This shop in the very nice shopping center of Del Monte has a ton of product, but like most comic…read morebook stores, the business is moving away from that business and focusing more on collectible toys. It's a shame because there are so few good stores in this area. I went to all of them today and didn't find one that was a strong comic book store. If you like certain collectibles, you'll find a lot here, but if you're looking for comic books (which this store is listed) then you might be disappointed. SELECTION: Definitely packed full of product but I find that these types of stores in the end don't do well because product that doesn't sell sits on the shelves so long they gather dust. Not focused enough. And the comic wall isn't well stocked. SERVICE: Helpful in explaining why there isn't a lot in stock but too bad because this place has lots of potential. In a waning market this is the most well positioned store to do well. If they only did an ordering service, it would likely solve some of their problems. COST: Reasonable but not exceptional. Instead of going the collectibles route (I would definitely have collectibles but not the fad kind), I would go the comic book / gaming / sports card route. Card collectibles are of high value and take up so very little space. Funkos are great, but to give them shelf space they aren't worth it.

I came in to look for some Poison Ivy comics...and left with a horrible headache and feeling sick…read more The reason being the OVERPOWERING SMELL of mold or mildew that was in the store. Owner definitely has an issue that needs to be resolved immediately. As for the contents of the store, it sadly left a lot to be desired. Comics were not sorted alphabetically on the shelves, older guy sitting behind the counter made it clear he did not want to be bothered, and some of the merchandise was WAY TOO expensive. I understand he has a shop in the Del Monte Shopping Center so renting the space can be pricey, but $30 for a "normal" Funko Pop that isn't a Chase, or special edition, is just plain ridiculous. Hot Topic on the other side of the shopping center had the exact same Funko Pop for $11.90 My partner found a cool Batman graphic novel, but by that point I felt like I was gonna be sick due to the mold smell, so I had to leave. I hope the owner can get their priorities straight, and take care of the store before someone does get sick.

In case you didnt know. The shop is great but where the real fun happens is on the compas'…read moreinstagram. Go follow that shit! Its so much fun. The thrill of the first come first serve new things common and rare and even epic! Seeing all the relics that go thru those door when you are unable to go to the store is absolutely the charm and fun about gaming that we all enjoy. Seeing old systems, in box games, toys, seeing our old memories preserved and watching them be relived or passed on. The world needs places more like this. In times of craziness, its nice to unwind and get angry at someone else at online video games and let go of all this random baggage we are carrying. Thanx for keeping salinas up boiz! We all appreciate it. More than our introverted asses will ever let you know! Daniel

"Gamers in Control in Salinas--let me tell you, folks, total disaster, absolutely the worst. I've…read morebeen to hundreds of shops, tremendous shops, the best shops, and this one? A complete mess. The owner--very rude, very nasty, not smart, not smart at all--goes after anyone who leaves an honest review. Sad! You think you're just asking a question, maybe about a card, very simple, very smart question, and suddenly you're under attack. It's unbelievable. People come in, they try to be nice, they try to be reasonable, and this guy--boom!--he's on you like nobody's business. Prices? Terrible. Service? Awful. Atmosphere? You wouldn't believe it. Very low energy. I've seen coffee shops with better vibes than this place. And the owner--he thinks he's running the greatest card shop in America, maybe the world, but really, folks, it's a total disaster. Very sad. He can't handle criticism. Can't handle it. If you leave an honest review, you'll feel like you insulted the president. And I know a thing or two about criticism, believe me. So do yourself a favor--don't go. You'll save your money, your time, your dignity. It's a very dangerous shop for anyone who wants an honest experience. I know the best shops, I have the best shops, people tell me all the time. Gamers in Control? Not one of them. Terrible, terrible, avoid at all costs. Bigly disappointing. And that owner? He needs a lesson in manners. Very sad!"

Great, well curated selection of comics and likewise geeky toys. As a kid of the 80s and 90s I…read moreloved seeing some of the Star Wars toys I already own and hope to own very soon!

Awesome local comic and collectible shop in downtown San Juan Bautista. They have a Pokémon club on…read moreTuesday from 5-8 that my son and his friends love! Very welcoming and inclusive to all ages and levels of experience.

Thinker Toys is such a gem of a toy store. It has quite a selection of everything you can imagine…read moreso you can always find the perfect gift for that kid or kid at heart person in your life. I'm kinda sad my kids are a bit too old for toys these days but I still make it a point to stop in the shop and support. I really appreciate their LGBTQ items too. Good on you for the representation in town, Thinker! We see you and appreciate you.

Surprisingly magical spot. Adult child in love!…read more I walked into Tinker Toys expecting cute stuff, but got a whole experience. Giants Pusheen wall, cozy tents, toys, puzzles, cards, stickers. It felt like stepping into nostalgia with a modern twist. I was extra pumped to see queer stickers, flags, and pins. Big love for that inclusive touch. I left with some treasures: a pin for me, stickers, a puzzle, and a ridiculously cute teacup "porse" (for my wife's friend). The girl behind the counter was really nice and helped us choose a puzzle! Already planning my return. Next time I'm hunting for that perfect game or quirky gift.

