Finding someone who truly cares about their products and the customer's needs is almost exclusively…read morea small business experience. Beno himself takes small business shopping to a whole new level. I have never known someone who cares as deeply as he does about the whole customer experience. As you approach the open door you know that you are in for something special as seasonal plants and decorations spill out onto the sidewalk. You may be greeted by the neighborhood's favorite pair of dogs who enjoy the attention that is lavished upon them. When entering his shop it is a visual feast. Treasures to be gifted, plants to bring home, flowers for life's celebrations are everywhere...

I'll never stop raving about Beno's. Over the years this place has just gotten better and better…read moreand he has remained so warm and inviting. The best place to pick up a little gift, some flowers or even just a smile. Go check it out so you can see for yourself. Much better value than buying store bought arrangements, and so much more beautiful!

I love Yankee Candle, I am a fan after the purchase of our last candle…read more Yes they are pricey, but I must say the quality is there. They take forever to burn out. They smell amazing. Seasonal candles are my new favorite thing. I just bought another one today, so I am hooked.

I always love going to Yankee Candle. The staff treats me like I am the only person in the world…read morethat matters when I go in there. It is near impossible to pick a favorite associate. They always get me to buy additional stuff with out making me feel pressured. If all stores could follow the model they follow I would feel a lot more comfortable buying.

Stones and jewelry Literature…read more Tarot cards Candles and incense Street parking I did not see a public restroom Staff very courteous and knowledgeable Great gifts Woman owned Hand sanitizer available Wear masks

It was quite awhile ago but the owner refused to let us return a defective handmade purse so no one…read morein our family will ever shop there again. It was the 2nd defective one with almost the same problem as the 1st one. My husband was the one that exchanged it for me & being the clueless man he is didn't notice the defect. I noticed it the second he got it home & we went to return it together same day as purchase. Selling defective merchandise with a refusal to allow it to be returned tells me all I need to know about how you do business so no thanks. I returned home & threw the junk purse that costs us a pretty penny straight into the trash can. OM will never waste my money again. Forever Boycotting!

Hartig Drug is a go-to for me on the Westside…read more I recently took a sick kiddo to the QuickCare a stones throw away (literally shares a parking lot)-- go figure a prescription was needed. I debated on walking over but opted to drive the parking lot. The medicine was going to take ten minutes to fill so we perused the shop. The staff is wonderful. This trip both the cashier and pharmacist were super friendly. I can't say enough good things. Want to stock your beer fridge? They have a fabulous selection of local brews as well as many crafts you won't find elsewhere. (In addition to a great liquor and wine section.) **PRO TIP** Look at their Facebook page for manager specials. Have a package that needs sent? Hartig has a dedicated counter and staff for this. They make it easy peasy. (Have I mentioned lately how expensive postage is?! Wowza.) Need a prescription filled? The pharmacy here is open everyday but Sunday and has a super knowledgable, friendly staff. **PRO TIP** You can book vaccines and refill scripts online. Need to find a gift for someone but have no freaking idea what to get them? Peruse their store! They have adorable home decor, a diverse bunch of Hawkeye items, toys, cards and locally made food items. As well as seasonal flowers and yard items. Overall, you can find almost anything at Hartig Drug! It's only downfall is it is closed on Sunday-- which is typically when I drive by thinking I should stop in.

It's a drugstore like any other drugstore. However, the review is made because they have a post…read moreoffice at this location and shipping items out has made my life so much easier discovering this with little to no wait time opposed to what you never know when you step into a regular post office.

Ok. Oh, how I miss…read moregoing to shops IRL. I adore exploring all the diverse stores that live in downtown Iowa City. There's a little bit of something for everyone. This women-owned biz is no exception. I became of a fan of Heim from afar. Allison Fretheim is pretty hilarious on Instagram. She's relatable, silly, and unapologetically herself. (Plus, her dog is totes the cutest.) Heim is a wonderfully curated shop of her stunning mystical ceramics along with her favorite spiritual goods. Crystals, incense, tarot cards, candles, spell kits... so much witchy awesomeness... AND home decor. On Day 45 of social distancing I had exasperated my rescue pup search, knowing I darn well couldn't bring another four legged family member home. So I opted for the next best thing-- a cat! Ok, helllllz no. Just kidding. I decided on a PLANT(s). And Heim has some wonderful leafy companions to choose from. I opted for a Baby ZZ (sunlight is optional, low maintenance) and a cuuuuuute air plant. I went on the website, purchased via Apple Pay. Easy peasy. And guess what friends?! Free delivery in IC. I ordered at 730AM and it was delivered less than ten hours later. Boom. Heim is the epitome of a labor of love. It's uniquely a perfect spot to peruse for a gift locally. Conveniently located in the ped mall, near a parking ramp. (First hour free!) Shop intentionally. Local. Eco-friendly. Women-owned. Small biz. Hand made. Look no further than Heim!

Stopped by today during Jazz Fest with my family - what an adorable vintage boutique! Lots of…read morewitchy stuff, retro clothes, and what I like to call IYKYK finds like a lighter with Divine on it (RIP to a legend!). They even have junk journal packs, of which I also purchased. Will def be back soon!

I am a repeat customer and have always had a good experience. Today I called in and there was no…read moreanswer. I got a call back from Tammy and I didn't even leave a message. I was shocked. Tammy took my order and was very helpful and pleasant. In a world that seems like customer service is dead Tammy impressed me very much.

Stopped here real quick for the first time on a Tuesday afternoon. I needed to grab a small floral…read morearrangement for a coworker. I was greeted within a minute or so of entering the store. I kind of knew what I had in mind, so the employee let me browse. I spotted a display of Gerbera daisies first. They were really cute but none of them had prices. I took a small yellow one to the counter and asked if the size of the plant made a difference in price. They employees didn't think so, but one of them walked back over to the display with me to confirm there were no prices on any of them. Nope, no prices. Returned to the counter and the employees go back and forth about the prices of things... price of the plant, price of the pot (which was overpriced and I never would have bought it had I known they were being sold separately), price of the items together. Huge variety and friendly customer service. Employees didn't seem to know how much the unmarked items were, which bothered me. I paid just under $20 for a 4in Gerbera Daisy in a grow pot. The decorative planter was the bulk of that $20. Confirm prices before you buy. 3/5 stars for lack of transparency (at least on the items I looked at).

I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located…read morejust off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.

The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in…read moresuch a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.

I dont know why im the first to write a review about this place. If you're a girl who loves unique…read morejewelry and other accessories, then this place is for you! This is a great place to buy gifts for your girl friends or even lil kiddies. This is one of two stores in Iowa. It's located inside the Old Capital Building, the other (a larger store) is located at Mount Vernon. I loved wasting time at Silver Spider as I wait for my next class. I wasted many hours looking at all the trinkets, bags, jewelry, and much much more! You won't leave the store disappointed and always look forward to your next visit. I heart Silver Spider

A note from a loyal Silver Spider serial shopper... a repeat customer, to say the least…read more This is a supremely cool and eclectic one stop gift shop oozing with character in the Old Capitol Mall. Don't know what to get that special someone in your life? Seriously, do yourself a favor and just take a stroll through this adorable store. The possibilities are endless. In college I'd stop in any time I had time to burn between classes. I've gotten sunglasses, jewelry, clever magnets, coffee table books, clothes, a wallet, hats, children's finger puppets... the list goes on and on. As a non-student resident now, I relish the times I can pop in and explore. I've never gone in looking for something and left disappointed. Honestly, I've probably ALWAYS left with the treasure I had in mind and then some.