Newsbeat is a great local shop with an incredible, overwhelming selection. They carry just about everything from collectibles, magazines, snacks, drinks and more! Staff was very friendly. The atmosphere has charm. It has that classic neighborhood newsstand feel. It can feel a litte bit cluttered but honestly that's part of the charm. The store is always busy on weekend. read more

I've been going to Newsbeat for years. It's a great store to stop in at when you need a gift for someone but don't have any ideas. They truly have something here for everyone, and it's one of the last places you can get a print newspaper. You should bring cash if you can - newspaper sales cost more to process on card - and be prepared to be in some tight corners, because they really make good use of the space. Sadly, they no longer stock Jellycats, but it is what it is. read more

Let me start with the wide array of novelty and specialty items they have. I feel like I'm in wonderland every time I enter the store. I always find interesting items not usually available elsewhere. It's like treasure hunting. And the owners are super nice and accommodating. I always visit the store whenever I'm in Davis! read more

Newsbeat - Puppets/plushies - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Davis, California

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Terrible experience at Newsbeat. As I was entering the store, a worker carelessly dropped a hand truck dolly in the doorway, blocking half the entrance. I tried to walk past, and instead of moving it, he hits the back of my knee with the dolley. Rather than apologizing, he immediately blamed me for being in the way and even had the audacity to complain and yell at me that I didn't help him pick up his items--as if I was obligated to do his job! When I confronted him about it, both he and the woman at the register (who I assume is an owner) doubled down, continuously blaming me instead of taking responsibility. Their attitude was shockingly rude, entitled, and completely unprofessional. No apology, just arrogance. Avoid this place if you don't want to be hit or expect basic courtesy and decent customer service. Plenty of other stores in Davis where you won't get treated like an inconvenience and hit for simply walking through the door. read more

Good selection of items. Great for gifts for kids and adults. Only complaint is business owner?/cashier is consistently rude which makes me hesitant to continue supporting this business. Not going to call it flat out racism because I'm not quite sure that's what it is but he has consistently been incredibly rude and unhelpful to me and warm and friendly to other customers. read more

Great local folks that own the store and stock it with great publications that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. A true gem in downtown Davis. read more

Such an awesome store!! They have a huge selection of magazines and every major newspaper as well as a large selection of postcards and birthday/holiday cards. There is an array of gifts too such as puzzles, soaps, socks, mugs, etc. Perfect store to stop in to grab a paper or a last minute gift. The cashier/owner was very friendly and the store itself is nice and organized. read more

Genuinely one of the rudest encounters I've had in downtown Davis. Went here with my friend, looked around for a solid 15 minutes and my friend decided to purchase some socks. Before, the older man at the counter helped these 2 girls before us, and was super warm and sweet. Then my friend walks up. She warmly greeted him, but he doesn't say anything. Just started to ring up her items, fine - small talk isn't for everyone. However, when he told her total, my friend hands him her credit card, he swipes it, and THROWS it on the counter back at her. I've never been so taken aback by such outright rude behavior, and I've worked customer service myself before. Not only that, but he coldly asks her, "receipt?" to which my friend replies, "yes please" and he takes that and THROWS it on the counter too!! My friend still is kind to him, saving thank you and told him to have a good day, which he doesn't respond and walks away. Absolutely shocked at the behavior and audacity, especially since he showed the 2 girls before us such courtesy. Way to make customers feel welcome. Will not be coming back. So many other stores worth your time and money. read more

Love the merchandise. Good selection of newspapers and magazines. Friendly hometown atmosphere. Staff are always welcoming.

