Love this place. I wouldn't even necessarily go there for their books (which they have a good…read moreselection of) but for their interesting toys, gifts, and cards. Need a pair of silly socks or beautiful jewelry for a friend or yourself? Then come here! If you're ever in the area just stop in and have a look around for fun.

When I walked in, I wasn't greeted, even though staff acknowledged other customers who entered…read moreafter me. I spent about 15 minutes browsing and tried to ask a question about a title I was looking for, but the response I received felt dismissive and rushed. The staff member didn't make eye contact and seemed uninterested in helping. What stood out most to me was the difference in tone and attentiveness shown to other customers compared to my interaction. I left feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, which was disappointing because I wanted to support a local bookstore.

Great toys - they don't seem disposable like so many do and you don't have to read a manual before…read moreyou can play with them. Quiet atmosphere. I think it's family-owned, at least, I usually see the same two or three people there. I can't promise this, but I'm pretty sure you won't find any pink plastic there. The Toy Maker, Little Book House just down the way, and Arlene's Art Supplies on Fuller are my first three stops for kids birthday gifts (or "I Love Books" if I'm out Delmar way) - so that shopping trip is pretty focused and not the mall.

My wife told me that some bookstores are buying books from Walmart instead of wholesale, because…read moretheir wholesale prices are more expensive than Walmart's retail prices. I have a sinking feeling that is what is happening with toys too. There are things the Toy Maker carries that you cannot find in Walmart. Small production toys, Thomas the Tank Engine Wooden Railway, Playmobil, etc. That is what this store is good for. Do not make the same mistake my son made, spending the allowance he saved on a $10 pack of Uno cards that we later found at Walmart for under $5. Unless of course you are happy to spend the extra money to keep these kinds of stores in business. The kiddo learned a valuable lesson: Let the buyer beware.

What terrific little shop! Cute home goods shop in downtown Schenectady is like a mix between…read morePottery Barn and Beekman 1802. I think it smells great and has interesting and unique items.Today I got a hobnail milk glass vase and a wire vegetable basket. I was tempted to get a Nest candle but postponed that. Their baby section is precious, with hooded towels and little soaps. Their bath section is delightful--I love the lotions and body oils; my husband bought a back sponge on a stick. From the kitchen section he purchased a ceramic-covered metal soap dish. Their paintings are unique and whimsical, like goats or owls or gnomes in forests. Lots of planters and baskets with faux plants that look real. All those fun pillows on their green velour couch makes me want to lie down with one of their books and read or take a nap! This hipster boutique is just down the street from Procters and is a nice stop after the farmers market on Sundays.

Such a unique store that takes several times of walking around to really see everything they have!…read moreBeautiful mix of vintage and new and all fairly reasonably priced! Always find something new to fall in love with and staff are friendly and willing to help however is needed. Great to have them back open.

Such an incredible shop! Owner Theresa has such a beautiful…read moreshop, offers a ton of different scents and products, and truly goes out of her way to make customers feel welcome. I went in to get a jump start on holiday shopping, and I was so happy to find so many different scents. I got several gifts, including lotion, soaps, bath bombs and more. Scent-wise there's something for everyone, including floral, fruity, seasonal scents and even ones made from beer and spirits. There are also candles, soap holders, local art, and so much more. It's a fantastic shop in the heart of Troy. Shop small and support someone in your community, and get incredible gifts too!

This is a great shop fully of wonderful scents and sights. This is a great place to get gifts…read morejust for yourself or for others. The store is beautiful with the rows of colorful soaps. I have gotten bar soaps, bath bombs, and jar candles and all have been fantastic. Theresa (the owner) is spot on with the scent profiles and the product designs! The bar soap scent even stays fragrant for the whole use of the bar - it still smelled great when there was only a tiny piece left.

As of this review, the store is very new, so it is fully stocked and very clean - let's hope it…read morestays that way. It also didn't hurt that the store is only 1 mile from my house, and I received discount coupons in the mail. Plus the register receipts have discounts too. The entire left wall of the store, and part of the back, are devoted to refrigerated and frozen items. Other aisles have grocery items, and several aisles are seasonal (currently stocking Christmas items). As usual, some items will be better priced/deals than others. But sometimes a product will have an additional discount if you buy 2 of the item. The employees are friendly and polite and helpful. I know that stores like this can start going downhill over time, fingers crossed they can keep up the good work here.

