Context for this review: I visit a lot of character and stationery stores in Toronto. Also, I am…read morebig on customer service - the real reason for the fail rating behind this review. OK - so as I've mentioned, I frequent a lot of stores similar to this one. Some are pricey, some are awesome values. This is definitely on the pricey end of the range, so no redeeming stars to be had there. Yes, it's on the tourist trap strip, but given that they're big enough to have online sales, and that the prices were beyond what I see in Toronto, doesn't help my rating. The range of merchandise is pretty good - lots of harder to find, more unusual pieces like calligraphy collections and the like, and a few glass pen selections. Daytimer and diary selection was pretty thin. Better range of plain sketch books and one or two music book choices. For the plush character merchandise, it wasn't so great - some more recognized Pokemon characters and a lot of generic animals, fruits, etc. There's some jewellery, backpacks, etc. Not much in terms of housewares/practical items like mugs, eating ware (except for portable), boxes, etc. The store was not laid out very well and the merchandise needs to be hunted through for differing varieties of some of the items. My hindsight brings up a dark and dingy image compared to the cute and bright logo on the outside of the store. Last but not least nail in this review coffin, I was actually insulted by the staff's attitude and remark while cashing out. Not only could I sense the attitude in their down-the-nose gaze, which was chilly enough, I got the message loud and clear that working here is all about them when I made my usual request not to have the 2 pieces of receipts stapled together. "Well, our policy is that returns need them both, so I (underline, bold and capitalize that "I") need it [sic] stapled." Okay, YOU need them stapled. WE won't be back. Not in the store and won't bother looking online, either.

Midori Gifts is a purveyor of cute plushies, stationary, and fashion accessories mostly of Japanese…read moreorigin. I actually didn't see a ton of very well known branded stuffed toys (no Sanrio characters) but there were a few of the more popular Pokemon. There were a lot of different tools for journaling including an array of gel pens, stickers, and notebooks including ones with 2020 dates, diaries with flaps, and bound leather journals. They had some fashion accessories like fuzzy scarves, mittens, and hats. There were some anime statues in a display case up front but I wouldn't say that's the focus of the store. The store is really well organized and neat. There was only one associate working there when we dropped by who was industriously rearranging the shelves. She left us alone for the most part but thanked us for coming in as we left.

great team of people work here. always available to help when needed. I wish the selection in store…read morewas the same online or free shipping to the store was an option but that's okay. The wonderful staff make up for the slight downfalls.

Clean, well organized and stocked. Friendly staff, always find what I'm going in for.read more

A Let Down. I was so excited to find this decor shop in…read moredowntown Kingston, as I prefer to shop locally instead of at big box stores. I found a great faux fiddle leaf tree and tried it out in the space I was looking to fill in my bedroom. After trying it here and several other locations I decided I wanted to return it. I called several times last week to try and make sure I would be able to return it, as this tree is about 6' tall and is very difficult to transport. I finally left a voicemail on their machine on Sunday. They got back to me on Monday saying I would need the receipt and in 15 days of purchasing. At the time I couldn't find the receipt, but went searching and found it. My boyfriend took the first part of the morning off work to help me transport it, as we both work until 6:00pm (when the store closes). When I brought it in the sale person said we also needed an additional receipt that had some 25 digit code on it. She showed us an example of one at the cash, which was stapled to the credit receipt. My receipt had no staple marks in it, and we inquired as to why mine may have not been stapled as well- also why I was not told about this particular receipt I needed. Mine says "Amanda's House of Elegance" on it and shows the price of the item. I don't think it was fair to turn us away. I must say, I was extremely disappointed in the service. This item was almost $300.00. I am clearly a potential customer that is willing to buy high end items. I would have expected better service and more willingness from the staff to satisfy the customer. Though I prefer to shop locally, I will not be returning to this store. I can't see how this business could ever compete with stores like Homesense (which has a 30 day return policy) or Pier 1 (which has a 45 day return policy) with no hassle and additionally has much more competitive pricing.

