My pup has been having some health issues and a serious diet change was needed. The whole staff has been so helpful in working on getting this sorted. Love to support local anytime I can and this team makes it easy. Great food selection for all dogs. They have a great toy and chew selection aswell. Definitely tap in to this great Chico resource read more

very disappointed. bought a bag of feed that had a hole taped shut, was told the bag had been weighed and was still original weight, paid full price, no problem. When I started using the feed it was obvious that the hole was from a rodent, the feed had paper shavings from the bag, and other questionable debris. Same visit I bought a bag of supplement, didn't notice until later that the expiration date was 12/25. I'm sure it's OK but makes me wonder how old some of the things they're selling are, and if outdates are checked. I always want to support local business, will probably still shop there but will pay very close attention to what I buy. read more

I've been coming to Northern star Mills for years and has always been consistent in helpfulness professionalism. It's a happy place to go to. read more

I can't seem to get them to answer their phone. I have questions about product availability and pricing. Called several times with no success. read more

I love supporting local businesses. They have the best quality food and leashes for dogs (and lots of other animals). I find all the right teeth health supplements for my dog here. I recommend them for everything! I get my dog food, her favorite shampoo/condition, her treats, bird feeder seeds, lady bugs, soil fertilizer and every now and then, we pet some baby chicks. When I bring my dog in, she picks out her treats right out of the box. She loves this place! read more

Service is Wonderful, Value is great for most items and the selection of products are always Amazing! If they don't have something you need they're always willing to help & direct you through the process of locating the items. Thank You Northern Star Mills For Your Longtime Service her in Butte County read more

I love to go in there and see their things. They have a lot of nice stuff. I love pottery and I love all the variety of rice, flour, all kinds of good stuff. If you haven't been there, you should really down. read more

I've been a customer of Northern Star Mill since 2002. The prices are pretty high but great customer service. I've noticed things there have changed a little bit, but so has Chico itself, so perhaps that why. The store has become a little more "corporate" than it used to be. I won't mention all the little things over the past few years that have been nagging at me, but one thing that bothered me was that I've been buying a particular cat food, and every 12th bag you buy, you get one free. Well I'd counted 12 and when I went to pick up the 13th, free, bag I was told I had one more. I told them I'd been keeping track, but they said nope. It's not a computerized system, it's handwritten behind the counter, so statistically, the error could equally have been either of ours. Of course I checked my online bank statements over the months and it was my 13th purchase. Another experience (out of many) happened just today and this one kind of bugs me even though there there are way worse things to write a review about!! Again, they are cumulative experiences. I rushed clear across town, arriving at 3:59pm, giving me only 2 minutes to walk in and buy the only brand of cat food my cat will eat. I'd actually called at 3:57 at the light near the campus to let them know I was coming (don't @ me, I know that's a no no!) When I arrived, the front doors were already closed. Also, no employee (and there are usually at least 3 at any one time) answered the phone when I'd called. It had gone to voicemail. I tried calling again, but not answer. I guess they were in a hurry to get out of there. They haven't always been that way. I realize it's super annoying when customers arrive just when a place is about to close, but lots of customers (like myself) wouldn't ordinarily indifferently inconvenience a business, and there are often very good reasons why they'd be walking in at the last second! I won't go into the details of my day, but I couldn't have made it sooner than 3:30, and it was around 3:45 that I'd remembered they're not open on Sundays. My cat is completely out of her food and she's very very picky. I hadn't realized she was out of food until today. Overall, the 3 stars is based my my experiences with Northern Star Mills the past 2 or 3 years. read more

I was buying my cat food on line through a subscribe and save which was a little cheaper, but my two cats don't eat the same every month so I started coming here. I like being able to run in and out and they have the Hills Science Diet always stocked up. Yesterday I grab the wrong bag for cats on a diet, and thanks to David mentioning diet at the register I caught my mistake before leaving the store. He changed the bags for me which I really appreciated. I will be paying a little extra to come here from now on. read more

Northern Star Mills - Happy customers - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Chico, California

where I live there's a lot of scrub-jays blue in color birds. I purchased a large bag of peanuts for them. And, we have been friends ever since. The customer service was excellent and price value was something I could handle. read more

Love this place, prob my favorite feed store, wish they carried tack though, there super friendly, always remember us even if it's been awhile, can't say enough good about them !! read more

