I've worked in retail and customer service. I know things go wrong. Stores aren't made by being perfect, they're made by how they respond when things aren't. I ordered two Kickee Pants fitted sheets that arrived rolled in an envelope, smelling like mildew and stiff to the touch. The owner's response was that they disclose the no-packaging policy on their website ... fair, but that doesn't explain mildew. And it's worth noting that shipping without packaging saves the store money, not the customer. When I asked for a prepaid return label given the condition, I was told that's never their policy. When I pushed back, the woman replied screenshots attached, that my "life is laughably small" if I consider $100 a premium purchase and that I "wasn't worth the time." I don't know who thinks it's acceptable in this economy to say that to a customer spending $100 on toddler sheets. But apparently Denise doesn't need your money, because $100 means nothing to her. Spend your money somewhere that treats you like a person. read more

Ellington & French - Antiques Near Me - Berkeley, California

I NEVER write BAD reviews but I am compelled to warn people against shopping at Ellington and French - especially if you are buying a gift for someone!! My daughter bought me a beautiful necklace for Mother's Day - quite expensive - with a chain that was a bit too short for me. No problem, I thought. I was certain that in this "nice" " upscale" shop they would be able to help me- either to switch out the chain for the longer one they had in the case, or at least pretend to try and find another chain. "No" the pouty, obnoxious man behind the counter ( there is only one man) said. He pulled out a 3x5" card hidden backwards behind the register and told me there were "no returns or exchanges". He then told me I could go "find a jeweler" who could make me an addition! There was absolutely no help, no empathy - a totally empty vessel. Any reputable store would be more gracious. So if you are looking for a gift for anyone - stay away from Ellington and French. There is no attempt towards customer satisfaction- they could not care less! read more

Inventory is charming but staff is NOT! They are not friendly and basically ignore you!

Poor excuse for a neighborhood store. Luckily they are in a wealthy, desirable location at the foot of the Claremont hotel, where they benefit from foot traffic. Cannot imagine how else they'd stay in business. Inventory is way overpriced for what it is - a pair of socks, a basic pair of socks, will run you $30. Slippers are marked at $65, and you can get the same ones in Whole Foods for $25. The owners are as pretentious as the name of the store suggests. They will neither give you their attention nor a smile, as others have previously remarked. Even better, THEY WILL NOT GIVE YOU A RECEIPT. If you want a receipt, they demand your cell phone number, which is crazy. I've never heard of a store trading personal information for the ability to return items. Will not be back. read more

Ellington & French - Antiques Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Fabulous neighborhood GEM as another reviewer mentioned. The shop has a wide variety of treasures low and high end prices. I find the staff to be friendly and helpful but they don't breathe down your neck, nor are they over the top with bothering you if you just want to browse. Definitely pop in when you're nearby it will bring a smile to your face. read more

Terrible customer service. I walked in with a gift bag I had received and the woman at the front desk even remembered wrapping this gift the day before. I am sensitive to scented products and brought a never opened hand cream and bath salts. She even said "oh these have never been open but it's against the law for us to take returns on bath products". Umm hello no such law exists so she said it's the store policy that all "botanicals " are final sale. They just lost a customer for good. She was rude and I won't shop there again. Many other small business options in Berkeley. read more

Adorable store! Large selection of great gifts, stationery, and more. Fun shopping experience. Friendly service.

Ellington and French is a neighborhood gem. It is the most delightful little gift shop, and it always smells wonderful the moment you walk through the door. My mother had received an email about their holiday champagne sip and shop sale, so of course we had to go! We were greeted with champagne and chocolate, and it looked like a winter wonderland inside. All of their merchandise is so cute, it was hard not to buy the entire store! We came away with some sweet gift and stocking stuffers for family and hearts full of holiday cheer! If you're ever in the market for a little birthday, holiday, house warming, or "just because" gift; or if you just need a joyful pick me up, stop by Ellington and French! read more

