I was recently in the market for a good puzzle glue, of all things, and it had to be REALLY good, as the puzzle in question was very special and pricey (limited edition, and a gift from a dear friend). I am familiar with DeSerres stores as they are a national, high-end arts supply store, and when I used to be a student in design school, we'd often get specialized items here in Montreal, years ago. I went online and saw that they carry not one but TWO good puzzle glues, so off I went, to find this store. I found the place easily, on Grandview, close to the Italian Community Center where I got my COVID booster a while back. And right off the bat, I was impressed that there was a dedicated parking lot for their clients. Free parking? Yes, please! Upon entering the store, a young woman who was manning the cash greeted me, and I asked her where the puzzle glue was. She knew exactly where and told me which aisle. As I walked to the area, I was struck by all the canvases, acrylic paints and brushes. What a great selection, and all of excellent brands. (Not the kind at generic craft stores). I also was struck by all the artsy "toys" - the kinds I've not seen elsewhere. Know a kid who's creative? This truly would be the place to get him or her gifts. I didn't go upstairs, but it was clear there was a second floor. I was amazed at all the puzzles they had. I didn't remember DeSerres having puzzles and toys, only art supplies. And the puzzles they had were excellent quality ones, like Ravensburger, and all depicted scenes and artworks that I've never seen on puzzles before. I don't think you'd have to worry about missing pieces or ill-fitting pieces if you got any of these puzzles. I couldn't find the puzzle glue, but the employee who greeted me came to check on my progress in finding what I came here for, and when I told her there were no glues in the aisle, she said they just got a shipment of stuff "in the back" and she'd go check. So nice! Unfortunately, when she returned she said that no glues were in that shipment and the next shipment isn't for another week or two. Darn it. I had assumed if an item was on their website, it'd be in stock in the store. Next time I'll know to call first to check. The employee suggested I try maybe Michael's or another craft store (I forget the name), and I thanked her for her help. She really tried to help me out and I appreciated it. The prices at this store are not cheap, but we're not dealing with cheap merchandise. Just call first if you're looking for a specialized item. read more

I am reviewing this based on my experience as a disabled person and also the parent of a child who uses a wheelchair. This place COULD be accessible but it isn't. The door opens directly on to the sidewalk, but there is no handicapped door opener. They keep sale items upstairs. There is an elevator but a key is needed and it takes you to a staff only area. It's clear that the primary purpose of the elevator is staff moving items and not accessibility for people who can not use stairs. We felt like complete afterthoughts trying to shop here. read more

Canada's own arts and crafts supply store! Helpful staff showed me around. I'll return again!

Since this DeSerres moved further east, and I moved a little closer to the Broadway location, I hadn't been in. Until a couple of weekends past. Aside from the hard to access* parking lot, this DeSerres is great. and I can't say for certain, but I think its got more crafting-oumph. The layout, the helpful staffing... I'm stoked and sold. And I'm digging it more than Broadway. Snip, snip, glue, glue. Let those crafting fashions begin! *Parking lot access available while heading westbound on Grandview Hwy. read more

Such a great store. Our first time visiting this store. We were desperate for some polymer clay to make ornaments and it is sold out everywhere. We went to Deserres and they had none on their shelves. We asked when a new shipment would arrive and they said it had come in that morning. They took us on the back and allowed us to find the colours we needed. They went above and beyond and made my daughter's day. A great store with wonder products you can't find other places. We are now going to be regular customers! I can't say enough about this store. We love it! read more

This is a quaint little place that is located a bit weirdly, I wanted to go into their parking and realized you can only go if you are travelling west on grandview hwy and so I parked on the side street parallel to it, past the train tracks. First mistake. Poor parking design. Bad on them. No greeting when I get in, no hi, no hello, its okay, I don't mind being ignored at times. I am thankful they had a washroom. I am sad that on the clearance of their calligraphy set that I did not turn it on the other side to see that it said it had exploded cartridges but I only looked at it when I got home. What I am quite appalled about is that the cashier who was very nice, did not say to me one more time that this is a clearance item and that I know that it is damaged. It is partly my fault of course but every other place that has a damaged item has the cashier tell the customer about it. It is clearly marked on the front or stickered clearance and DAMAGED. Of course, cannot refund or exchange this. Waste of 17$. This has not been the end of my day though. I drive literally 1 min and I realize that my tire is flat so I park in the friendly Italian community center a minute away from them. Flat tire. Now I am home, 4.5 hours after the ordeal and realize that the prized buy I got was not a deal but a dud and I am quite sad. Its a silly day and I am saddened because I would have gotten a normal item but I didn't realize that their "clearance" items were damaged and thanks for not telling me. I would not recommend them. Go to Michael's. Buy it online. Not really honest, poor labeling ( haha for a store that sells labels too lol) and horrible parking situation. read more

