This place has a great selection and usually a very friendly and helpful staff, particularly Mike. However, today, while at the register, another employee was having a very offensive conversation out loud with a friend/another customer. He was speaking about "fucking muslims" and that his "Viking blood makes it hard to see people who look like they aren't even from here hitting women and shit". It wasn't even a passing comment, he continued on this gross rant until I decided to say "Y'know, this isn't the best conversation to be overhearing as I make my purchase". Then he mentioned something to the effect of "That's why I love working here. I can say what I want and they're cool with it". If what he says is true, and Paramount Imports is totally comfortable with their staff going on racist rants on the sales floor, then I am perfectly happy going somewhere else. I am just making this review so that others - particularly any Muslim people - stay away from this place. It's unfortunate, because it's an otherwise cool place. read more

PHONE ORDERS AVAILABLE DURING LOCKDOWN. Check their instagram (paramountimports) or check their website (paramountimports.com) beforehand! If you're 4/20 friendly and have not been here... what are you doing?? (Haha!) Actually, it's not just for people who are 4/20 but for people who are into art, jewelry, crystals and anything "mystical." I spoke to the person at the front and they gave me a little history. Apparently, Paramount Imports is the oldest headshot in NorCal, they've been open since 1967 (hella long!). That means they've withstood and represent the "psychedelic age." I trust this place and the quality of products that they provide. For example, their products include: - Smoke items such as the usual pipes, bongs, hookah sets, vaporizers, pax and microvapes It's always nice to come in and look at the different pipes that they sell. They have lots of smoking accessories such as grinders, glass replacement parts, cases - They have a ton of interesting books about marijuana, crystals, drinking games, growing wild mushrooms lol you name it! - Cool cards and tarot reading materials - Lots of posters, tapestries, - Variety of jewelry, crystals, incense, sage, palo Santo, - Mystical statues, toys/gifts - Clothes for all ages ranging from tie dye, sarong, gloves, hats band T's etc I would consider taking someone here for a date if they're into any of the things I listed ^^ read more

The greatest smoke shop ON EARTH let alone in San Jose and talk about going above and beyond my car wouldn't start after visiting and the homies helped me push the car down the road to the mechanic, even inadvertently helped me figure out what was wrong which saved me a triple A call and cost of diagnostics, they really treat people like humans this place is not just another smoke shop in San Jose this is family to all stoners around the world PEACE AND LOVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS read more

Been coming here since the 80s! Love everything they sell. They should add a piercing shop in the future. Love how they have updated. Looks awesome! I can always find a unique gift for my unique friends and goodies for myself. I didn't see any of the blankets or Maryjane's they used to sell but definitely have other nice things. Staff is excellent and extremely helpful. I'll keep coming to shop here as long as it's open. read more

As usual, I had a very good experience at Paramount. I needed a piece of, um, glassware and the guy behind the counter was knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. This was much unlike my experience in the shop on Blossom Hill at Snell next to the CVS pharmacy and a couple of other places. Good advice, good product, reasonably priced, great vibe inside. They are a local icon and I urge you to at least check it out. read more

My girl broke her piece, so I decided to get her a new one to make her happy. We had a budget, where the most we wanted to spend was $100. She actually suggested to come to Paramount Imports because she's been here before (between the two of us, she's the expert on these things). She called ahead to see if they had any discounts on glass pieces and the lady on the phone mentioned that she can get a discount because she asked. The deal was to get a $100 glass for $80. Once we get there, the lady (I wish I got her name because she was awesome!) at the front showed us different glass pieces. My girl got the 9mm, basically it's a thick glass that won't be prone to breaking *crosses fingers.* We got a case for it which was a medium sized green cushion that looks like a pillow hah. Also, I didn't even know this existed, but you can get poker for the glass piece to poke out the ash. The lady was nice enough to let us choose. They have a website and instagram that you can check out. Instagram: paramountimports Website: www.paramountimports.com I believe the best thing to do it to (1) call ahead and (2) let them know what you're looking for and (3) see if they're willing to give a discount. Check out this place because they have a lot of other cool things like incense, band tees and other cannabis essentials. read more

Paramount Imports - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Jose, California

The people there are super helpful and their merchandise is always stocked well. I've been going there for years and was never disappointed. read more

I bought 15 boxes of incense so over $30 worth and i came straight in and knew what i wanted and either u get ignored by the chinese man or white man or they take there precious time . It took him 10 minutes to ring up some incense . Or they stare at you and watch you like a hawk I've been coming here for years and then when I say years, I mean years,!!! 8 years plus but lately the last few times I came they are very unwelcoming and racially profile people. If you're Hispanic, they're gonna think you're thiefs. Last time I came with my sister and they kept watching us hovering over us and then when we wanted to check out, they prioritize their own kind if you're white you're gonna get treated better my sister was going to spend $70 worth of items and the man didn't help her out. He helped out a man who came in us wasn't even ready to check out they took their precious time. They took so long. We ended up staying there for what felt like an hour. Again I came this morning with my mom and the white dude short changed my mom. It's like they're worried about us stealing, but they are the ones being thieves. I'm all in for supporting small businesses, but not this business anymore considering I've been a long time customer and now I'm getting treated like a thief and I know it's not just me because my aunt goes there and my friends and they said that they've been getting the same encounters and they look at you like a thief if u are hispanic. read more

Paramount Imports - Incense - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Jose, California

Lots of great options, friendly and helpful staff. Definitely reccomend checking them out.