Ellington & French - Holiday sip and shop! Feat. sweet ornaments - Antiques Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have browsed and shopped here on and off for many years based on their excellent selection of housewares, gifts, clothing, candles, baby items, books, bath products and overall very well curated array of special offerings. The store is bright and airy and merchandise is displayed in an inviting and pleasing manner. They have both unique items and those you will see in many other high end boutique stores. Lots of lovely scented items to behold. However, the staff does not greet you when entering the store and that's just the beginning. The sales people seldom leave their post behind the sales counter. It is run by a husband and wife duo who are a team only in the sense that they are are the same page in terms of their disappointing and miserable customer service. They have no idea what their inventory is and seem put out when you ask specific questions about sizing, colors, etc. On the whole, the customer service is not only lacking and poor, but rude and caustic. Their return/exchange policy is rigid and stingy. Completely out of sync with the rest of the retail world. Worse yet, these negative reviews are posted publicly so one would assume the owners have access to them, but they make zero effort to improve their retail hospitality. Given the economic retail environment and difficulty operating a successful brick and mortar store, one would think they would be doing everything within reason to attract and retain new customers to sustain their model. But no. As much as I would like to support local merchants, I simply cannot do it anymore and regret that this sweet, delightful store (merchandise only) combined with their bordering on disdainful approach is one I cannot reconcile and accept any longer. BTW, the best shopping experience they have to offer is their semi-regular sidewalk sale where they have to hire temporary staff to manage the additional customers and those folks seem not to be aware of and abide by the usual sales staff's philosophy of treating customers like a burden and not a welcome member of the community. So, if an offensive, dismissive attitude and premium/luxury products with additional percentage retail markup are the sweet spot for you, then this store is absolutely for you. GOOD LUCK! read more

WHY on earth would such a grumpy, cold hearted, unbelievably rude, bitter man work as this charming little store? The store is adorable and overpriced yet we keep coming back. And every single time we do, without fail, that grumpy old man baffles me with his pretentious, putrid attitude. He literally does everything he can to not smile and make your time in the store uncomfortable. I'm actually very curious why he works here or anywhere he would have to interact with an actual human. Cute stuff though. End rant. read more

Bought some bed linens from here and I was very disappointed with the condition in which they arrived. There were several stains and a pen mark on some pillowcases. When I emailed them about it with pictures, they insisted that "what you are seeing is the die from the hand blocking process when it was produced in India" and said "Color variations are unique to this handmade product which adds to its beauty." They sell you dirty, damaged product and pretty rude about it. read more

Ellington & French - Antiques Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I love their merchandise and that I am able to take my time browsing through out the store,

Have been going here for years for gifts. Nice selection of pretty things and cards. The experience nowadays is a disappointment. Staff is aloof, unfriendly and unhelpful. Will go elsewhere... read more

When I walk in to this lovely store, I am engulfed in the fragrance of fine soaps and candles-- not overpowering, just perfect. My eyes dance around the store, looking for what new treasures China (pronounced "CHEE-na") has found in her travels. I know of no finer gift store in all of Berkeley (Berkeley? Oakland? Where's the border anyway?), and no better place to find a dazzling array of holiday items, goodies to treat yourself (my new velvet journal with my initial), or find a birthday present for a friend. All her items are high-end and lux, from pewter pictures frames to cookbooks signed by the author to amazing perfume and panties to lovely jewelry. This store keeps me coming back again and again! A neighborhood treasure! read more

Pricey and delightful. Delightfully pricey? Lovely gifts and household things. I see other reviewers say the shop owner is rude. Haven't had that experience. They've been helpful in phone and in person. read more

It's interesting that previous reviews of Ellington & French have shoppers either being ignored or being stared at. I have been here multiple times and my service experience is Invisible until I'm ready to ask for help. And the help I get is friendly and helpful. Ellington & French is on the "girly" side of the gift shop spectrum, so I'm never here to buy for myself. The markups do seem to be a little dear, but after hitting "harmonic convergence" here regarding my gift choices, what's a few more bucks? After all, when Gayle is happy, everyone is happy. read more