The old dime store lives!!! This place is loaded with the new and old - a good collection of cards, snacks, beverages and candies - a lot of them from the past and new as well. Just what you wanted in this type of store!! read more

Saw this little store on my way back from Peet's and I stopped in to check out the cute cat stuff I saw from the window. They have lots of magazines, cards, books, local newspapers and candy/ice cream/drinks. There are a lot of little items that are decently priced and would be great birthday gifts. As another customer mentioned, the guy at the register didn't acknowledge me like he did with others. I figured he was busy since he was doing things. When I finalized my purchase, he didn't say hello or thank me. He literally threw my change (coins) back in my hand and tossed the bills on the counter. Sheesh. I wanted to support a small business but it's difficult when grouchy people like this somewhat ruin the experience. This man needs a hug. read more

Love love love Newsbeat. I've been coming in and out of here occasionally for a few years now on visits to Davis and more since I recently moved here. You'll find a little bit of everything here, I love it for the range of speciality cookbooks and the occasional appearance of irish Cadbury's chocolate. The only downsides ( and reason I've dropped a star) is I find it a little expensive, I found a wonderful french cooking book here but it was 20$ cheaper on amazon. As much as I love to support local businesses, as a young couple trying to support ourselves in Davis we have to be practical with significant price differences!! The other thing is I feel like sometimes the worker is staring at every little move you make, and it kinda makes for an awkward experience? Again it's a wonderful little shop I love browsing it for its variety of quirky items - some of the best calendars I've ever had were purchased here! It has a huge variety of magazines read more

Newsbeat - a man in a suit on the cover of a magazine - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Davis, California

Nice store, but there's a middle aged guy working behind the counter that's full of attitude and can't do customer service. I came in today and asked a simple question, and I guess that's enough to annoy him. Shouldn't work the register if you can't talk to customers with a little decency. read more

Fun unassuming stationary / convenience / newsstand with an incredible collection of well-priced cards, special magazines, and snacks. Friendly owners who are evidently passionate about what they are able to bring to the community happy to share and let you take your time exploring and browsing! read more

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I have very fond memories of walking to Newsbeat from the UC Davis campus on breaks to pick up a day's worth of snacks and a drink. It usually ended up being a handful of Zotz, which I can find nowhere else in Davis, and whatever sparkling water or lemonade they had. It has since become one of my favorite places to look around in and see what fun and quirky things they have out. It's the perfect place to find stocking stuffers for Christmas, and their selection of cards and stationary is really great. And the best part is sometimes there is an extremely sweet and VERY large dog behind the counter (the people there are nice too). If you have not visited Newsbeat before, I promise you won't regret stopping by. read more

Just had the older couple behind the register freak out and yell at me for looking at a stack of shipment boxes (that were open) and touching one of the gift bags inside, which I fully intended to buy. I had a stack of books and cards to buy in my arms, but they made such a scene. I even said "it's ok never mind" several times and they just kept going and would not stop panicking that I was near these boxes. The woman kid rant said they were inventoried and ready to put out but that didn't stop her from having a fit over it. I put everything back and refused to buy a single thing. This was the worst service experience I've ever had, and I'm a New Yorker! I've had plenty of rough sales people before but not like this. read more

I wandered in just looking for cough drops. At first glance it looked like that kind of no frills convenience store where you grab a paper and a cold beverage from the cooler. I ended up spending a half hour there, losing myself in the endless titles of magazines, a big portion of which that I've never even heard of. At some point I paused to wonder if this is one of those hidden Davis institutions that I had the stupid luck to discover. I can't imagine that selling magazines, much less offering rows and rows of titles, could be a very profitable business to be in, so this must come from a place of stubborn steadfastness and love, and in so doing, becomes the very thing that makes Davis the place that we all love. read more

I have gone into this store for years and consistently given the cold shoulder and ignored. After visiting once more, I will not be going into this store again especially after I watched him greet, acknowledge and be friendly with another party that came in and completely ignore me. Didn't even have the courtesy to thank me for my business. Sorry, just unacceptable. I usually give the benefit of the doubt a few times however this treatment has been consistant every time. I hope people stop supporting stores that discriminate customers in this town read more

Super fun little store with cards, postcards, newspapers, and magazines. Staff was helpful and friendly. Great selection of items.

i love this store. My favorite card/notes store in all of Davis. Great selection of cards for any occasion. The owners are real nice and they have a great dane who handles the cash register! Once I came in with my pup and he gave her a treat :) read more

I loved going to Newsbeat with my Dad when I was younger. I loved getting magazines. My dad got newspaper.