Magnificent, Inspiring, and Rewarding are but a few words describing the unique experience that awaits you at this treasured Silicon Valley Institution of fifty-four years. Come in and experience a treasure trove of Glass, clothes, incense, jewelry, in a list that goes on and on while encompassing a wide variety of innovative and artistic selections that are enhanced by new arrivals. Stacey and her talented crew are ready to assist you in making your selections or ordering them from their many catalogs. Their extensive knowledge and dedication to their customers make for an exceptional shopping experience full of new revelations and wonderment. You can even take a quick tour and learn more about this wonderful emporium at: http://paramountimports.com. read more

this is the best smoke shop in san jose! a place of unity and all the spirit a person needs at a head shop! the staff is lively and are always helpful the prices are always wonderful which is an relief in these hard times! thank you all at paramount !!! i love you all! read more

Good prices and helpful staff. I was able to get everything I needed and more. AND they have a large smoke shop in the back. Will definitely be visiting this spot regularly for my spiritual needs. read more

Nicest people in the whole world. Very reasonable quality products. You won't be disappointed!!!

This place is far out man i' I've been going here since 1977. I love this all the staff is awesome. highly recommend this place for your needs. Thanks Paramont imports, you guys are the greatest. Thanks again and take care. read more

A local gem!! Extremely nice and helpful store owner, cozy smell of incense, tons of goods to look around and buy like band shirts, posters, decorations, art prints.. love it read more

John was great super helpful in answering questions and giving recommendations - shop is awesome

Hi there freshly and awesomely remodeled Paramount Imports! On par with East/West. Thank you so much for being a south bay resource. Thank you also for hanging in there through recession after recession. You are loved. Place is seriously great. read more

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I love the selection and prices are fair. Staff is always great, helpful friendly and knowledgeable!

Paramount has been around for years and has always provided the best in 420 essentials. The staff are super helpful and the products are all the best quality, with prices to match all wallet sizes. read more

Great people and a great shop. It almost feels like a hidden secret for its size and selection. Posters, clothes, crystals, and novelties your cool uncle would have. You see the same faces there and they are always knowledgeable about the product. If someone can't answer a question they'll always bring up someone who can or do some research for yah. The feeling is always laid back and no pressure to buy. Always been hooked up with freebies when I spend a decent amount there. Paramount only sells quality and in my opinion is fairly priced. Bring good vibes, get good vibes. read more

This place has been here forever. I got a free lighter when I was there that said they were celebrating 50 years....that is something! Few small businesses last that long, and I think it really says a lot about a shop that they can say they've been open that long. I think they are doing something right, for sure! Although I am rarely in the area anymore, I can always count on Paramount Imports to have cool stuff to browse and buy. Great smelling incense, t-shirts, posters, gift items, whatnots, etc. The guys that work there have always been helpful with any questions, and the vibe is very relaxed and easy going. I also think their prices are pretty good, and they have some good quality merchandise. read more

This place sets the bar. Welcoming environment. Great scent. Wide variety of selection no matter which category. Always helpful with great customer service read more

This is the spot to support local shops when it comes to incense or whatever smoke necessities. Cool artwork, lots of pipe selections for the ganjs, even some clothes last I've checked. Haven't gone to pick up during covid procedures outside in their lot, as it gets congested and what not, but this will always be my most recommended read more

Been a few years since I been here but it's just as good if not better than ever. Employees just as helpful and friendly as ever. Great products. Good prices. Enjoyed my visit. read more

The 60's posters....the lava lamps! The history and the hippy movement reminders! MY friend bought me a Jesus flash light key chain from here! :) read more

