I love this place. I grew up in New Haven and now live in Los Angeles. I love the entire store and everything in it. Their products are so cool and so unusual. And the staff are amazing.. kind, friendly and fun. read more

I love this little shop. Haven't been here in a while so it was nice to return. There is so much cool stuff to look at. The staff was kind and helpful. Found a few new items to add to my collection of random things and a beautiful candle holder and candle. Can't wait to return. Excited to get some beautiful dream catchers. read more

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I love this store! I visited the store today, and wow! The walls are filled with all kinds of great things! The staff was kind and helpful, although they did seem a bit stuck up in a sense. I felt welcomed while being in the store, so that is all that matters to me. Definitely recommend taking a trip to see all of the cool merchandise, but be prepared to spend money! Prices are not cheap! Such a fun and cool concept of how they developed the name for the store, "Group W Bench," so I do have a found appreciation for it. Thanks for a great experience! :) read more

One of my favorite stores in new haven. i love to wander around and play with all the random toys. lots of cool books, stickers, cards, jewelry, and other awesome randomness. If you like artsy/crafty stuff this is the place to go. maybe slightlyyyy overpriced but definitely a fun place to waste time and goof off. :) read more

Yes, they have cool stuff, but some of the workers aren't super nice or willing to help you. And they will watch you. Kind of uncomfortable. Kills the good vibe. I will be going elsewhere for cool stuff. Also, some advice from a friend of mine is don't bother calling to ask a question because they may hang up abruptly on you. read more

Unfriendly staff. Prices are marked up. Crowded place. I used to come here all the time but can't stand the unfriendly staff. This place has been around for a while but is likely not going to stick around for very long. read more

As outrageous as the Alice's Restaurant tale that it's named after (I presume). If Group W Bench doesn't have it, you probably never really needed it anyway! Astounding array of Día de los Muertos displays, figures, supplies, etc. Also retablos and funky handmade Christian altar-like shrines. Lots of good old fashioned hippy "stuff" - tie dye, incense, crystals, toys, postcards, jewelry ... it's all here! read more

I've been going to the Group W Bench since the '70s. Would always stop by when in New Haven, and would make special trips up to New Haven when looking for specific or unusual gifts, and for stocking stuffers both fun and fancy at the holidays. Robots, calaveras, silver jewelry, bumper stickers, wind chimes, shirts, hats, pottery, tie dyes... always used to be worth the trip. Over the past several years it has become pretty unpleasant to shop at the Group W Bench. A know it all young man prone to lecturing on whatever he fancied himself an expert on. Being followed around as if there to rob them blind. Condescension. Over all a terribly obnoxious vibe has been building. A couple of weeks ago I decided to indulge myself on my birthday, taking the day off to shop and wander wherever my fancy took me. In the afternoon I ended up at Atticus buying books, pastry and cappuccino. Decided to look for some jewelry at the Group W Bench. As I reached the store, my son called to wish me a happy birthday and make plans for dinner. As I opened the door, a young woman barred my way, telling me to come back when I was finished with my phone call. I turned and left and will never, ever return. I don't have to be insulted where I spend my money. read more

The bad reviews says it all about this store. Rude stuck up staff, overpriced items, and they don't let you use or have your phone out when in the store or they will kick you out! SO not welcoming here. Took my butt elsewhere. I suggest you also spend your money elsewhere. read more

I was recently in the store when the man behind the register called an (admittedly rude) shopper a bitch after she had left. He also addressed every woman in the shop as 'hun'. Honestly, both made me uncomfortable to be shopping there. I think it is worth a conversation with your staff about professionalism and gendered language (https://everydayfeminism.com/2013/10/you-call-me-a-bitch/) read more

These guys are awesome. We love the incense they package themselves (great aromas, fun band names), and after we moved from New Haven, they even helped do a mail order over the phone. The dresses are also unique finds, and deserve their own positive review. A must visit for anyone visiting the campus, and a regular stop for locals. read more

Considering the proprietors of this place are (presumably) old hippies, it's disconcerting that "peace and love" are absent from the inventory. Prices are ridiculously high, and the way they treat their customers is essentially hostile. If I were you I'd steer clear. read more