Such a cute boutique! I'm obsessed with all things French, and this place is loaded with stationary, candles, jewelry, lotions, perfume, and accessories with a French theme. It's the perfect place to find a gift, and has a great selection of cards. The sales people weren't overly friendly, but seemed present if needed. The prices are a little on the high end, but they sell quality brands (like Riffle Paper company, Kate Spade, etc). Great location, well decorated space. Could spend half an hour looking at everything! read more

See all

This is a pretty home furnishings shop that you can browse while waiting for a brunch table at Rick and Ann's. Pretty and pricey, but worth a look if you're wanting a unique gift. Everything from dishware to lingerie to baby toys and The French Laundry Cookbook. read more

Poor, aloof service. I have spent sooooo much money here but they can barely crack a smile at the register. Today I asked about a product and was reprimanded by the salesperson. It's sad because I live and work nearby, and love their selection but the unfriendliness is repellent. Happy to drive further for friendly service. read more

I used to love going into this store. They have unique items that make great gifts. Unfortunately I was just in there and wanted to look at a calendar . They didn't have open samples so I asked the sales person if she could open one of the calendars for me to look at. It was very easy to open since it was glued on the back and she could have easily opened it for me and put it back if she wanted to. Instead, she just looked at me and told me I can't open it . I think that is very bad customer service and since we have many choices of where we spend our money, I will sadly never go back to this store. read more

I was surprised by a few reviews saying the service here was poor. I've only visited a few times and didn't think much of it. Today's experience, however, was different. I came with my wife and son and we were perusing. I bought a glass for home espresso, my son was looking at markers, and gnome crayons while I stood there next to him putting things back after he picked them up. I thought the crayons would make a nice gift for him. One of the employees sitting at the register came up to me and said: "your toddler is trashing the place". We froze and didn't know what to say, and just brushed it off, because what are you going to do. It was, however, insulting and embarrassing, and far from reality. We left and will never be coming back. read more

They are such pretentious a-holes. I decided to give them another chance and they have escalated their rudeness on a level that just makes their business an offensive representation of the neighborhood. They not only not say hello when you are in the store, they actually succeed in not making any eye contact or say a single word during the entire transaction. It's as if all the people who wanted a job and got rejected at the snobbiest restaurant in town got hired to work at this party goods store. You sell paper plates and crayons that are an Amazon click away. Come back down to earth. read more

I want to love this shop, I really do. I always linger by the window and can easily picture everything in my home, but I will never enter this store again!!! First off, there is never a "hello", a smile, nor any type of acknowledgment that you are in the store even if you are the one and only customer. Awful customer service!!! Second, I don't like the woman (the owner?) at my last visit staring me down and watching my every move as if I was stealing her goods. Thanks for making me feel uncomfortable lady! read more

Beautiful inventory. Insane markups. Nonexistent costumer service. Several times I've been in to browse after brunching at Rick and Ann's, and several times I've been patently ignored by the staff, even though I was the only one in the shop. Last week I was ready to purchase several items, but wound up putting them all back and walking out after 15-20 minutes of shopping without a word of acknowledgment from the women on staff. Like Dory B., all it would have taken was a simple "hello" to ensure my business. read more

I just finished a journal, and I need a new one. And with a wedding coming up this year, I'm also in the market for pretty stationery in general. So I walked into this store in the mood to buy -- but I walked out of there empty-handed. It wasn't that I didn't find what I was looking for - I did - it was just that it was so disquieting to be the only customer in the store with two sales clerks who completely ignored me as they chatted and giggled away. One "Hi" would have been all it would have taken for them to have gotten a nice sale. Ellington & French, good luck surviving this harsh retail climate - your Anthropologie knock-off store is nice, but your people skills SUCK. As alternatives to shopping here, I suggest Twig & Fig, Paper Source, heck, even Papyrus for better service. read more

