I have a soft spot for this Richmond store - I almost always find it to have a chill atmosphere and…read moreit's rarely crowded, especially if you go a little later in the evening. They play fun music that sometimes makes people spontaneously break into song and dance in the aisles. Okay, maybe I'm painting an exaggerated picture here - it's not like a musical - you need to go to the Oakland store for that level of engagement ;) The Richmond store aisles also feel a bit more spacious than other branches of the GO and staff members are usually friendly. Anyway, the Grocery Outlet is becoming increasingly useful for anyone on a budget (check out Ethical Bargains) and especially anyone who's trying to adopt a more sustainable, plant-based diet. Meat and dairy substitutes can be expensive, so this is one of my main reasons for going. The other is red wine - it can be a lot of fun trying to find excellent wines there and some are on sale for a fifth of the normal price. Current wine tip: Sebastiani winery. Overall, I think that the Grocery Outlet deserves 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, based on these factors: * Stocking food that would otherwise be in danger of being tossed out because of packaging changes, overstock, imperfections, or looming expiration dates, is part of a solution to the huge problem of food waste. Around 30% of food is wasted globally, contributing 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. * GO stores have been trending towards stocking more plant-based and organic food. * The Grocery Outlet stocks a good number of brands that rate well, ethically. For example, Miyoko's, Cascadian Farm, Dr. Bronner's soap, Treeline vegan cheese, Beyond Good chocolate, etc.) * The Grocery Outlet brings plant-based food (meat substitutes like Beyond Burgers) within reach for those on a budget who want to live a more sustainable life.

Grocery Outlets are franchises and they have common products, but each store has their own buyers…read moreand can get items that other stores might not carry. After having dinner at one our regular place, Google maps directed us north this time to get onto the freeway. After traveling two blocks, we came across this Grocery Outlet and had to check it out. It was a stand- alone store and it had its own large parking lot. This store is large, spacious with wide aisles compared to typical stores. Large displays of items and there were many hot buys and deals. The refrigerated section of produce, meats, deli and dairy covered the back wall of the store. The store was well stocked and carries a lot of inventory in each category, so you get a lot of options here. Scored on mangos at $.50, Guinness pretzels at $.50 and 22oz organic granola for $1.99. This is one of the better GO stores that I've shopped. A good store choice for you Grocery Outlet shoppers if you're in the area.

Great selection but about half of, if not more, items aren't even made in Japan. Prices are a bit…read moresteep for some of the items as well. Cashier just walking up and down the middle of the store aimlessly which was a bit distracting and kind of annoying.

Daiso is great discount. I go here to stock up on some essentials like soap dispensers, travel…read moresized spray bottles, rubber bands and get random items like stickers and holiday/party decorations. They have so many cute and useful stuff here that I often spend way more time than I planned lol. As for space, it's a decent medium sized store (it's bigger than the small closed down Daiso that used to be in Berkeley) and is very clean and organized. The staff are friendly too and if registers don't have a cashier there is a self-serve check kiosk/set-up whether you can check out and pay easily. I will be back to stock up on more supplies.

Amazing customer services always. And they were very helpful putting together a package for us that…read moreaddressed our specific needs. Seize chocolates is always delicious and recognized and quality.

I only come here once a year for valentine's day for my wife. The line was long as usual during…read morethis time of year. The wait is especially longer when you require the staff to build your box. The chocolate selection is large and make sure you have a clue of what you might want to not hold up the line.

Bath and Body Works, Emeryville (Bay Street)…read more *Late Post* I came in yesterday and couldn't decide what new fragrances to get! There are so many wonderful scents everywhere! When I stopped by, there were 2 workers upon my arrival. They were both super helpful and friendly! There's one sales associate who is very helpful and super genuine, her name is Faith! I love her honesty and how helpful she was! I'm glad to have a great conversation with her because she made the experience at this BBW a very enjoyable and wonderful experience. Many of the sales associates at this location were also great too compared to other BBW I had visited. I had always had a great experience at this BBW in Emeryville (Bay St.). I'm definitely coming back again and again. The workers are always helpful! Thanks!!

I experienced the same thing as a previous customer; my daughter and I came in one day 30 minutes…read morebefore their advertised closing time and their staff didn't let us in, there were other customers along with us they were turning away because they had decided to close the store early. Taking my business somewhere else. Corporate office should take notice

I don't usually find many things I need in this store but they have come through for me a time or…read moretwo. Like when I need a gift bag or a generic card. Cheap Cheap Cheap But the three stars are for the fact that you can pay your bills at this store. EBMUD, PG & E, Phones...all in one location. No using stamps or paying online.. Bonus to get these things done while I'm waiting for my food next door at Dragon Terrace.

It hurts to give a local Toy store 3 stars, but let's go through it... lots of great toys! The…read moreprices are on the high side, but our daughter LOVES to go there. no public restroom in a toy store that is 1/4 devoted to toys for kids under 5. they direct you across the street to a coffee shop - seriously. Parking is ok and lots of other great shops near by. They have a habit of having low displays that contain choking hazards. I have mentioned it to the staff 3 times and every time we go in there are little plastic animals, marbles, or 3D printed stuff at the 2 year old mouth level. I spend the whole time making sure nothing goes in the kids mouth.

Best toy store! Grew up in Albany and never really went in until I had a kid myself. My son is…read moreobsessed with jellycats so every time we visit Albany, we always stop in to pick up a plushie (or Lego set or toy car). The toys are super curated, we love the selection and every time we gift someone something, it's an immediate hit. Love how it's expanded to multiple locations. Free gift wrapping is such a great option. Love this shop.

Great addition to Solano Ave. The owner, Ada, is really nice and was able to help us pick out one…read moreof the beautiful and unique hair clips that she felt would manage my 8 yo's super long and smooth hair. It was perfect! Ada has a wonderful selection of women's clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, home goods and gifts. Located across from Oori and a few doors down from Five Little Monkeys. It's my new favorite place to pick up a present or a little something for myself. Plus, Ada is just so friendly.

This is such a great little store with amazing service. The owner is so kind and lovely. She offers…read morean array of clothing, housewares, beautiful dried flower bouquets, jewelry, and more in a cozy space.

A fun shop full of repurposed goods. You'll love it to find second hand treasures. Friendly staffread more

A particularly good thrift store : clean, well organized, great selection, very good…read moreprices.....very friendly staff especially Pearl.......