There are two reasons why I like this particular Deserres: it has a parking lot and the layout of the store is easy to navigate. When you walk inside the store, arts & crafts are to the left and fine art items are to the right. I really like the various sized canvas panels that Deserres has compared to Michaels (they only carry standard sizes). I also like the paintings on display that show the results of different acrylic mediums. For customer service I have to give 2.5/5 stars. I was in the store for a half hour before someone asked if I needed assistance and if I'd be interested in taking a class. The cashier was polite but just seemed bored out of her mind. If I worked here Id be excited but that's just me. Anyway, good store and good stock. read more

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I'm no artist, nor have I ever claimed to be, but I *have* been known to be sucked into the vortex that is DIY-style random projects which have usually been found in that larger vortex known as the internets. If it can be made by someone else, than it can be made by me is what I like to think -- whether or not this is *actually* the case is another story. So where to turn in Vancouver for art supplies that will be used to complete said projects? DeSerres is as good a start as any, I'd wager. Cheaper than most big box art stores with fewer "crafty" supplies popping their ugly little heads out of the aisles (I'm looking at you, fake flowers), DeSerres is what I'd consider the half-way point between the kind of place your neighbour's scrapbook-loving aunt would frequent and where your best friend's working-but-barely-surviving artist boyfriend would pick up his supplies. There's a little bit of everything for everyone here. AND the staff have little to no pretension, meaning that when I say I need some paint, they don't smirk when I follow up with a 'no, I have no idea what kind of paint I need. I just need some.' Instead they just do their job, and I keep on keepin' on with my DIY randomness. Useful, no? read more

Terrible customer service. Me: "Where can I get a mat cut?" Deserres worker: "Upstairs!" *go upstairs, no one upstairs" Me: "Hey, there's no one up there!?" DW: "Oh....maybe they're on break." *picks up phone...says nothing into it, sets it back down, looks back at me DW: "It can't be done today." Umm. Ok. Good job there, guys. Would have been able to get better service for a simple frame job across the street at Subway. Weeeeeak. read more

Drove by the store last night and decided to pop in (had a big 20% off poster hanging on the windows). I've always passed by the store on main and mistaken it for a "paint store" all these years! They have many different crafty items to choose from: beading, games, sketching, scrapbooking. What attracted me the most are the sale items! Really good deals with high quality products. They also have a Creative club card which allows members to have 10% off purchases, collecting points while getting bargains! What more can you ask for? Highly recommended. read more

I stopped in DeSerres today for probably the most basic thing they carry Tempera paint and found myself running up and down the aisles like a child cause I just couldn't wait to see what cool things they had around every corner. DeSerres is a wee pricey but it is the toy store of all craft stores, they had a shit load of children's art kits and gifts that made me wish more then anything that I was 8 years old again. I swear they didn't make sweet stuff like this when I was a kid, they even had a doll with removable muscles and organs! Back to reality, DeSerres has a small selection fpr every type of crafting for making models, card making, scrap booking, knitting, stamping, jewellery making, etc. But they only seem to have an extensive selection of products for drawing or painting. read more

I love MOP beads, and DeSerres has a very lovely selection in a number of shapes and sizes I've not seen before. They also have Beadalon findings and some nice pandora style beads. There were also some really big agates and some nice pendants. DeSerres has a lot of other art supplies and the store was well organized. I will definitely shop here again. read more

This is a wonderful place for a serious artist or hobbyist. They have a good selection of a lot of things. When you first walk in they have a bead section to the right. Including a section that lets you hand pick your beads and bag the exact quantity that you need. Right around the corner is a sculpture supply area, and a big easel and art desk selection. Scrapbookers will love this place- lots of papers, pre-made assets, books, albums, etc. What I use the most is the canvas area- it's a huge space! You can find nearly any size you want, and can buy canvas from a roll, if you seek to stretch your own. The prices are the best I've seen in town. They also have some multi-packs which are even more cost-effective. Finally, they have a drawing section. With prismacolors, specific charcoal types, pastels, and specific erasers. This place always inspires me to try something new, or start another project. It's a pleasure to browse around and see what they have. read more

