Toho Shoji has a great collection of MIYUKI and Delica beads! They don't have Toho!! The employee…read morewas super helpful when addressing my questions because when I first arrived, I didn't know where to find the toho beads! The value is standard for NYC, a little more pricey but generally in step with the market for US!

I've loved Toho Shoji since their days on 36th St. and 6th Ave, been shopping here since I was 16…read more They're the only bead and trimming store from that era still standing, and I've always appreciated their consistency. Kazumi has been my favorite manager for years--our encounters are always joyful--and today I also met Tamaki, who had a wonderful, welcoming presence. Normally my visits are a 9-10/10, but this time fell short due to Kaoru's behavior. After I politely declined a tray in the crystal section, she sucked her teeth and muttered something under her breath. Later at checkout, Kaoru -- a woman with a bob haircut) -- ignored my question until I repeated it, tossed my receipt at me, didn't bag my items, and walked away when I asked her name, telling me "it wasn't necessary". I also couldn't help but notice I was the only one who looked like me in the store at the time, which made the interaction feel targeted. This was especially disappointing because every other transaction I've had here has been handled with care. As a loyal, long-time customer, I hope Kaoru's attitude improves, because the warmth and professionalism I've consistently received from Kazumi and Tamaki are what make Toho Shoji such a special place.

Ran over here after calling to check hours - Got there to…read morefind They were closed 45 minutes before closing time . Staff in the store waved me away... no signage about early hours, or extenuating circumstances. Spoke to a guy off-site on the phone who was super apologetic and nice, tried to offer to call the store and get me what I needed, but we had a few things we wanted to browse for - caught a staff member on the way out who didn't want to talk, but she eventually just said "we always close early" I think this stores main clientele are businesses in the area, not retail walk-ins, so cater your expectations... my only expectation was that they were open, since their phone system said so...

As another yelper said... Columbia is a hot mess... and I won't deny it... it IS. So if your…read morerunning short on time, this won't be the place for you! But... if you're just browsing around looking for something... but you're not quite sure what... you just might find the perfect thing here! I went in looking for a nice scrapbook/photo album for a baby and found the perfect one!! It was special and unique. It also has everything you'd need in one spot... If you can find it... But if you can't ... Ask someone... And unfortunately if you think they're wrong... Ask them again or ask someone else. That's what I had to do because I wanted extra pages to my album ! If you can stand the chaos and are up for browsing... Go check it out! I bet you'll come out with something! :)

Great bookstore with tons of books, toys, and tons of merchandise from Japan…read more Stopped by since my kid is a huge anime fan. We were exhausted from walking all day but suddenly he found a burst of energy and was fine browsing the store for over an hour. There are two floors with a cafe on the 2nd floor. Overall, there is a really big selection and there were lots of people shopping while we were there. Service was good; the registers are located downstairs and they have lots of cute items + point of purchase displays. I was overstimulated by the time we reached the register but that may just have been because it had been a long day.

I seriously need to stop coming here but I just can't. I love a good bookstore, and this one has…read morealways been special to me. Located right across from Bryant Park, it's almost impossible to walk by without going in. It's usually crowded, but that's part of its charm. The store has three levels, each worth exploring. The main floor features an impressive selection of books, including bestsellers and new releases right as you walk in. The lower level is where you'll find collectibles, specialty pens, beautiful notebooks and stationery, unique gifts, even more books, and plenty of cute items that will tempt you to spend more than you planned. The book selection is excellent, although I have to admit the prices can be a bit on the higher side. The staff are always friendly, and checkout is surprisingly quick, so don't let the long lines discourage you. One thing to note: drinks aren't allowed inside, so you'll need to leave them with security before entering. If you're visiting the area or spending time around Bryant Park, I highly recommend stopping by. Whether you're a book lover or just enjoy browsing, this bookstore is absolutely worth a visit.

This is a 2 floor location. Downstairs has all items like brushes, paints, frames, and more…read more Upstairs is more like little gifts, journals, planners, puzzle type things. They seem to have a well stocked and organized store. I have not been in a Blick's in forever. I could spend hours in it looking at all the art supplies and such. The staff seemed friendly and the atmosphere was fine.

Great service from the staff. They really went out of their way to help me!…read more Otherwise, amazing selection for serious artists and designers. NYC is running out of these types of places and it is so good to have this place available.

