I came in here searching for a birthday bulletin board set…read more The task would have been very simple if I were searching for a more juvenile theme, but I needed something I could hang-up at the senior center where I work. Thankfully I found a set that was a little more adult in appearance, as well as bulletin board paper, trimmer and accents. I found Lakeshore's prices to be competitive compared to online prices. I even had part of the bulletin board set laminated for a whopping $.39/per sq. ft. I became a rewards member even though I'm not a teacher (maybe they offer this to everyone? Staff was very friendly and helpful; a big kudos to Karen for all of her assistance. Store was tidy and clean. Awesome parking lot, too. The store seems to offer lots of coupons, so that's a perk; especially for big ticket items. Will definitely return in the future for more supplies!

This is like the teacher and educator's superstore. I can't even remember why I came here because I…read moream not one, but did found some goodies that my kiddo likes. They have these little animals that she'd played with elsewhere and likes a lot. What I liked most here, though, is the art supplies they carry. I bought a roll of white paper for her to color and play on, as well as some foamy "paint" that she can play with outside. Service was friendly, and I appreciated that even though it's not a store I'll shop at frequently.

I wanted to buy a new moisturizing cream that I saw online for a relative of mine to try. After…read moresome research, I realized that this cream is only available at the manufacturer's website or at The Paper Store or Uncharted. Interestingly, The Paper store and Uncharted are actually sister stores under the same parent company, TPS Group Holdings. Uncharted is like The Paper Store's younger sibling, designed to attract a broader audience with trending items. While The Paper Store is known for gifts, Uncharted focuses on trendy brands, apparel, jewelry, home décor, and personalized in-store events. Some existing Paper Store locations are being converted to the Uncharted format, bringing a fresh look and feel. I was happy to have found a new Uncharted in Arlington Heights, with 13,000 square feet of space to shop. The store looked modern and pleasant, with a lot of different small departments. However, my first visit was just a mission to purchase the new moisturizer, which was on a random free-standing display and was easy to find. Unfortunately, I only had about 10 to 15 minutes to look around in that morning. It sure looked like a store that I would enjoy browsing for a much longer time. The checkout counter was located in the middle of the store, unlike most other stores that have the checkouts near the front entrance. So, I did spend a couple minutes looking for it, especially there was no line at the time. There was one young lady behind the counter who was friendly and helpful. She patiently explained their rewards program to me. It was free and easy to join. After signing up, in my email I received a 10% off coupon for the entire purchase in my next visit. Please note that there are fine prints below the coupon that exclude certain brands. As my relative really likes the moisturizer, I will certainly return to buy more and take advantage of the 10% off coupon. I will spend more time shopping next time, and very hopefully will elevate my shopping experience to 5-star.

Uncharted recently opened near me and I had a coupon so I decided to check it out. This store…read morespecializes in selling gifts. I went in seeing if there was anything I could get as a Christmas gift. I found a shirt that I could give as a gift for my husband. When I went to checkout, I was offered a 10% discount for giving them my phone number and email address (which took some time that I didn't really have during the bust holiday season). They rang up my shirt and I gave them the coupon. When I asked about why the 10% discount was not given, the salesperson told me that I couldn't use it with their coupon. I then made them erase the personal information I just gave them. For wasting my time and not having good customer service, I will not be going back to Uncharted.

This Hallmark store has Amazon lockers, where many Amazon orders can be stashed, thus avoiding…read more"porch pirates" that may indiscriminately steal packages delivered to your house & left upon the front door. I absolutely love the idea of these lockers, and although I'm not a big Hallmark shopper I am very glad to know these lockers exist. Currently I have been using them for a number of items I've purchased from Amazon as Christmas gifts. Way to go, Amy's Hallmark Shop!

Worst customer service ever! Looking for anniversary gift yet of the two employees wandering…read morearound, none bothered to even acknowledge my existence to ask if I needed help with finding anything.

Orderly store on a Saturday afternoon. When I first came I saw a sign that store was closed due to…read morea power outage. But soon enough they opened the doors and I was able to get in and shop.

This is a neat and clean Five Below store. They are located in a big and well maintained strip mall…read moreacross Golf Road from Woodfield Mall. They have the usual Five Below selection of merchandise. I'd say it's one of the better Five Below locations that I have seen.

As much as I love Home Goods, this location was rather small. And I was so disappointed that they…read moredid not have a big Halloween display. I know, it's only June, but my social media feeds have led me to believe that the Halloween season begins now! Where my Halloween ghouls and ghosties at? I saw one endcap and some random items throughout the store. I did see some cool beverage dispensers (one with a limoncello mix inside and the other one with a blueberry margarita mix inside) -- they're all set, just add alcohol. All ready to party! There are other Home Goods locations much closer to me. So I don't think I'll return to this location.

** Kind Staff ** ** Everything **…read more I love the madness that is Home Goods. The organized chaos is great! They literally have everything and more. All associates here were kind and helpful.

Gold + Oak is an interesting store located in the former Busse Florist in downtown Mount Prospect…read more The shoppe sells holiday decor, hostess gifts, candles , jewelry, homegoods, glassware, vases and rugs and pillows. A little bit of everything displayed so nicely. They state the items are unique and not sold in large quantities. They often are open for only 5 hours per week on a Thursday, so for us working woman it is hard to stop in, it took me several months. They also offer design services. It is wonderful to support a woman owned and operated business.

It's cute stuff. But the lack of customer service really put me off. There were two employees, and…read moreonly me and my husband in the store. When we walked in the store, they looked up and it kind of felt like we were disregarded. Almost like they were annoyed we walked in.

This is just the best place to find a gift for anyone you need. They are helpful, nice and have a…read moregreat variety of high-quality gifts. Plus they monogram anything you want and do a beautiful job. Love the staff and love the merchandise. Every gift I have given from the initial choice has been a hit! Plus, I have bought some awesome things for myself and my family.

My best friend had to move up her wedding 6 months which lead us (as the bridesmaids) to have very…read morelittle time (6 weeks) to piece together some special surprises for her. I had a very last minute, very difficult embroidery project that needed done- low top shoes. Two other stores told me they could not do it. Initial Choice invited me in and told me they would find a way to make my project happen. I went in an immediately felt like these people knew what they were doing and really cared about making sure my friend got what she deserved on her wedding day. They made several suggestions and I basically told them I would leave the project in their clearly capable hands. I went back to pick up the shoes a few short business days later and everything was perfect. I could not have asked for better work and better customer service. On top of everything I found their prices to be extremely reasonable. I cannot wait to go back when I'm not under pressure to have more projects done!

I popped in after a Google Maps search because I needed food safe containers to separate and…read moredeliver paczki from the bakery down the road to multiple households and was pleasantly surprised! The location felt larger than what I am used to and it was bright, clean, and organized! The cashier was working on some sort of project as I approached the cash register with the light on, but promptly came over to check me out as soon as she clocked me standing there. She was so friendly and did her due diligence in asking if I wanted to add some Hershey's Kisses to my purchase. I declined, but as someone who as worked the register in various roles, I respect the ask! I would definitely consider making the drive to that Dollar Tree for service projects because of how clean and stocked it was!

The shelves are always full and faced nicely and products are grouped in the same categories…read more The employees are congenial and helpful. Hats off to the manager!