Pretty neat place, organized and priced right , but the lack of customer service and friendliness was a letdown . I've always heard good things about the place. Maybe a bad night for the young people who work after 5 ? read more

Been a customer for 10+ years. I'm just disappointed to see that their pool chlorine prices are so expensive now. The price sheet says $12 when they ring you up but the total for a 4 pack is charged at $33. I don't know why the sudden mark up but seems like a big increase for no apparent reason. read more

Looking for as many different feed stores in the area I came across this little gem. First off handicap access is around the back. So, for those handicap when you drive into the lot you won't see that there is acess. With that being said. It is by and far one of the most comprehensive feed stores I have ever been in that is privately owned. You are greeted by a black lab that is a very sweet dog. Once inside it reminded me of the feed and grain stores I visited with my Dad as a kid weekly. Has that old grain mill ambience. Why? Because that is what it used to be. :) Filled with everything you can think of for your horse, dog, cat, chickens, pigs, birds, rabbits, etc., you get the idea. Without having that overwhelming feeling that corporate giant is going to open up their mouth and swallow your finances whole. :) Prices are that reasonable! There were very few items in the store that, let's say, WalMart or any other store in the area carried, that were more expensive. Most were just below competitors. They did not have much of a selection of horse supplies other than feed, water tubs, feed tubs, salt blocks, and a few toys. However, the selection of pelleted feeds along with their grain products were sufficient enough. And their prices were highly competitive all others around. The owner, personally assisted me. Followed me around with a cart to get the feeds and supplies I was shopping for. Very helpful, pleasant, didn't make me feel that I was over-burdening him. There were a number of things I was looking for that he did not have but wrote down the information to contact his supplier to see if he could get it for me. The young man that assisted getting the feed into the vehicle was very pleasant. I asked him about the best lumber yard in the area. He said, "Moss for posts and rails; Home Depot for non-climb wire; and Meeks if there was a LARGE volume. Meeks will give you a volume discount that is better than any of the others!" So, I'd have to say this is my 'go to' place for some of my feed needs. I will do a majority of my horse supplies right here in Orland from Bucke's. But wanted all of those in the Chico/Oroville area to know that Northern Star Mills IS the 'go to' place in their area. read more

Best place around for all your pets needs. Best prices, selection and very knowledgeable, helpful staff. read more

My husband used to work at Northern Star while attending CSU Chico, so that is how we first found out about it. Since then, we have always bought from here to shop local and in turn support our community. They sell pet supplies and also offer a wide variety of other things, such as plants, soil, insect sprays, hay, etc. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Large variety of high end dog foods not available at the big box stores. They also have a lot of toys and other supplies for dogs. I can only comment on dog stuff but they have a huge warehouse catering to all animals read more

Northern Star Mills - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Chico, California

Northern Star Mills has been in business for over 110 years! That's astonishing for a California business. They sell anything from Dog/Cat food and supplies, rabbit food, pool supplies, garden supplies, alfalfa, even bat guano! Located across from the Bidwell mansion, Northern Star Mills is a fun place to explore if you are bored(which is easy to do in Chico) Hey, even bring a date and play with the baby chickens they have roasting under a heat lamp. Jake(Black Lab) the mascot of the company is always wandering the store, give him a pat on they head. RIP Dusty the dog read more

I love this place! I started shopping here when my cat was diagnosed with some serious food allergies and found that they carried the cat food I needed. This cat food definitely isn't cheap but Northern Star Mills has the best price in Chico. Sure, the owner doesn't crack a smile very often (as one reviewer complained) but when he does, it's warm and genuine. I personally get the feeling that they do really care about pets and their people, which is another reason I love this store. Also, I feel much better about supporting a local business. read more

Wow, this place has it all! If you're looking for awesome toys for your dog, cat, or even feed for your horse, etc. you can find it here. They even have baby chicks! There's so much variety and the dog food/ treats they sell are really top of the line. Also, they have shampoos, medicine, leashes, collars, and all kinds of hygiene related products for your furry babies. There's a big black lab that sleeps by the front counter too, just FYI. We started going here when we got our puppy at 4 weeks old. They had everything we needed to get started. They even have dog beds, and all kinds of accessories. And their prices are much more reasonable than Petco. The only thing I didn't like is that they are closed on Sundays which is often the most convenient day for me. But, other than that they are the best pet store in town. The staff was very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. They also have a food program kind of like a stamp card. After you buy a certain amount (like 10) you get one bag/box/ carton free. Definitely recommended! read more

Yummy sweets, especially the cinnamon rolls. Interesting menu and great gifts and flours.