This place is awesome I'm shocked I have not been here before. My boyfriend just moved into a new spot and he wanted to complete his decor with some black light posters. We called around to various places and we ended up here since they were the only ones cool enough to still sell them. Upon arriving my boyfriend noticed he had been there before. We walked in and were greeted immediately, this is always nice. The building has a very hippie 70's Santa Cruz vibe as the guys at the "pipe" counter have long surfer type rocker hair and tats. Very much my style. As my boyfriend checked out the black-light posters I roamed the store, everyone was very friendly. I enjoy hookah and am currently looking for a new one for my spot. I asked to check out a few and the guy was totally honest in a few i was looking at . Stating he didn't agree with the brands quality and would not suggest i buy it since he would not want to sell me something that may not work well. I thought that was cool of him. I went back to see if my boyfriend had found the posters. He had selected two posters but one was out of stock so he asked one of the employees if he could buy the display. The guy checked his inventory and saw it was an out of print poster and that he could sell it to us. He even gave a discount since it had a tear on it. This place is rad! I would recommend! read more

These guys really helped me out... I broke my girlfriends bong and they really went above and beyond! Been coming to this place for years I never even really write yelp reviews but the service is great read more

Still one of the best smoke shops in the bay area. I enjoy everytime I come here, and I ALWAYS leave satisfied. Came here today, cause I was looking for a chillum, and found a perfect one with help of the guy behind the counter. You know, while their selection is always second to none, the REAL reason I come here is for the guys that have worked there what seems like forever. Fucking love you guys! I ended up getting a free glass screen cause someone got it stuck in the chillum I got. lol. Love Paramount Imports. I always end up laughing here. read more

Paramount Imports - New Chillum... - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Jose, California

Super awesome staff, great selection and following all covid guidelines. If you call ahead, they'll even get your order ready and have it waiting for you! read more

I stopped in at Paramount Imports after seeing the sign on my way to San Jose Harley-Davidson. The mention of Black Lights and Black Light posters is what drew me in. Got me feeling all nostalgic and such. I had a number of really cool Black Light posters hanging on the walls of my bedroom back when I was in high school. And while I no longer own any Black Light posters - they do make me smile. I went through their selection of Black Light posters and it brought back many memories. They also sell other merchandise - which also reminded me of my high school days! :-) read more

I have been going here since 92 always a great experience Lee is the great person our family love you guy and ladies stay golden

I love the service and knowledge of everyone in the place. I have been going here for years. It has changed and adapted over time, yet still has kept its signature uniqueness, as if it hasn't changed. Honestly, I go to re-stock up on the variety of inscents and just the environment. Love this place, love their service. read more

I came back to this store to not only buy my mineral stones but to see the friendly familiar faces.. i've been coming here foe years... and as soon as you step in this store... you can help but smile... You always fond cool stuff here .. its never a dull moment. Need gifts ideas i recommend coming here. read more

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This store is awesome! If you're looking for a good selection of incense (the hard-to-find type of incense at a reasonable price), I would totally recommend this place. I've actually been a customer of this place since 2010 and I still love coming here to this day read more

Walking in, you're greeted with smell of incense and hella posters slash shirts. If you have time, definitely peep EVRRYTHING! As you walk further in, you see all the glass and attachments and anything we 710-420 friendly people might need to go with our sessions. I came in for a dab tool because I misplaced my $2 one from the flea market. I paid $13 flat for this after being presented with 3 lids of em. It's pricy but when you need it, you need it! My first time here, it was in the spring when they held something similar to a garage sale in the way back of the parking lot. I got a couple steals including a black lotus candle holder, hella screens for my pipes, even bought my own pipe (dad gave me my first) that at I at first thought was a lil golf club, but ended up being a sparkly flame at the end of the bowl (to represent the fire tree that would be packed in of couuurse) that I broke shortly after. It was some months but I was coming out of my old jeep and it was on my lap then **shattered** damnit They're open til 10! All in all I always find what I'm looking for. read more

Paramount Imports - Dab tool slash cuticle cleaner. Let's hope I don't lose it - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Jose, California

I've visited Paramount imports a handful of times and every time I do, I leave with more knowledge and an amazing piece. I came here first for an end of the month blowout sale in October and the gentlemen that helped us answered any questions we had and even asked us questions to better find a piece (bong) suited to our needs. Not once did we feel rushed or that we were asking too many questions, and we were able to leave happy. Fast forward to last week when I accidentally broke that piece after loving it so much. In my frantic state, I rushed to Paramount imports and was once again blown away by their service. Not only did they help me find yet another piece to replace it, they also helped me call around to find out if any shops could fix my old unique piece. 10/10 service. 10/10 knowledge. 10/10 good vibes. read more

They are so nice and helpful here. I came in on Christmas Eve and they helped me find what I needed. Really great customer service! Thank you! read more

Super helpful staff and a great selection! Really easy to just go in and get what you need quickly which is always nice. Haven't been to a lot of stores like this but this is my favorite! read more

Love the fact that the staff was friendly and really helpful plus they wore their masks and had hand sanitizer. I would surely recommend Paramount Imports they have a huge selection to pick from! read more

Great place! The people, owners and service is great! I totally recommend stopping in this shop! It's the only head shop I go to for the environment and friendly staff! read more