Store is really clean. Great selection of newer comics. Comic don't come with a bag and board which…read moreis a little odd. Second room has some back issues and a few 50 cent bins. Always fun to look through those. Staff was super friendly.

I've been on a hunt for a specific back issue of Dr. Strange so whenever I see a comic book store,…read moreI need to swing in. I'm so glad we just happened to park in the large parking lot next to this store. It was a delight. The store is much larger than it appears from the outside. Mainly because there's a whole second half you might not realize is there until you come in. The selection here is wonderful and the lay out newer issues in a very easy to browse way. The back issues are in your traditional long box that you need to flip through, but they're all labeled in a way that makes it easy to narrow down your search. While they did not have the specific issue I was looking for, they happily went online and found an online retailer that had it for a reasonable price. That's great customer service that no other store has ever shown me (including my own local comic book shop where I've been a regular for 10+ years). Even when I told them they didn't have to do that they insisted and had a site for me within a minute or two. I really appreciated that. The two workers were so friendly and helpful. When I mentioned I was from Los Angeles they asked where my local store was & immediately knew it and had nice things to say about the owner. You could tell they really loved what they did and the comic book community as a whole. While I don't know how often I will be in the area, if I am ever even remotely close I will absolutely come by again. This is one of the best shopping experiences I've has at a CBS outside of my area.

Chatter Baux is perfect solution to the lightly used clothes and toys that are in your kids closet…read more All items in the store are on consignment for 2 months. When the 2 months is up you have 2 options: 1. Come find and get your items or 2. Your remaining items will go on the $1 sale. My daughter and I are frequent consignees here. From time to time we will purchase clothing, but what my daughter and I really love getting are the puzzles. The price point is perfect, all pieces are accounted for and when you do a puzzle 1 or 2 times then we usually are done. The owner of the store is very personable and kind. If your a Monterey local or someone visiting the area and forgot something for your kids, I highly recommend checking this place out.

Friendly service, reasonably priced items with lots of great quality and choice. I used to shop…read morehere when I had young daughters, now I get to shop for my granddaughter

Childhood should be whimsical, and this store has so many toys that are. Stopped by here with some…read morefriends, and while I didn't get anything, almost all of my friends did. Do you need a sandwich puppet? Childish is there. Do you need slime with some unique embeds? Yep, Childish is still there. A chonky rhino or hippo stuffie? Come close so I can whisper in your ear.... Chilllllldish. Cam the employee was easy to talk and made each of our experiences that much better. They gave helpful suggestions without making us feel pressured.

My go-to for all birthday gifts! The best selection of toys in Santa Cruz and amazing customer…read moreservice to top it off. The employees are knowledgeable and helpful and I love not feeling rushed while I peruse. Highly recommend!

Great selection of yard art and pots. We can always find what we want there at a reasonable price!read more

I was driving down 101 South yesterday and spotted the beautiful pottery! I drove out there today…read moreand what a treat! This place is FULL of Talavera and Chiminea's and Suns, and other decor. It's all outside. The gal working there was super sweet and had the most adorable puppy! I used to sell Talavera at prior jobs, and these prices are competitive. I paid $189 for a pot that down the street would be $300. Talavera isn't cheap to begin with, but if you love it, you love it. I wanted to get the word out because this place is worth finding. I was concerned about finding it so let me share how: To get to it go up 101 north and take Messick Road. It's after San Miguel Canyon. You don't have a lot of warning so once you see the sign be prepared to get off the Highway. Treasure Garden is to your almost immediate left on the opposite side of a little building. There is parking right up front too! You will see some of the cute stuff they have out front.

Totally stumbled on to this place. Really well curated collection of toys and teacher supplies. The…read moreselection and service was fantastic. Super friendly. Great for kids and curious adults. Really good puzzle supply!

Great selection of educational toys and STEM related items.many family board games as well. Staff…read morewas friendly as well as super helpful in recommending age appropriate items a teenager would like. They also did free gift wrap at Christmas. Plenty of parking in the small shopping center they are located in.

It's an alright five below. I found what I needed but I felt things were unorganized. I did enjoy…read morethe nice smell that perfumed when I entered the store though. They also had no bags left here so just many things lacking at this location.

I same absolutely mortified. I waasd completely humiliated by a staff member of a pack of 3 dollar…read moreshimmering ducks that were never opened. TAMMY THE EMPLOYEE told me they product was opened and that there were not 50 ducks in the package. She then proved to make me count 50 ducks in front of a busy store of people and yes in fact there were 50 in there. She also was rude and put her hand up and told me she doesnt want to hear it and continue to be rude. I told her u should apologize. She continued w a horrible attitude kept making up excuses and then told me she'd have someone call... i asked her how if she doesnt have my contact. She then slammed a pen and paper in desk and at that point I told her no. I will be in contact w corporate. I dont even care about the 3 dollars. Im ready to get out of the. She completely embarrassed me and was so rude to the point I wish that I never met her. 5 below take action!