I like the store itself but the people that work there were watching me while I was shopping like I was going to steal something. I also would've bought a necklace had the necklaces not been behind the cash register. I was trying to get a glimpse of the necklaces but the cashier didn't offer any assistance. I picked out some incense as soon as I first got there cause I knew that was what I came there for. Then I wandered around the store until the girl that worked there awkwardly came up to me and asked me if I wanted her to hold on to the incense until I was finished!?! I felt insulted and rushed so I immediately decided to purchase my Nag Champa incense, which wasn't authentic. It didn't have the special seal so it was obviously generic. I've recently come to the conclusion that not all hippie stores are created equally. I'd rather shop at 10 thousand villages right down the street. read more

Went in there to buy a gift recently. Like in so many other reviews I read they followed me around as predicted (I wasn't dressed badly and was quite polite asking questions regarding what I was looking for.) Also they weren't helpful at all and I felt a hostile vibe all the while I was there looking.) For an aging hippie who is the owner passing on such a nasty, counterproductive business demeanor he sure has nothing to do with the Age of Aquarius. Stuff was overpriced, chintzy and off-the-wall for such a huffy, obnoxious attitude. I left and went down the street to Wave and found something I liked where they have a a much better attitude... read more

Honestly, I don't get why there are ANY low star reviews for this place. I've shopped at Group W Bench since I was a little girl, and got some of the MOST unique and beautiful stuff and most unique knickknacks here. The owner, I presume, is this adorable old hippie that as a little girl I used to call Rumpelstiltskin, because he's just so happy and cute! The thing that I think is lost on a lot of people is that you can't go here for serious shopping. You want to go somewhere to buy stuff and nothing else? Go to the mall or the snooty shops at Yale! You want to go somewhere where you can soak up the ambiance and indulge your inner child? Go to Group W Bench Gallery, buy some fairy themed rose breath mints or some other fun thing, and chat up Mr. Rumpelstiltskin about it! Never had a problem with any of the staff here, but sometimes they ARE busy stocking the place, and you need to be a little ASSERTIVE! My dad once bought me a GORGEOUS locket there, and there was a younger gentleman there whom more than graciously opened the display case up and gingerly took it out and wrapped it up for us, and chatted us up about how pretty it was. Heck, when I bought one of my cars, I immediately drove to Group W Bench to stock up on cheeky bumper stickers for my car. The prices run low to high, so in my humble opinion, there's something for everyone! P.S.- No one should be surprised if a small business has to tack on a bit more in price to stay in business. You want cheap junk that won't do anything but encourage Chinese sweatshops, go to WalFart! read more

Forget the hippy vibe, these people are super creepy money grubbers. Spent a fortune in here, bought a ton of xmas presents. They promised an exchange if there was an issue, then they denied it when friend's dress didnt fit. They were real mean about it too. Customer service doesnt exist and I will never spend money in here again. Peace, love and rock n roll posers! read more

My girlfriend went into here recently to look for some rings. She had to leave due to an overly touchy employee. I took it upon myself to go find rings for her, and with my luck had to deal with the same employee. When I asked him for help, he told me to help myself. He continues on to go talk to some girl about her personal life, and leaves me unassisted. When I asked him why he couldn't help me, he told me I could leave if I wanted. I did leave, but I will be back to pay you a few choice words of wisdom clearly stoned, young, and bearded man. read more

Super cool and new age, lots of funny gifts and you could literally look at things for hours. I think it's beautiful and well put together! The reason I didn't give 5 stars is because of the "no pictures" rule. They enforce it very harshly and as someone who loves taking pictures and leaving reviews with pictures, it was a bit annoying but understandable. And the staff is friendly enough, but I feel like they could be friendlier. Other than those things, it's amazing and worth a look! read more

Heading to New Haven for an airport pick up (tweed), went early so we could get to(have not been in 1 plus years) Group W Bench, had Halloween stuff and more,. friendly staff there, very cool people, who care about the customer,.....spent some dough on one of a kind stuff,...love it!!!! read more

I like Group W Bench. Three words (two words?): wind up toys!! And it's good window candy after I emerge from whatever Thai place I came to New Haven for... I mean ate in... The hippie jewelry and crystals remind me of my less than glorious high school days, though. read more

They're expensive but for all the right reasons, they sell such amazing things it's worth the price. Staff is friendly and the atmosphere is a mix of rad and comfortable. read more

i used to live above this store. I am not very "Crunchy granola", but this place appealed to my innerr artistic nature. Great crystals, necklaces, tapestries.Great for the new age-y types, and the bohemians. I don't qualify as either, so I know it appeals to others too. read more