This store is my dream! If you love stationary, cards and magazines, this is the place for you! So many unique cards here, for every occasion. And every magazine you could ever want. Calendars too! I wanted to buy the whole store! read more

What's the deal with the third degree! I (used to as of now) frequent this store to buy cards and small gifts. Older man behind the counter asked me what I was looking for... then started to keep tabs on me as i looked on for a card around the store! Creepy feeling, got out of there and found what I needed for a better price at Avid Reader. No thanks newsbeat, you really should encourage browsing, might have more customers. read more

Where else can you buy: - Le Monde - Al Jazeera - Gourmet Magazine - Show Dog Magazine - La Canard Enchainee - Haribo Cola Bottles (BEST CANDY EVER) - RIT Cookies - Choco-Tacos (they still make these?!?!) in the same place? Love Newsbeat. 5 stars all the way. read more

I have gone to this nice store a couple times in the past three years. I love it. However. Past weekend I went with a friend and upon making my purchase I gave the old looking guy my credit card but asked if I could use another. He threw my cc at me. I hang him my debit. He finishes the transaction and throws it at me as well! Like what the heck! I'll be returning tomorrow and I'll update with my experience then. Shop there if you must but don't expect decent customer service. read more

Newsbeat has been around forever and if they ever try to close I'll be the girl chained to one of their magazine racks or rallying up some sort of sit-in style protest. Their magazine selection makes my eyes bug out and my page flipping fingers do a little happy dance. They have things from across the globe and all the standard US stuff. They also have what appears to be a good selection of smoking supplies (though I don't generally partake in the tobacco smoking), little gift items, and great candy. I haven't been in recently, but for a long time they were the only place I could find dark chocolate kit-kat bars. That was one hell of a candy bar. I think a trip to Davis may be in my near future... read more

I am so glad that Newsbeat still lives on in Davis. I've sorely missed the downtown Sacramento location. Much like the TARDIS, Newsbeat is bigger on the inside and just as full of delights. It's the small shop but packs enough awesomeness for a much bigger store. Every random Asian candy, every vintage-style greeting card, every novelty bacon item, every reusable grocery bag with kitschy print, every random@ss magazine from around the world (I suggest Vogue Turkey or Pen World or Wooden Boat Monthly*) and every wacky chotchke that would make a great last-minute gift for that housewarming party you're running late for, that you could want or need. I highly recommend Newsbeat! *But NOT Boating World Magazine. My multitude of boating magazine enthusiast friends swear it's a total rag. :p read more

Most of the glowingly positive reviews seem to be from a few years back, and also mostly which may explain my poor experience here. The guy behind the counter during my visit was the definition of rude and dour. It's not like I'm some drunk freshman stumbling in to steal your candy. He refused to help me find the cards I was looking for, and noticeably stared at my every movement as I walked around the store. I asked him if he had a particular brand of cigars, to which he shot back in all seriousness, "Can't you see for yourself what we have?" read more

I remember going to newsbeat back in the day with my dad. It was a small little shop down an alley across from cafe roma. My dad was able to choose from the many motorcycle magazines and I always got to choose a candy. I am glad the place has expanded and outlived the Borders coming to Davis days. We all held our breath there for a moment when Borders moved in. Newsbeat is truly a unique place. You can find almost ANY magazine, in many languages, lit journals, candies from all over the freaking world, special cigarettes and cigars if your into that thing, and yummy drinks. One of the only places in Davis that sells Jones soda. So I always stop in... Newsbeat is also a dog friendly place and they LOVE it when you bring your pooch in with you. They always keep the doggie treats around. Great place, great products, happy dog friendly people, and any magazine junky's heaven. read more

This is a great place to browse for magazines when you are in Davis. I often find myself picking up greeting cards and out-of-the-mainstream titles when I am here, including Utne Reader (best of the alternative press), New Scientist, Modern Drunkard Magazine, and Seed. It's hard to resist the European chocolates and candy section. I have a weakness for Ritter Sport with Hazelnuts, so that inevitably gets added to any impulse purchase. Waste some time here. You'll be glad you did. read more

Was shouted at by one of the staff when I went to the counter to pay. Seems like they're overworked or understaffed.