I live a few blocks from E & F and have spent many hundreds of dollars there over the years, despite the unfriendly atmosphere that has been rightly noted in other reviews. But, after today, I will not be going back. I bought $40 worth of cards last week and was ready to buy another $40 worth of merchandise today. I just wanted to return one of the $8 cards I had purchased last week because immediately after opening the cellophane wrapper, I realized that what I had purchased was not a proper note card, but rather, a plain piece of brown cardboard with a decorative front--not special enough for my mother's 70th birthday. My receipt said nothing about a no returns policy on cards, but despite that, the sales girl said that once taken out of the wrappers, cards are compromised and cannot be resold. I promise you, the card was out of the wrapper for all of 5 seconds and it looked EXACTLY as it did when I bought it! For the cost of an $8 card Ellington & French has lost a longtime customer. You can add "stupid" and "short-sighted" to the customer service profile. I'm off to Maison d'être! read more

My experience was not uncommon Beautiful inventory. Insane markups. Nonexistent costumer service. Several times I've been in to browse after brunching at Rick and Ann's, and several times I've been patently ignored by the staff, even though I was the only one in the shop. Last week I was ready to purchase several items, but wound up putting them all back and walking out after 15-20 minutes of shopping without a word of acknowledgment from the women on staff. read more

Japanese flavored toothpaste. Sparklers in the shape of letters, to spell out your name.... Cool doo-dads from different countries, as well as cool locally made jewelry. Antiqued glass cloches for covering a treasured knick knack with style.... ... this place has all that and MORE! I can't wait to do some Christmas shopping here. It's already proven a very good place to get birthday presents... my friends think I"m amazing! They love the little things I throw into their birthday bags, which I got from here. (I hope you're not reading this, friends of mine!! It's supposed to be my secret!!) Anyway, the woman who greeted me was very friendly and I think she might own the shop. I didn't ask her because I was busy ogling all the Pretty Sparkly Things. My hubby & friends know that my eyes get huge and myopic when there are PST's around. Usually you'll know because my husband will start having to repeat himself to me, and then he starts sighing a lot. (Sorry, honey, I just can't hear that well when my eyes get that big, ya know?) So check this place out when you need something to cheer you up, and you just need to feel extra GIRLY for a while.... read more

Pricey boutique but some cool stuff you won't find all over the place. I like to get some gifts here, including eclectic linens, socks, or splurge on a nice lotion in a foil pouch. Also nice cards and stationary, and baby stuff. As for people whining about the return policy- I feel like they tell you several signs and it's posted everywhere. For lotions and soaps, etc, it's a sanitary issue. Sheesh. read more

Well, there are high-end chachka stores with lovely but predictable wares, and then there is Ellington & French. Since it opened its doors a few years back, this shop has never failed to surprise me with its unique and charming inventory, including an array of tongue-in-cheek candies and sweets, gorgeous linens, letterpress stationery, amazing stem and service ware, and one-of-a-kind sterling and art glass rings, which are just to die for! The owner, China, just has a terrific eye, which keeps this airy and tranquil store fresh. The staff is always nice, friendly and helpful without an ounce of pretension. I never leave this sweet shop empty-handed! read more

While others found the fact the shop's employees didn't drool over their entrance into the shop I love being able to shop not having someone looking over my shoulder and constantly asking me "Is there anything I can help you with" I'm the sort of shopper who likes to SHOP without being pestered by anyone. Lovely and I do mean Lovely setup and very nice items. I do agree they're a bit pricey but these types of shops tend to be a bit pricey & we all know this before we walk in, right? When you can shop without being pestered and take your time and not feel you are on a timer then I'm all for it. I highly recommend this shop for unique items you cannot possibly obtain at your local common dept store. I gladly pay the higher prices as they are well worth it. read more

I discovered this store today. I don't find it expensive, its right in line with price level at other stores. As far as customer service, everyone is nice. Its a laid back environment, that I like. My biggest peeve is when sales people won't leave you alone. Don't change Ellington and French, I love shopping and its nice to not feel pressured while in the store. read more