Awesome collection of the top smokes, including local and onsite hand rolled, in a huge walk in…read morehumidor. Lots of great sale items, all looking and feeling fresh. The guys here offer helpful advice on everything. Bought a local hand rolled to smoke in their really awesome lounge and 3 more to take home. The lounge is spacious with welcoming leather chairs and a couple of tables if you're looking for that. Noticed the beautiful members-only humidor lockers and got on the waiting list before I left. The only thing missing was a whisky! Small but good enough parking off busy Central Ave.

I just left there without buying a cigar…read more.... Im not sure If the salesman was just a moron or was racially profiling me or was a misogynist, but I dont need a man who is YOUNGER than me to GUIDE me around by the nose in a teeny humidor to by one Davidoff cigar for my new BF. He was so obvious. If he wanted me to check my bags, say so, but dont be a creep. Not a friendly store for women.

People should always bring out your sparkle, and leave you with more…read more Love letter to #thecostumer who made me feel valued, beautiful, and sparkling. That started from the first phone call that I made, through the rental of my wig, and my disco ball dress. I was connected to Pam whom I left voice mail for asking about rental of a Dolly Parton wig. BOOM! I get a call back from Pam letting me know she had already styled two wigs for me, and she would send images to me via email. Next morning, there was an email from Pam Pam with the promised images. I chose the more blonde, and fluffier wig. Next day, I drive to The Costumer rental shop, and was greeted by Courtney. She let me try on the chosen wig. Naturally, I couldn't contain my laughter. It was beautifully ridiculous. I was all in. If you know me, I am either clocking in at ZERO or NINETY. No grey area in my life. So, when asked if I needed a costume, I obliged to TRY them on. Mclhenna took my measurements, and returned with a cowgirl outfit, and a sequined number. Although, I long showed horses in Western Pleasure classes, the cowgirl outfit just wasn't working for me. Ahh...But, next was the sparkly one. I slid into that one, and I immediately knew she was the one. I exited the dressing room to praise by Mclhenna, and Lisa who told me I was sparkling as was the dress, and that I looked like a disco ball. They gave me lovely compliments, and told me that I sparkled, too. Lisa, the accessory queen, got me a pair of elbow length gloves for wardrobe completion. @ I felt beautiful. FYI, they also make costumes there. This is a place overflowing with multitalented people. Decision made. Onward to The Costumer retail store on Harbor Drive. I met Pam my wig stylist, and the Assistant Manager, and Jeff, who took my initial phone call. Pam assisted me with make up where I ended up just buying eyeshadow, and some affixer to set/hold my makeup. I had foundation, blush, eyeliner, and mascara at home. But, Percy gave me make up tips that were priceless as he has experience with theatrical make up applications. Hope I did you proud, Percy. Big thank you to Courtney, Mclhenna, Lisa, Pam, Percy, and Jeff. You made me feel beautiful. Your kindness goes beyond excellent customer service. I will forever sing your praises, and I can't wait to dress up, again. Highlx recommend each of you for a memorable, and wonderful experience. Thank you for making me sparkle. You're The Disco Balls of Cool. I LOVE YOU! YOU ROCK! ( The Costumer is celebrating 109 years in business. Now, you know why.)

After a rough start picking up an order for dance class supplies for my daughter, I realized I did…read morenot know the order number or whether or not it was an in person or internet order. I should have had that information. The Costumer is a large operation with three locations in Schenectady. It rents and sells hundreds of costumes and assessories. A call to my daughter resolved those issues. Within 15-20 minutes of my arrival, the order was located and delivered to my car by a staff member. Service was Five Stars I talked to four different staff, and each one was courteous and calm in spite of my impatience during the initial part of my visit. I was a little out of line, but I am going to attribute it to a senior episode. A nice email explaining the delay in locating the order was sent to my daughter by the manager on the same day as my pickup. AND it included a 15% off coupon on her next purchase! Good customer service and follow-up!

I love this shop! The fabrics they carry are beautiful and their staff is wonderfully helpful!read more

I love Amelia's Sewing Garden! The colorful walls of fabric are eye candy and they stock wonderful…read moredesigners like Tula Pink, Kaffe Fassett, Melody Miller, Anna Marie Horner, and others! And the staff are the loveliest and always happy to help! 5 stars!