes on. Agree with some other reviews in that it's one of the pricier stores though you pay for the wide variety--hard to beat their selection. The course of time hasn't been kind to local production. Back in the 1820s up until the early 1980s, when mass garment production stateside was booming in NYC, the garment district employed up to 46% of the city's industrial workforce. There was a need to design and purchase materials nearby, and the majority of Manhattan's midtown west side was dedicated to factories and design studios. Fast fwd to now, that statistic is much different and given the availability of online and global sources, not everyone needs to go into a physical store to purchase their needs. While many products have long moved to overseas sourcing, for anyone who's endeavored DIY arts and crafts, or even made any functional product by hand, it's much different seeing and feeling a material in person than on a screen. That's where in this past century, stores like M&J played a vital role in the fabric of the garment district. They are also a valuable resource to the numerous design students at FIT, Parsons, etc. During past decade many a longtime stalwart trim store have disappeared from the neighborhood and M&J is the latest casualty. If you are interested in sewing or design notions, now's your chance to pick up items at their going-out-of-business sale.

The best! The League…read morehas many art supplies in a compact space - very helpful staff too

Beautiful small art store with an awesome selection of items. Always a stop for us when we are in…read morethe city!

Spacious with lots of room to craft away! My partner and I had a blast customizing our new italian…read morebracelets. Employees were nice and accommodating!

Amazing store they have everything to create the perfect necklace bracelet and keychainread more