Irresistably beautiful store (to me anyway). Went by the sidewalk sale this weekend and bought some reasonably priced and lovely notebooks and lotions. I have to argue with Josh T. though, service does matter to overall experience, especially at a luxury goods place like this. On this particular day, staff were warm enough, but those manning the register (the owners?) were oblivious to the line of a half dozen folks that had formed, waiting to pay while both chatted happily, long after the transaction was completed, with a couple of customers who were friends. When the friends finally turned around to go, they were a little mortified to see so many of us waiting and apologized to the line. No such apology from those at the counter. I don't think they lost anyone. But I would've walked, if the stuff wasn't on sale. Still, many delightful things here. read more

My parents took my daughter in this shop while we were waiting for a table a few doors down at Ric & Ann's. They ended up getting a book, some scented erasers and a hair clip. First of all, talk about overpriced. Second of all, my mom asked the employee who was working if they had another one of the same hair clip so they can buy two instead of just one (matching obviously). The employee then asked my mom if she saw it anywhere else around the store, and if she even looked herself first before asking. Um, isn't that you job? That's why you're getting paid? And if you're the owner it's still your job, dummy. Talk about laziness! What else are you doing with your time if you aren't helping your customers, sheesh! read more

Wandered into this store on Sunday on my way to Bread Garden. Spacious store with lots of sparkly treats to admire and take home. Very euro-not-so-shabby-chic. My favorite things at the store: -Variety of letterpress cards and stationery -Handmade caramels in yummy flavors (sea salt, vanilla, lemon...) -Ceramic bowls with vintage Kellogg's cereal designs -French and Italian items to encourage my inner francophile and italophile The store staff were genuine and friendly, and they didn't greet me with an overzealous "Hi, how are you today?" and hover around me for ten minutes to see if I would buy something. They were laid-back. I love that the store is not so crowded with fixtures and merchandise, but that it is spacious and airy-feeling. I'm coming back soon to buy gifts for myself. read more

If you are anything like me, you harbor elaborate fantasies about the alternate universe in which you live in a villa in Provence. In my dreamworld, I have a fetching french name like Eponine, and I prance about wearing diaphanous clothing gathering wild asparagus in a hand woven basket. You can be called whatever you like, as long as you help cook the elaborate, delicious meals that we will feast upon. It will be like that move, "Swimming Pool" except without the murder part. I promise. Anyway.... in this world, everything looks like I bought it at Ellington & French. But the alternative universe french me is very rich, so I can afford it. read more

Just back from a Bay Area trip, and have added a new favorite to my Berkeley experience. This store is spectacular - sparkling displays, unusual products, unique and inspring gift ideas. The owner was extremely helpful in making suggestions and wrapped my packages perfectly. Just wish we had something as wonderful as this on the East Coast!! P.S. Why would someone take photos in a store? read more

Expensive, but beautiful French country inspired housewares, accessories and stationery. Great place to buy a domestic diva something dainty, and antiquey but modern. read more

This store is FANTASTIC. I give it an A+ for looks, feel, ambiance and selection. It is full of very unique items - mostly soaps, bubble bath, candles, dishware, linens, and cards. Everything I saw was special, unique: one-of-a-kind type merchandise. Anyone who doesn't realize this is foolish to complain about the sales clerks. Any serious shopper would focus on the TASK AT HAND: SHOPPING! Who cares if the clerks say hello to you? Are you there to make friends or shop? This is a great store to buy gifts for people you care about. It would be a great place to buy something for a little girl - with a good selection of crafty items like stamps and colored pens, etc. Since I care about ME, I bought some Tokyo Milk bubble bath. Which seems to cut the muster of my rigorous high standards... ;) I can't wait to take my Mom here. lol read more

I'm friendly. I said hello to the young woman who was behind the cash register. It was a clear strain for her to even acknowledge me! So much for customer service! If it's this much a pain in the ass for you to say hi to your customers, don't expect us to buy anything to support your rudeness. I've worked many customer service jobs in my life. Hi or hello is the minimum effort. Hello, you're getting paid to offer customer service! It was all overpriced. Most of the stuff here you can find on Amazon for way cheaper. I didn't spend a penny there and will never return. One visit was enough wasted time. read more