They are always so helpful and kind. I love that they load up the car for me. Errands are easier here when I've got kids in tow. I read on Yelp! that people knock them for service...In my whole life shopping at Northern Star Mills, I've never had bad service. read more

Northern Star Mills - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Chico, California

I have been making all my yard and pet purchases at Northern Star Mills for several years now. Northern Star Mills is truly the leading exemplar when it comes to customer service. I've purchased baby chicks, cat food, cat treats, chicken wire, chicken feed, saw dust, you name it! Northern Star is a depot for everything you need under the garden and pet sun. The employees are always earnest to answer my questions and if they don't have the answer, they find someone who does have an answer or suggestion to my questions. I particularly love that they have young employees that insist on always carrying heavier loads out to your vehicle. I am perfectly capable of carrying a ten-pound bag of cat food, but there is something charming and quaint about their unparalleled customer service. Their prices are extremely competitive, and I love that they are a locally owned business with a rich history tied to my community. On a recent purchase, I was delivered the wrong cat food to my car. I took it home, unaware, and began feeding it to my cats. A few days later, I realized that the bag said "for overweight cats". Since I just switched my cats over to a Wellness diet, I'm still not yet familiar with the various bag colors. I called NSM to explain the mix-up and they told me to bring it in and they would replace it. No hassle, no hesitancy, despite the fact that the bag was opened, no trouble at all! They were extremely friendly about it. When I brought it in, the gentleman at the register was even more friendly about it. He delivered the correct bag of cat food out to my car at no charge to me. read more

Very friendly staff and they always offer to help carry out heavy items to my car. I remember the same courtesy when I was kid as well. Thank you to the staff for keeping a great customer service standards throughout the years! read more

Little bit of history. This was John Bidwell's Flour Mill and at breakfast he would tell his guests that the biscuits were growing in the field that morning. I say that's pretty cool. Anywayz, over the last 20 years I have experienced only a friendly helpful staff from picking up a rabbit cage to Advantage drops for the other pets at good cheap prices. Brought my Dalmatian, Beatrice in and she liked it there so much, she didn't pee on their floor. read more

I really like that this is a locally owned store. I wish the staff were friendly. The reason they get 2 stars is customer service, or lack of. I've only been in here half a dozen to 10 times. Only once in all of those times did I have a friendly staff member help me. Usually the young men that offer help are aloof, or just rude. I always feel like my business isn't really wanted there and as if I'm interrupting something. The staff are doing. Yet, they still are the only place to get some reasonably priced hardware wire for raised beds, and some other garden amendments. I never look forward to going here. I just get what I'm looking for and get out as fast as I can. There black lab is nice, though. read more

I have been buying my pet supplies from northern star mills for years now, and have always been pleased with them. I recently had bought a product that for some reason harmed my cat, and I took it back to NSM, opened, used, with just my word about my experience and they totally took care of me! Thanks a bunch to the guys that helped, and to the owner that made the final call. I really appreciated this interaction and am thrilled to have exchanged the product for one that better suits my pet. THANK YOU so much guys! read more

Because I stood up for my rights as a customer due to the rudeness and interruption of another customer in my business transaction, I was told by John Growdon, who I understand is one of the owners of North Star Mills in Chico, that I could no longer make purchases at his business. John Growdon told me that it was his mother that was the customer who I told not to be rude and interrupt. John Growdon told me he did not want me coming into his store and that he would not sell to me. In December, John Growdon's mother interrupted my business transaction at the cash register twice. In fact, the clerk made an error with his first ring up of my sale & had to re-ring the sale due to her interruption. She even poked the salesperson in the ribs & interrupted the second time. I asked John's mother not to interrupt and she gave me a dirty look and told me I was rude. I replied to her that she was rude and her interruptive behavior was unacceptable & if she didn't like what I said she would have to deal with it. She also waited for me in the parking lot with her passenger side window down & yelled out to me something I could not hear as she drove pass my vehicle when my items were being loaded in my car. Even the salesperson apologized to me for her attitude toward me. The next month when I entered the store to make a purchase, John had my card on file and told me he wanted to discuss the problem I had last month. At this time, he told me it was his mother & she was delivering a gift to him. I told him I didn't care who she was, it was rude and unacceptable for her to interrupt a customer's transaction that errors had been made and the fact she NEVER once said excuse me or showed any respect to a customer who was making a purchase. He also told me that I had cursed at his mother, which was a lie and I had not cursed at her, but I did tell her how rude she was and not to interrupt my sales transaction. I did not see John in the store in December. However, I came to the conclusion that something was done to write something on my customer card, which I was not made aware of until the following month. After this experience with this business I am of the opinion that this is a local family business who think they can push a customer around, have disrespect and indifference toward a customer. John told me that my behavior in his business was unacceptable to which I replied what happened to me at his business was unacceptable to me and unacceptable customer courteous business practices. In my opinion this business is disrespectful and indifferent and owes me an apology. Of course I will not do business with them ever again and they are NOT the ONLY game in town. read more

