This has to be one of the worst "Used" book stores that I've ever walked into. "Half Price Books"…read morehas always been highly thought of by members of my family. I've always been told it's the place to shop for used copies of books at good prices. So I thought I've swing by today and give them a once over. I honestly couldn't be more disappointed by what I saw and what I was told by a staff member. (Here's just one example) They were selling a used Hardback copy of a Warhammer 40K novel (Belisarius Cawl) for over twice the retail price of when it was released. They wanted $55 for a used copy that retailed for $27 when it was released in 2024. (major red flag) I asked an employee if he could show me where they keep their Warhammer 40K paperback novels as I've had a few on my want list for awhile now. He showed me a very small collection (3-4 books) of paperback books. When I asked him why they had so few I was told they kept them in back since a lot of them sold on Ebay for between $50-$100. He then asked me if I wanted him to go look in back and see what they might have. I told him not to bother, if I wanted to pay ebay prices for a "used" copy of a book I wouldn't have come to their store. And truth be told after walking around for a bit longer I quickly realized that this place isn't anything close to a "used book store" where you're going to be able to find a fair price on a used book. This store also places giant barcode stickers directly onto the covers of nearly all their books. If this place wants to charge "Ebay" prices for all of their used books go ahead and close down your storefront and stop trying to fool the general public into thinking they might find something at a good price. They're not. After leaving the store I've concluded this place should change their name IMHO to "ripoff books" as it seems more appropriate given my experience there today.

I love bookstores, particularly used bookstores. Half price books never disappoints. There is a…read morehuge selection. It isn't the most affordable used books you can buy, but it is always fun to come and hunt for treasures. My kids all went home with new (to them) books.

Friendly staff and an amazing selection of books in such a small space. Excited for their expansion…read moreinto the space next door!

Beautiful well stocked neighborhood book store! Great selection. Attended an author visit that was…read morefun too!

Happy place for the gamer. Selection through the roof for the big kids…read more Retro or current. Table or video. The games are there and the pop culture fun selection is a lot. There is a bit of everything here. The prices are wide range depending on what you are looking for. I know this is not the only location around, but this is the Ankeny location. There is a ton in here. I haven't looked at everything in this store but some things are comic books, board games, action figures, vinyl, toys, game system accessories. I was there to see if they wanted purchase something from me. They have a space in the back where they will take and see if they will buy off you. They offer cash and store credit. They entire store has a great vibe. Even though I didn't purchase something this time I left with a smile on my face and knowledge that I would be back.

I freakin love this shop. It has everything a dreamer may want or need from figurines to video…read moregames to squishmallows and LEGO. There's an abundance of seating in the back for gamers to get together and there's even a separate LEGO room. They also have movies, comic books, funko pops, and so much more! It's honestly nerd heaven and I'm a big fan. The employees are kind and helpful, the store is laid out nicely, and it's overall a great place to experience and explore.

By far the best record store in Des Moines. The selection of both new and used vinyl will always…read moremake every trip worthwhile. The employees always greet you at the door to make certain you are guided in your vinyl shopping experience. I have been coming to Vinyl Cup for almost 4 years and it will always be my first stop when shopping for vinyl. For an added shopping experience follow them on Facebook to see what new and used vinyl has recently been added.

Super rude customer service. Very limited selection with terrible prices and not good value all at…read more I'm SHOOK at the audacity of the gentleman in the front, very very impolite and PRESSURED us to buy stuff. Do not go here, seems like they just want vulnerable peoples money - and will take advantage of you at any means necessary.

Small shop but plenty of parking and easy to get to. Staff were incredibly nice and helpful. I was…read moreable to find a couple things and had a good time going through the stacks. I appreciate that they care enough about their product to subdivide it into sections so I don't have to look at rock music if I don't want to. Best store in town in that regard for sure. I would definitely make a point of coming back on my future trips to the area.

Man I love this store. Best record stores I visited in town. I think I went to all of them. Great…read morecurated selection of clean mint records. Store employee was super nice to chat with. This would be my first stop back in town.

Every time I am in the Valley West area shopping I must stick my head in this great store to find a…read moretreasure I can't live without. I love the variety of their selections.

This is a cute little bookstore, with a coffee shop. While we meandered most of the stores, this…read morewas by far the busiest one. The staff was attentive and helpful. While there wasn't a depth of books on any particular topic, it seemed all the topics were covered here. And if you want advice, it seemed the other patrons were all friendly enough to share their favs with you. There are several small niches to sit and read, or people watch and enjoy your beverage. This store had a very welcoming and open vibe.

I always enjoy visiting this little shop in the East Village…read more They offer a wide variety of books unlike so many stores that simply carry current bestsellers. While the prices are not discounted, I am willling to pay them because the staff makes great recommendations and the store carried some edgier writing that I can't find everywhere.

I popped in here with my sister for the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour and this is definitely one of my…read moretop 5 favorite shops. It was a very chill and calming shop in the middle of the East Village. The table in the front had so many books I'd never seen before and it was hard to choose one book to bring home with me, so I had to choose two! It's hard to put into words but I really felt recharged when I was in there. Can't wait to visit again!

Plain Talk Books & Coffee was the perfect way to start our morning in Des Moines! If you love cozy…read morecoffee shops with character, this one is definitely worth a visit! Part bookstore and part café, the space is lined with shelves of new and used books, making it easy to grab a coffee and browse for a while. We stopped in for breakfast, and honestly, the bagels and breakfast sandwiches were the highlight! Everything was fresh, the coffee was excellent, and the atmosphere made us want to stay longer but we had items on our itinerary to knock out! I'd highly recommend adding Plain Talk Books & Coffee to your Des Moines itinerary!

Such a cute spot to grab lunch or a latte! Very affordable!…read more I got the vegan BLT and it was great. I would have liked a little more mayo, but still solid 8/10. My mom got the Sparrow Panini and said it was really good, just a bit on the fatty side with the bacon. 9/10. Our lattes were amazing, honestly better than any other place around. I got the iced Gandalf and my mom had the iced Raven. Both were so good. Love the retro vibe and the little bookstore inside. They also have live music on the weekends. Highly recommend! Buy local coffee over franchise coffee.

Honestly, really good collection. There are a lot of magic cards there. Service was nice. A very…read moreincredible amount of funko pops I will say. Even though it is a sick funko pop, I paid 18$ for a anbu itachi.

Awesome place nice people 1$ comic books are amazing you should come until you are brokeread more