My favorite store in New Haven. They have the funniest stuff and you could spend a good half hour in there. The walls are covered with toys, art, and pictures. It's so much fun and the stuff that you get isn't stereotypical. read more

TERRIBLE customer service. I bought a salt lamp here for 26$ and when I brought it home back to MERIDEN (30 minutes away) and opened up the box there was no light fixture that came with it. I went all the way back the next day with my friend and when I told him there was no light fixture his response was to laugh and say "oh no". He got me a light fixture and my friend ended up buying a salt lamp as well. We then brought it all the way back to Meriden. The light fixtures on both were slightly bent. After bending them back we screwed the light bulbs in and I proceeded to plug it in to an outlet. As soon as a plugged it in, the fixture started smoking. When i unplugged it, the cord was extremely hot. Same thing happened with my friends. I called back and told them what happened and that it was smoking and the same guy proceeded to LAUGH at us and tell us to come back and get a new one. I asked if there was anyway I could just return it and he told he could give me store credit. I was fed up and did not want to receive another lamp that could potentially burn my house down. It wasn't until my husband got on the phone and argued with him (as the guy continually laughed at him) that the guy said "fine if you're going to have TITFIT over it then i will give her her money back". Absolutely one of the worst experiences i've ever had. He never apologized once for the terrible product that was sold to us. Only a laugh. After returning this lamp I will NEVER go here again and i will continue to tell all of my other friends to never go here again as well. read more

A unique gem and must-see stop in New Haven, this shop has an eclectic mix of artisan crafts, vintage goods, and quirky toys. It is a great place to buy a gift and has everything from clothing to jewelry to home accents to greeting cards. Also, the staff are helpful in giving advice on finding the right object for any occasion. Even if you have no intention of buying anything, I highly recommend browsing their wares! read more

I love everything in this store! Jewelry, gifts, cards, bags, accessories, candles, shirts and more. Just wondering, everything is pretty standard quality...nothing too outrageous, so why is it so expensive. . Stickers and tons of other fun toys and novelty items. There are cuter, more affordable shops like this in the area- but stop by and browse! read more

Wow some of these other reviews are dead on. Rude staff! And, don't you DARE take a picture or talk on your phone in there. They will kick you out! I, like most others I'm sure, didn't see the index card-sized sign hanging from the ceiling, buried in this hippy hoarders paradise, saying 'no photos - you photo it you but it". Unaware of this rule, I took a picture of my friend trying on a hat so she could see how it looked. This burn-out old man ran up to me and scolded me in front of the whole store, "DO NOT take another picture or else you will be asked to leave!" Wtf??!? Nice way to treat customers. I still smell of patchouli. read more

I have a suggestion for you, I think you should seriously consider closing your store and selling online. The way you hawk and follow people around can't be good for business. Not everyone wants to steal from you I understand you do not deal with the most upstanding citizens in that area. You should probably invest in camreas or something? read more

been going to this store for over 25 years. in the past 10 years or so i found the staff rude, smug, and stoned. when i wanted to buy something in the store they told me it wasn't for sale, though it was with things being sold. the two counter help were clearly extremely stoned and argued with me and mocked me. never been treated this way before and the attitude they had was as a if privilege for me to give them my money and being treated like a dog. i wouldn't even give them 1/2 a star, but that's not an option. read more

My girlfriend and I stumbled upon this place while wandering around Chapel Street, and spent a long time browsing delightedly. Sort of like your grandmother's attic (if your grandmother was a radical hippie): messily crammed with stuff you'd never find anywhere else. read more

Group W. Bench is an alright place, to be honest I am not the biggest fan. It is a very tiny store for one which isn't a huge deal but I wish it was a bit bigger. They have more artistic hippie style stuff more so than the typical headshop. They do not have that much glass and the glass that they do have is expensive. Don't come here if you are looking for a headshop, you'll be disappointed in the lack of choice. Overall the store is fairly pricey, I wouldn't recommend Group W. Bench. Check out Sunshine Daydream for better variety and better prices. read more

This is my go to place for pins or postcards for Beatles and John Lennon fans. There is a variety of unique postcards here too.

I'm from New Haven but live in southern Caiifornia. Every time I go "home' I make it a point to stop by there to see what i can find.

today was the first time i went to group w bench, and i dig it! the staff are super nice and helpful. the jewelry can be pricey but there are so many neat finds here that it's worth it. there's a ton of stuff, and when i say a ton, i mean it. there's probably something for everyone. i seriously can't wait to come back here!! read more