In terms of space and variety of products, this place is alright. In terms of keeping things consistently stocked and ordering things when they say they will, it's pretty bad. I've tried to order a product several times, and each time they say they will have it in within the week, but most of the time that doesn't happen and I end up having to order it off Amazon anyway. Pretty mediocre customer service overall. I won't be shopping here anymore. read more

A cool place to explore! They've got every pet toy imaginable. They also have a huge variety of dog/cat food, including holistic brands (Yea!!) It's fun to wander thru and imagine what Chico must have been like 100 yrs ago when this place was probably full of farm type folk. The staff is helpful & polite. the official greeter (black lab) is usually snoozing in the sun by the door and although he is more than willing to accept a scratch behind the ears from you he is agreeable to taking biscuits in lieu of. An old fashioned feed store, no frills but fun! read more

This place is so cool! I ONLY go here now for dog food. They have competitive prices and always have my brand and type in stock in the size I want. I can't say that for Petco. Plus, there is always a friendly young man around to take the 40-lb bag to my car for me with a smile. Great service - good prices - local business - historic building - they have it all. I can't imagine going anywhere else for my dog's needs. If you have never been here, go just to check it out. :) read more

They have a lot of products for good prices...BUT, the customer service is the worst that I have EVER experienced in the pet industry. I am a 25 year old male, very friendly and a great consumer in the pet business. The owner couldn't break a smile, gave me a hard time on returning something a day later when unused and I feel like I need to waive $ around to get an employees attention. If it was not for their location, products and situation of me needing something instantly I would NEVER GO THERE. Please check out other feed stores in your community. read more

Great Place , Great Service, Great Selection, Bad Price....They are very friendly and thyere is a good selection. This is the place you go to when you need a rare type of feed, not to buy your cat or dog food.. Sure it is a local place, and i love supporting local business, but if you are on a budget, its not "College Kid Friendly" read more

There isn't a better feed store in town, where other feed stores are rude, and anti-social, every employee at NSM is personable, professional, helpful, and always knowledgeable! Their garden starter plants are the BEST IN TOWN, and vegies prolific! Don't bother going to Lowe's or Home Depot for your plants like I did for years, where they can be a little successful, buy them here, & you will never go anywhere else! I have never had more tomatoes than I have since getting them at Northern Star Mills!! I have shopped here for 45 years, and they have never let me down! read more

I like supporting local bus. This place has great products at fair prices, I think their service could be improved. I often wander around in there with no one even saying hello, let alone, do you need some help! I'll go back, but please work on your service. read more

I use to never go there, but then I needed a special food for my dog. I realized that their prices on specialty food for pets was far more inexpensive than other stores in the area. On my cats food, it is at least 20 cents cheaper at Northern Star Mills! I am always greeted with a smile. The staff is always willing to help if needed and if I can't find something they go out of their way to get it for me. I will say though, that I do not like their parking lot. There is not enough parking and backing out is as dangerous as can be with bikes, the Esplanade double lane and much more. Not to mention the crazed hair dresser that is next door! read more

I like this place, however, I get annoyed that they always run out of chickens. Other than the lack of chickens they have a great selection of pet food and anything you could ever need for pets! Worth going too, but invest in more chickens!!!! read more

Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. I received a bag full of free dog food samples. The store has a great selection and amazing staff. read more

The only reason they get a 4 out of 5 is because they are pretty expensive. I get my dog food either here or one other spot in Chico. They also have a great selection of collars and leashes. I had a hard time finding a collar that fit my rott and this is the one spot that had some that were really quality. read more

this place is great, I can always find what I need and if I can't the staff is always more than happy to help. I get my pets vaccinations here and they always have them at a good price, Ill continue going here and suggest them to my friends and family read more