Want to buy as a gift to someone a set of professional markers? DON'T BUY FROM DESERRES! I bought 136 dollars worth in markers as a Christmas gift, and about 2 hours after a left the store I realized I had bought the wrong ones. Well, they don't accept returns from markers, even those sets in a package! If there was any signs or indication close to markers advising that those items cannot be returned I wouldn't have bought it! So desapointed! Never again! read more

I like this store, my first place to go when I need my art supplies or birthday gifts for teen, preteen and toddler of my friends. They have wide selection and items are reasonably priced . I used to buy paint brushes and gesso for oil painting from Michaels that I've found almost one third price up if not double. Customer service is awesome and you'll always find somebody around to help/ suggest if you ask. I love the layout of the store. It's neat and always organized read more

Knowledgeable staff, good variety of supplies on hand. My visit this Sunday on August 5th, Jason and the other crew were happy to help find information on solvent compatibility for products. They also sourced out of stock acrylics from other locations. Jason even noticed a minor error with my club card and updated it accordingly. The crew of a location like this is everything, and the staff here are what keeps bringing me back in! read more

Covers the waterfront, from crafts to professional supplies. Considering this is a national chain, staff are remarkably helpful and well-informed. If you're looking for mainstream supplies, you'll do well here; for more specialized needs, consider Opus (just a little ways away on Granville Island). read more

I just love this giant art supply land....They never let me down with what has to be the biggest selection in town. When ever I am in the arts and craft mood my fix is filled at either here or the Bdway store.. The staff are always friendly and helpful and the prices are good. I just wish i had more hours in my day to create more.. read more

What a sad excuse of an art store. While I guess they have a reasonable selection of canvases and paints, that's about where their selection for serious creatives ends. I came in hoping to buy a new cutting mat and some quality paper. They have lots of different knifes and rotary cutters, but not a single cutting mat in sight. Being new to vancouver, I asked one if the staff if there was a store anywhere near that carried good, high quality paper, she said I should try staples. STAPLES! I guess that was my first and last visit to this store, I'll be looking for some more serious art supply stores from now on. read more

The best place in Vancouver to get your framing done. They will cut you a deal if you do bulk. Dana Cooper is the head framer and he rocks. He's got a great sense of humor and loves what he does. It shows. He actually loves far out orders and welcomes the challenge of framing work big and small. I love this place. read more

Quite the crafty place. Lots of art supplies for any crafty mind. An artists' delight or DIY heaven. Friendly staff and willing to help anyway possible. Give them your idea and they'll give you the tools to carry out your mission! They have lots of discounts and sale items. Seems like every other item was on some kind of sale. Maybe it's some elaborate trick to get us to buy more........ it works on me! LOL read more

I had an entirely mediocre experience at DeSerres but it was my first time at this location. The selection is arts meets crafts (e.g., a hybrid of Michaels and Opus). I went on the Sunday of the long weekend and it was really busy. It looked like it was quite understaffed on the floor. I was in the store for about 30 minutes and couldn't track down one person to help me find what I was looking for. I'm not a particularly picky shopper but I would suggest they staff a bit better on the weekends, especially a busy long weekend! read more

this store use to be on main street and had a was way better selection of art supplies, this new(ish) location tend to be more like a Michele's craft store then selling anything useful . if your in to crafts I would recommend this location but if you looking for a decent art store good luck in vancouver read more

i am starting to get more into illustrating my own comics these days, therefore, i wanted to explore some more appropriate drawing tools to get me in the right direction. i thought that this would be the place, however, i found that there were a lot of brands of types for one type but not enough of different mediums and application compliances. i felt disappointed and left empty handed. great if you're a painter not if you're trying to be an illustrator. the reason why i am giving this place 3 stars at least as they were more than helpful at trying to find me what i needed and me not finding what i needed was not a direct reflection on the great customer service i received. i really did appreciate the help thank you. read more

Awesome place for art supplies!

Tones of good price art supplies. Staff is nice. Lighting is bad.

Hi.....I shopped the store when it was on Main. It always seemed busier and staff were always really pre-occupied, and frankly, were not always knowledgeable as to what was where, etc. On Grandview, despite awkward parking, the staff are really, really helpful and oh so very personable. They don't hesitate to engage you in banter, even though I am old enough to be their grandfather, in some cases. Great shop! Great staff! Great product ! YAHOO !!!!! Who could ask for anything more ??? :-) read more

Frame shop review: Once the framing woman is done reading her book, she will come see what you want. She may have a suggestion or two, but it seems clear that coming out from the back to interface with humans is not her interest or forte. Other staff: Friendly and nice. read more

The hours are wrong on "Maps" (the phone app). It says open at 9a.m. but it's 10a.m. 7 days a week. Urg.