I've been in here several times, seeking my counterculture fix -- harder to find with each passing…read moreyear -- and it doesn't disappoint. For old time residents of Northampton, this is in the old Beyond Words building, and I don't doubt that the spirit of beloved Maple, the bookstore's cat, would be pleased that ST keeps a store cat of their own. Dodging the cat (unlike with Maple, the owners prefer you not poke their kitty), there's a good selection of jewelry, clothing, incense and knickknacks, and at reasonable prices for this overpriced college town. My most recent purchase was a pair of Nepalese cotton shirts with nice muted patterns for $16 apiece, a tie-dyed pillow for my computer chair, and a colored paper lantern that fits nicely over a lamp. Places like the Mercantile and Faces are long gone, but ST's here to pick up the slack. Give them a shot.

writing on behalf of a friend…read more "I was in a few weeks ago and this clerk Vikki was incredibly rude and sexually inappropriate"

Went in a week ago not looking for anything specific. My eyes fell on a kitchen "cart" and I knew I…read morehad to have it. An item like this would be nearly double the price elsewhere (I had been hunting for one for years). Discussion about delivery vs. hauling out ourselves resulted in my not purchasing it on the spot. Was so thrilled to learn the cart was still available a week later so I went in to snap it up. Delivery still not certain, so my daughter drove over and loaded it into her SUV. I am so pleased with it. Items that were being stashed inconveniently are now in easy reach. And I like the look. Great store. Reasonable prices for fun yet useful items from furniture to clothing to toys. This will always be my go-to when I decide I need/want something. Vintage Pyrex next!

Super fun, cool store with 2 floors of vintage treasures~ a bit of everything. Nice service,…read morepleasant and engaging. Definitely worth the trip.

Every day I have my morning coffee in a mug I got at Pinch some 15 or more years ago. I pop in…read morewhenever I am in Northampton, and always walk out with something unique. I've always found the staff to be friendly but not pushy, and they can provide a complete backstory on the artists. Over the years I've bought wine openers, wallets, jewelry, lighting, and of course, pottery.

Pinch is a wonderful shop! The cutest hand crafted wares and the friendliest staff! I especially…read morelove the bowls and mugs, but it's also worth going for their artisan jewelry. I try to buy an ornament from here every Christmas while shopping for gifts!

I had the chance to revisit Kestrel, and it's just as beautiful as I remember it, if not more. I…read morealso love that they let us bring our little pup into the store! Immediately when you walk in, you will feel a sense of warmth and good vibes come over you (greenery just does that for me). This is such a wonderful little store. Their focal point is obviously their plants and succulents-- they have a gorgeous selection of mini/succulent babies, air plants, vases and more. They still feel a little pricey compared to the ones I buy in Cleveland, but the store itself is so unique, that if I lived in Northampton, I'd probably purchase exclusively from here. Having visited Northampton a few times now, no trip would be complete without a stop to Kestrel. It's a great place to buy a gift or something special for yourself. They also have modern/dainty jewelry, baby gifts, and high-quality coffee table books. It seems as if they are constantly curating and adding to their collection of lovely items! The staff is always super friendly and helpful and always buzzing with customers. Love!

No greeting...treated like a nuisance when I commented on the lovely items in the shop. Rude and…read moresnooty! I will never give them my business.

This is a great boutique shop that has cute selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. I…read morerecommend for gift shopping as well. Leans a little young, but I always find something I like there! The owner is also very nice. Last time I was there I had a bad experience unfortunately. I rushed over after work and was told they closed in 5 minutes. I knew I was cutting it close to closing but I knew exactly what I wanted and where it was in the store. However, I noticed the associate watching me closely as I looked for my size and I didn't want to be THAT person keeping her late, so I left without buying anything. I went to another store and then back to my car- which is when I noticed it was 5:55. The point being the associate at 25 Central rushed me out when I could have had time to find my size and make a purchase well before 6pm when they closed that day. I ended up driving to Hadley and buying a shirt at a big chain store- which is what I was trying to avoid! Maybe this is me getting old and grumpy, but I'm frustrated by how places like this don't serve the average working person. Most people work until 5:30, which gives very little time to get in and out of a store. On top of that, I actually did have time to shop and leave before closing, but was pressured to leave. If the owner reads these, I hope they are open to this feedback!

Came across this cute store front when exploring the North Hampton area…read more From the first step in to the last step out I was in love with the clothes give the style and price range. Although some items were more costly than what I was willing to pay, I loved the simple design of certain tank tops and long sleeves to the intricate dressed and crop tops. Fun accessories included hair clips, tights, scarfs, jewelry and more. If it weren't already having stocked the area behind their desk with a pile of clothes already, we would have bought so much more. Quality seems great so I can't wait to wear our the forest green school girl skirt, deep red rose tops, and few workout shirts I purchased. Would love to come to this store again the next time I'm in the area!

Beautiful store, great for gifts, unique clothing, perfect baby items, lovely and friendly staff.read more

I bought a dress for my granddaughter, and before purchasing it I asked the salesperson whether I…read morewould be able to return it. She told me yes, as long as it was returned by January 8. A few days later, I decided to return the dress because it was too expensive for a newborn. When I went back to the store, a different salesperson told me that the store only issues store credit. When I explained that the previous salesperson had not mentioned this, she pointed to a small pink slip stapled to my receipt that stated the store's refund policy. I asked to speak with the owner, who repeated that the policy was printed on the pink slip. I explained that the slip was given to me after I had already purchased the dress, which makes it irrelevant. The salesperson should have informed me of the return policy before completing the sale. I also pointed out that the standard expectation is to receive a refund, and that the store should clearly post its return policy--such as on the front window or at the register--so customers can see it before making a purchase. Failing to do so is a deceptive practice. The policy should be displayed prominently in the storefront to ensure fair and transparent business practices. I returned the dress and was issued a store credit. I am now disputing the charge with my credit card company. I've always supported small businesses, but I will no longer support The Blue Marble.

Valley Fabrics is a beautiful shop for the modern quilter. They sell a wide variety of fabrics…read morefrom top notch designers, along with a great assortment of patterns, tools and accessories. They even sell and service Bernina machines and long arm quilting services. The employees were very friendly without being pushy. I will definitely be returning soon.

I had a disappointing experience at Valley Fabrics. I was really looking forward to shopping for…read morenotions and fabric, but I walked out with nothing. I asked about pinking shears, but I couldn't remember the name and I called them zig zag scissors. Apparently this was ridiculous, and they don't have them anyway, and I was directed to shop at Walmart or online. If I wanted to shop at Walmart or online, I wouldn't have gone out of my way to go to a locally owned business.

The business has been around forever, and sold hemp clothing and accessories in the pre-dispensary…read moredays, but transitioned to selling weed when it was legal for them to do so. While there multiple dispensaries in closer walking distance, I make my elderly legs move a few blocks further to the Hempest. Cheerful service, good product, good selection, a willingness to order for you, and they don't rip you off.

I found this store one day during a trip to MA. people were so friendly, helpful, and very…read moreknowledgeable. They have a great selection and I was very happy with my purchase. I will visit again.