A very well organized and very clean store and in a great location DOWNTOWN Kingston! Amanda's…read moreHouse of Elegance is packed full of amazing décor........and ohhhh those pillows!! We were extremely impressed with the quality of the merchandise and how elegantly it's displayed. Simply put "A great store to purchase that special gift for that special room in your home" great for wedding gifts and Christmas shopping too!! #ShopDownTownKingston Beca & Gary Evans

Wow! Laura is so friendly and welcoming! Outstanding service and a neat selection of…read morecollectibles. Definitely worth popping in and having a look. And if you are looking to sell. She is willing to take your items and make it into someone else's treasures. Stop in today

Absolutely love this business! To the point where I make an annual visit from Toronto to select…read moreitems for my spring-summer wardrobe. Many Canadian items and always stylish. Staff are knowledgeable regarding the stock and are so helpful when I'm trying to find a match to an item. Together with its sister store Fancy That this business is a real gem in Kingston.

I don't think I can walk by a games store without going in. It really makes you feel some kind of…read moreway when you walk into an entire store which is dedicated solely to fun. The store had a big comic section. Next to this area was a variety of art books, D&D dungeon master guides, and various merch like Funko Pops and comic figurines. I was more interested in the TCG section with singles for MTG. Here they had a whole Ultimate Guard section which I have never seen before. They had a ton of great displays for TCG accessories and I saw some really cute Christmas themed Dragon Shield sleeves. It looked like they carried just about every other colour of Dragon Shields as well. The next part of the store was all about Warhammer. The back of the store had many tables set up and there were a few people playing Warhammer. The tables were pretty spaced out which made it easy to get around. While we were browsing some of the cards, an employee came over and offered to help. It really seemed like they were genuinely interested in what we were looking at since we all share the same hobby which made the whole experience feel comfortable.

Super helpful staff, an incredible owner, and if they don't have what you're looking for within the…read moreshelves and shelves of gaming stock, they'll order it for your convenience. Michael has made this store into one of the cornerstones of the tabletop and comics scene, and apart from select stores in the Toronto area, you really won't find another place like this to get lost in for hours on end anywhere nearby, check it out when you get the chance!

I was very excited to visit this place. I was passing through Kingston and wanted to pick up a few…read morethings for my family while I was away. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. They were great and identifying my needs and provided recommendations for my 4 and 7 year old. They also have some local products that will look amazing in my place to play up our nerdy vibe! I can recommend this place more than I already am! Completely worth it to check out!

We happened upon this lovely games and gifts store while strolling on Princess Street. They have…read moregames and puzzles from all ages including tactile puzzles for toddlers and more stimulating board games including a lot of the expansions for Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. They advertise a free game night that happens on Thursdays and Sundays from 5pm to close. The store also had a ton of gift store staples like fun stationary and planners, totes and pencil cases with fun prints and quirky slogans, as well as housewares and accessories. They also had a pretty substantial craft section with a lot of knitting supplies. It was a little bit earlier on in the day so there were a lot of employees milling about setting things up. They left us alone for the most part to browse at our leisure but it was nice to see that it would be easy to get help if we had specific questions.

Consigning your items here is often difficult. I've heard…read moreseveral complaints. Better vibes from the backroom could go a long way... Friendly customer service is VITAL to business success in Kingston. However --it does have nice selection and pleasant floor staff.

One of the only consignment stores in Kingston. I've found a few great deals here over the years,…read moremy favourite one being a Marc Jacobs tote bag for $20.00! However, this isn't one of those stores where you leave with a huge haul every single time (like Value Village or Talize). They have a smaller selection and prices are a bit higher, so I tend to be picker when selecting items to buy here. The store is fairly well laid out, and I appreciate that the clothing is color coded (Talize does this as well, but Value Village does not). I also like that the price of the item decreases the longer it's on the sales floor, which is unique. I often think of consigning here, but to be honest after reading the rules on the website, it seems like it would be a bit of a hassle. For example, it says that they don't accept items over 2 years old. How on earth can they tell (besides the item being in poor condition)? One time when I inquired about consigning, they told me about all the "cheaper" brands that they don't accept...yet every time I go in, I see those brands! It's also strange that on the website it says that Danier is one of their best selling brands, yet they say they don't accept leather coats (yes I understand Danier doesn't JUST have leather jackets, but you get where I'm coming from). Also, this might just be me, but I wish the change rooms had actual doors and not just curtains. I don't know how many times a lady has just waltzed right into my change room while I'm changing! No etiquette it seems. All in all, a few minor inconveniences, but it's a store I will continue to visit once every couple of months to see what's new.