Great shop! Friendly staff. Get all kinds of periodicals? Cards. Decorations, gifts, etc.

Only after living in San Francisco for three years have I begun to truly appreciate all that Newsbeat represents. Their incredible selection of publications is at least twice as big as that of the nearby Borders, and unrivaled by any store I've found in the Bay Area. Their selection and prices of smoking supplies are unbeatable. Flavored tobaccos for hookah smoking, dozens of varieties of clove cigarettes, $4 corncob pipes, and pipes with replaceable filters for $8. Truly a wonderful example of a small business triumph. read more

This is a great little news stand with a 1970s vibe. Newspapers and magazines from all over the world. Cute greeting cards. Cigarettes/cigars. Lottery tickets. And a great selection of oddball candy from the UK. What more could you need? This gem is a Davis institution. read more

A little place that's tucked in downtown Davis. I feel bad for the owners as most people come here to loiter after a meal or during a stroll downtown. Partially, I think it's due to the prices, but for some of the stuff it's justified as well it's generally pretty rare to see a store carry these items. What does Newsbeat have to offer? Vintage sodas, exclusive magazines, literary journals, vintage candies, cigars and novelty items of all kinds. If there's a hipster in your life that you need to buy a present for, Newsbeat is probably your best bet in Davis. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try new things, you should definitely at least stop by Newsbeat (and maybe by a treat or two). One more thing! The owner is really really nice! He's always really friendly and gives some helpful tidbits about the items in his shop! read more

If you're trying to find a hard-to-find magazine title, THIS is the place to go. They have a great selection of magazines all sorted into categories. Every time I've been there and was really searching for something, the staff was friendly and helpful. They don't push you when you're browsing either, and I feel comfortable just stopping in and looking around to see *if* there's a magazine I should pick up instead of only coming in when I know what I'm looking for. There is a really nice selection of candy, some interesting/unique cards and wrapping paper/gift bags as well as some unique & fun items too. Last time I was in, there were a few books that played with animation which I thought were really cool -- Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz. Almost worth purchasing for future gifts, but I was traveling and not sure how much room would be left in my luggage! I'm glad to see Newsbeat is still going strong in Downtown Davis! read more

Every Lotto scratcher I've ever bought here has been a winner! I only play Red Hot Sevens though, so the booty's never been that impresive. But winning every time (even if the max has been $7) has deepened my love for Newsbeat. read more

The 4-stars are for the selection of items - lots of fun cards, candies, magazines, etc. Downtown Davis needs a store like this and it definitely adds to the character of the downtown area. I do feel like the cards are "less" unique now than they have been in years past, but that probably has to do with the fact that world is getting smaller and unique and interesting cards are more readily available to those looking for them now, (thanks in part to websites like Etsy). Final note: Huge selection of magazines! read more

TL; DR: Pretty much everything you can like about a family-owned, local business. Great selection, fair prices, and friendly service. Especially recommended for greeting cards and tobacco, if that's your jam. PRODUCTS: As far as products go, it's an eclectic selection. As the name implies, they carry practically every magazine, periodical, journal, etc. that you could really ask for. They also stock interesting interesting foodstuff, including hard-to-find candy, chocolate, desserts, and soft drinks. They have a fantastic selection of gift and greeting cards, as well as stationery. Maybe a hair more expensive than a Hallmark card (maybe $0.50 to $1), but a world of difference. I buy all my cards here and I regularly get compliments on how nice they are (humble brag, I know). Finally, I know not everyone smokes, but they carry a wide variety of high-quality cigars and cigarettes (that are actually kept at a proper humidity level) at very competetive prices (even compared to gas station cigarettes). SERVICE: Haven't met a person who wasn't friendly and helpful, and I'm in there frequently. They actually will remember you, which is a rare thing these days. I even brought my little dog in (she is tiny and sits on my shoulder; don't know their dog policy), and they gave her a treat. Made both of our days. read more

Always purchase drinks and the fancy chocolates they have. Sometimes purchase magazines. Average store with great and friendly staff. Wish they would not charge extra to use debit or credit. read more