Spent a good deal of time looking around the store three days ago and was told that there was an extra 20% off all the sale items 1 day only, only to discover today that there was still an extra 20% off all the sale items; it is a very bad idea to lie to potential customers! Hoping that a lot of people read this review and avoid the store! read more

I think this is the cutest little store. Absolutely perfect for gifts and goodies! It is clean, neat and full of inventory. With that being said, don't go in there if you don't think you can meet their standards of what a customer should be. Yesterday was the third time I have had problems with their employees. I am in my mid-twenties. I do not drive a BMW. I buy the majority of my wardrobe from Marshall's, so pretty much all last season. I carry a Coach purse, and work three jobs to afford nice things. I needed to pick up a gift for my friend and for my mother's friend. No one offered to help me, which was fine. I was perfectly capable of finding things on my own. I had settled on Vera Bradley blanket and Vera Bradley apron and was waiting to check out. The cashier was quite chatty with the lady in front of me, who was also taking advantage of the Vera sale. The employee offered her gift boxes and gift wrapping and took her time with each item. When it was my turn to check-out, I was prepared to accept the gift wrapping offer and pay whatever the additional fee was, even though I was pretty sure it was free. I mentioned to the cashier that these were both gifts for others, to which she responded "oh, that's nice!" She proceeded to throw my receipt in the bag without asking if I wanted it, and stuff the oversized throw into the too small bag which crushed the tiny Vera box that came with the apron. The bag didn't have handles so I maneuvered carrying it like groceries. I was never once offered anything that the lady prior to me was asked read more

It's like a carefully curated treasure trove. I found the toy hedgehog my daughter loves there. We eat breakfast on my favorite plates with bicycles that I found there. They've got great gifts galore for my loved ones. What a hidden gem. read more

I started shopping in A La Carte the summer of 2011 when I became interested in Vera Bradley products. The store has a lovely variety of merchandise that you won't find in the mall. The owner has excellent taste and the prices are fair. I have been going back to the store at least once a month for one of a kind gifts. I always end up buying things for myself when I go looking for a special gift item. This store has wonderful souvenir items featuring the Brig Niagara and Presque Isle. They always have a nice sale table near the front register. When I have out of town guest I always take them shopping to this store and they are impressed with this gift shop. I have always had good customer service from everyone I encounter in here. Free gift wrapping a plus. I wish they would carry. "Life is Good " shirts. Respectfully, Dina N. read more

This is a great local family owned store. Located in the Colony Plaza in west 8th St in Erie, PA. They have been around for as long as I can remember!! They have the best unique gifts at all different prices. And they even wrap for free!! It's a wonderful store for brides to register. The staff is always very friendly and helpful when I'm there. I always find the best gifts that everyone loves from a la Carte!! And the owner does a great job buying. Always new items. Never the same old same old. Love this store!! One of the best local stores around!!!! read more

I went into Ala Carte one Saturday unaware of the time and after entering I heard loud whispering asking how did I get in there, and its closing time and someone didn't lock the door. I said I would leave if it was a problem and they said we are closed come back Monday. On Small business Saturday I returned to Ala Carte and after purchasing a few items I asked for boxes, which were offered to other customers. I was told yes you can have gift bags. When the clerk brought the bags I said I really needed 2 boxes. She pointed to all the boxes under the large counter and said none of these will fit your items. I pointed to the boxes I wanted, which fit, and I was given 1 box. The clerk rolled up my bag and shoved it at me and said "There." I was speechless. I will never go back. read more

I stopped in the shop three times in the last few weeks to purchase gifts. The store has always provided unique items at reasonable prices. I found some nice items and would have purchased some items for myself but each time I went in the staff was unavailable to help me, talking with each other, did not greet me when I came in and just downright rude. I have the money to spend ladies but will not spend it in your establishment. I have observed staff members go out of their way to speak to other customers. I'm not a VIP so therefore not worthy of the same treatment in their eyes. read more

I really love this store- its awesome. Why the rating? I've been shopping here for years. I stopped in today at 5:10 pm (they close at 5:30 pm) to find a card and birthday gift for my husband, needed for tomorrow. When I walked in, three (long term) employees were in chaos at the register trying to figure out a discrepancy before closing and were also counting a drawer. So I went to the back of the store for a card. Found it. I kept hearing chaos so I asked one of the employees if they were still open and she said yes. I asked for help finding a gift. The one employee tried showing me around, but was rushing, and in the middle of that, another employee was dragging a table into the store from outside, right in the middle of my discussion about what to buy for my husband. Both were seemingly unaware that I was shopping and that the shop was still open. I actually lost track of why I had stopped after the one employee answered that I should stop back tomorrow when I have time to look......huh? So I bought the card (rushed through purchase) and I left, gift-less. Not stopping back tomorrow. If I ever go back I will re-rate them and adjust if needed. read more