Dots & Loops combine everything that I love about Inkwell, the Independent Mercantile and Duly…read moreNoted into one beautiful shop. I've only actually been once, but it was enough to make me swoon. I mean...I've been following them on social media for ages and have drooled over their photos, but now that I've been inside, yep, it's love. I love that just about everything in the shop is made in Canada, and there is so much love for local Nova Scotian artists too! I could have bought a car full of goodies - Rifle Paper Co journals? Adorable prints? Jewellery dishes shaped like woodland animals? And then the jewellery itself that is just so gorgeous, it's hard not to want a little bit of everything. The store is packed full of goodies in every space available, but it doesn't feel cramped or crowded. The set up is perfect for browsing in a crowd (even though I was there in the off-season). I can't say enough about this charming shop! I can't wait to go back.

Just. YES. After a…read moreday of shopping the south shore, inundated by stereotypical 'maritime' crap that I just can't get down with, I almost let out an audible cry of happiness when I walked into this brand new addition to the Lunenburg scene. The modern, open and bright space really let the products on the shelves shine rather than forcing customers into an awkward stumble through overpacked aisles of random nick-knacks. Within seconds of seeing all the inspiring and adorable prints, handmade pillows and stuffed toys, quirky greeting cards and stationery, and tons more, I knew I was in trouble. Much like a similar store in Halifax (Love, Me Boutique), I just wanted it all. And that's okay...because every purchase helps support a legitimate local artist or crafter which makes me feel MUCH better about gift-giving than just picking up your average mass-produced 'Authentic Nova Scotian' anything. Besides, there were so many great products available for less than $20 which makes it easy to do some damage without having to hate yourself for it later. I will absolutely be back. Hopefully soon and often.

There is not much else to say about this store except it is pretty special!…read more Ditto to all the other reviews and comments. It really is a place you have to go for yourself. I do not think there is once spec of room left in the store to put anything. It is jammed packed! The staff are great and friendly. We went there to look for a few of the games we like. It is true , most people probably walk by not knowing what is on the other side.

For a store that's been around so long maritime hobbies phones don't work you have to call and call…read morethey have 1 line apparently and I can't see anything online they keep saying they are getting the site updated but that's been said for over a year now and when talking to a couple of the staff I wanted to ask a few questions about stuff I was interested in but they just keep cutting me off and and continue explaining something I got in the first few words said by then I couldn't be bothered they seem like nice people but need some help when it comes to running a successful business and to listen to the customers more and not annoy them to the point they sooner go elsewhere get you phones working and hour site up and working properly you are losing out on a lot of online business me for 1.

I recently had a painting matted and put together by the framing department at the Dartmouth…read moreCrossing location. Courtney looked after me both times. I think she is a very special employee. She was friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The painting looks beautiful. I am very very happy with the product and service concentrate.

Worst service. Spent 20 minutes at the curb side pickup. called in twice and kept being assured…read morethey weee coming right out. 20 minutes turned into 30. No offer to make right. Won't be shopping here again and will be telling people not to use curb side pickup. Still waiting as I type .....

Well, you can't always find what you're looking for. The same goes for this little art supply…read morestore. Never mind the colourful sign indicating its whereabouts, you still have to enter through doors prior to the shop and manoeuvre your way through the small halls with low ceilings. But hey, once you've found it, you'll always know how to get there. Okay, difficulty locating it aside, this is a pretty nice little art store. It isn't too big so you don't feel overwhelmed by different gadgets, but it still has all the necessary tools for the true artist. Sadly, that isn't me. I didn't know where to look or where to even start. Lucky for me, it is small so there wasn't much room for getting lost. I ended up finding something that seemed like what I needed, but when I asked the clerk if it would be suitable for my project, he simply responded with, "I don't know." That was all. I was hoping for a little more help than that. I think he could sense I wasn't the artsy type and therefore snubbed me a bit. Even when I asked a couple more questions his response was always the same. I didn't feel too confident about my project after that. At least I know I can find this place again if I ever decide to try another project. Perhaps I'll be given a different answer than, "I don't know," to any question I may have.