Finally found what I needed and I have to give a shout out to the assistance I got from Preston in…read morethe Framing department. Not only did he help me find what I needed. He helped me discover a discount of buy one get one free. And then even helped pack up the huge package so I could carry it home safely. Above and beyond service with a smile and great conversation. What customer service really is.

I appreciate arts and crafts stores though mainly rating 3 stars because sadly this is the only…read moreMichael's store left in Manhattan, which unfortunately means certain areas of the store can get really picked over--especially seasonal items--right before peak holidays. To some degree I understand that many retailers are tighter on inventory to reduce how much needs to be sold at deeper discounts after certain holidays are over. However this also means certain things run out and there's no selection left which could also mean lost sales, which was the case when I came to look for a couple Christmas-related products a week before Christmas and much of that section looked decimated outside of wrapping paper, kitchen/dining supplies, some decorations and wearable accessories. They were already setting up for Valentine's Day. Walking around the store, I still appreciated that this location is still around, it's been a while since I've visited so I was glad to see still a strong selection of frames, scrapbooking supplies, paints, yarns and ribbons/trimmings. They also installed more self-service checkout machines. The shopping stop wasn't altogether unfruitful in that I picked up a pack of baked goods boxes (to place home-made cookies/pastries inside before gifting to others). I hope next time to find more of what I need!

This store is out of business. When you go to their website it tell you the site is for sale. And…read moreif you try to call them on the listed phone number you are told this number is not in service. When I worked in the garment district I use to purchase nice pens and stationery.

Last year, I ordered a replacement for my day planner with these people. They fiddled around for…read moreWEEKS before telling me they were having a problem with their vendor for the Preference Collection loose leaf 2020 inserts. I was very understanding, because we were in the beginning of the Covid nonsense and told him I would order this item for 2021, which I did do. Well, THEY SENT ME THE WRONG THING. I ordered the 3-hole version and they sent me the 7-hole version INSTEAD. They should have AT LEAST checked to make sure they were sending me the right item These things are not cheap. The original item was $17 something but by the time I paid for the postage, etc., it was $26! I am furious and disgusted, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I NEED THIS ITEM NOW!!!!! I notice that the "recent reviews" are from two years ago. Obviously, SOMETHING is happening with this company that has nothing to do with the Covid virus. Don't risk your hard earned money at THIS store.

My experience at Blick was grand. While they didn't have the exact pen I was looking for, the…read morefriendly clerk looked up alternatives, walked me over to the pen area, and described the other options they sold. I was invited to try out the pens, and the prices seemed quite reasonable. The pens have been pretty solid so far. Thanks Blick Art Materials!

5 Stars for an art supply shop that delivers on products and service…read more Blick is located in Chelsea, just across from the Chelsea Hotel. Inside, you find everything you'd expect from an art shop, well organized and clean. What sets this apart is the service. We were asked if we needed help be no fewer than 3 employees. They were so helpful and accommodating. Ultimately, we grabbed a few pens and sketchbooks and were off pretty quickly. Great shop!

The best! The League…read morehas many art supplies in a compact space - very helpful staff too

Beautiful small art store with an awesome selection of items. Always a stop for us when we are in…read morethe city!

I am SHOCKED that no one has rated this business. When you first walk in you see one or two guys,…read moreand I thought uh oh this ain't gonna be good. Then they greet you and ask if you need something. It's very small the place, but everything is neatly organized. Then... I asked for help finding something. Not only did the guys show me what I asked for, but told me of ways of using it and what else would be good. They were honest on the quality of some items (for example, wire cutters - you can go with a cheap one, but the quality of this other one is good because of xyz.) They sell beading needles, findings, beads as well. I gotta be honest, I don't go there for the beads, so I cannot rate the beads in anyway. I go there for the wires, tools, and some findings (clasps, etc.) The help they provide and knowledge is just wonderful. The prices are also not bad. Note that parking during the week is almost impossible, and if you park in the wrong place the cops are really quick to give you a ticket. Mass transit is the way to go on going to this store.

Elvee Rosenberg misrepresents some of their vintage beads. Many of their beads ARE NOT vintage…read moreJapanese from the 1960's but much more recent beads made in India. I'm not sure how dumb they think people are but they can't fool everyone!

Soho Art Materials is the best place to go as an artist. They service all the top artists in NYC…read morefor a reason. They have a wide array of materials, incredible service (ask for Gina who is extraordinary) and Jonny is the stretcher to the stars. Literally. A hidden gem for all artists.

Really great store with friendly staff. Quality supplies all around. I bought water colors paints…read morefor a friend and they loved them.