This is an exciting little shop that can be easy to miss. Concealed in the depths of the Granville…read moreMall and predominately frequented by NSCAD students, this is a space available to anyone and everyone with the artistic will. Its just a tiny little thing, but packed with a wide variety of art supplies and books of the art related. The store lay out is straight forward and well maintained, making it easy to find what you're looking for. I've found they can run low in stock on special items throughout the school year if there's a NSCAD class requiring specific materials. But most of the time they are pretty good for having things on hand. They have a lovely selection of paper. From Mayfair to more exquisite, textured Japanese papers... certainly a highlight for me! From all the basics to the more nit-picky tools, the NSCAD Supply Store has a well rounded body of product and at reasonable prices. There are also certain items they keep behind the counter, so if you're having trouble finding it, ask an employee! The books are mainly there for classes, however if you're interested in learning some art history or teaching yourself photography, the selection offers a great platform for some self education! I'd recommend this store for all creative individuals around the city!

Purchased some fabric the other day and realized that it was not what was needed. I have purchased…read moretens of thousands of dollars from this store over the past number of years for a business. Many times, it is easier and more efficient to buy a bolt from the store rather than wait for the suppliers in Canada and the US. Went to Dartmouth to return the fabric today and was told to take it back to the Halifax location, Was told that there was no problem returning the fabric, since we are well known customers and usually buy large quantities of material. Was told that it had to be remeasured, which is understandable, since I may have taken an inch of two, which was not the case. Generally try to avoid the Halifax location, although it is located nearby our costuming business. I would rather spend money on tolls and gas to go to Dartmouth rather than deal with the Halifax location. The fabric was accepted, begrudgingly, although I felt that I was seen as something less than a valued customer. I was told that they do not accept returned fabric, since they have done so in the past and there have been bugs. What I am to infer from this comment? We have a large warehouse for the fabric that is clean, humidity controlled and certainly free of pests and bugs. Should I worry about bugs being in the fabric when I am buying from Fabricville? There is no information stating that there are no returns on fabric, aside from no returns on cut fabric. Please make this clear to your customers. In the future, I will shop elsewhere. I will make a point to avoid the Halifax store and can shop for sundries on line and fabric as well. I have never had a bad thing to say about the delivery drivers who come regularly to my door with packages. I learned growing up in a business family that when someone is happy, they may tell one person. If they are unhappy with the service they received they will tell ten people and so on, You have lost of customer, of which you seemingly don't care. This is unfortunate, since retail can hardly afford to disconnect with the paying public.

The only thing this store really has going for it is the staff, who are very helpful…read more Unfortunately, most the fabrics they are selling are overpriced. I saw one bolt of ordinary woven black 100% polyester fabric for a whopping $13 per metre - pass! There were a few amazing embroidered chiffons, although I don't think I'd pay upwards of $40 per metre even for that. There was a reasonably sized discount section, a huge quilting section full of 100% cotton prints, and a fairly large home decor section. The notions section is small, and so is the button selection. I left this store without buying anything. I don't thing I'd go back there unless I was desperate and had a lot of spare cash lying around.

I have gone to the Art Expo quite a few times for several reasons. Now admittedly they are the only…read moreones within the downtown core...or really all of Halifax to my knowledge, that do what they do. BUT comparing them to similar stores in other cities, they still do it quite well. Customer Service - Always friendly and real. Not overly friendly/fake and never grumpy. I believe the owner runs it half the time and he's a really nice person. Selection - For the space, it's as much stuff as they could cram in there. And the variety is really good. They try to cater to every age demographic. I went to get my poster mounted. They were definitely the cheapest in the city. I called around. The end result was perfect! A few minor problems with the poster were ironed out in the mounting process as well. It was exactly what I was looking for. If you need a poster or need some mounting, I believe also framing done anywhere, they should be your first phone call. :)

Art Expo is a store if you are looking for cheap wall hangings. Walking through Park there was…read moreCrammer hanging on the wall for $59.95 I have not seen this print for a long time. This caught my eye and I decided to pop in and see what else I could find. Now I can see my son going and grabbing a few pieces from this store for this apartment as the prices are reasonable for what he might consider something to hang on his wall. Scarface who does not love that and $19.95, as well the famous pose from James Dean. Now am I saying that everything in here will be hanging in your living room no, but it is a perfect stop for those young ones starting out and need some great wall mounted art for a good price.