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March 2024 by Ileana S.
WARNING: If you 'clearly look' POC and/or queer, this is not a safe space and they will follow you around the store as they did to me who identifies as both. I was at the store with my friend, just browsing and waiting for cheeseboard to open when I saw that the woman who was working started following us. Of course I didn't want to assume the worst, so I walked with my friend up and down the left side of the store where the purses are to see if she followed and SHE DID. She was right next to us the entire time, looking through the clothes racks. Every time we moved, she moved to the clothes rack closest to us. When I realized this I expressed to my friend that I wanted to leave, I don't feel comfortable and I don't want to be in a store that's going to profile us. We left and went to cheeseboard across the street, but my friend was fuming, as was I, and wanted to come back to get her name and confront her. When my friend came back from confronting the worker she said the worker's name was Lisa, and she claimed she wasn't following us. She then said she always walks behind customers to straighten up. However, if that was the case then why did I see her so often in the clothing racks. We NEVER, not once, touched the clothing racks, yet she was always there moving them around as if she was looking for something. During the confrontation my friend said Lisa wasn't looking her in her eyes while denying that she was following us and when she said sorry you felt that way. Lisa obviously seemed to be lying, and my friend said it felt very disingenuous. This is very disappointing as I really did want to buy a butter dish that they had, but I will not support a business that makes their customers feel uncomfortable. There's better business else where I promise. They may have signs outside that say they want to build community, but their actions made it obvious they do not. So unfortunate when Berkeley is full of diversity. To Lisa, if you're reading this, do better. My one review might not do anything, but I'll let karma pay it forward.
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July 2023 by Ap V.
Great service and ethically sourced. Friendly staff happy to explain where products are from
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May 2023 by Nina M.
A Priori is one of my most favorite stores. It is truly gorgeous with so many unique and perfect items. I go in to purchase one gift and always leave with a few extra beautiful things that were too special to pass by. It's all put together and displayed wonderfully, so the vibe is inviting and relaxing, making it a cheery spot that's easy and fun to stroll through. The owner and staff members seem to have a great time curating everything, really "getting" and caring about their community. I would encourage a stop by this extraordinary store anytime you can.
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January 2023 by lexor p.
Ultra high markup Kirkland tchotchke shop with an *impressively rude* owner/staff member. There are many wonderful places to buy well made things in berkeley, this is not among them.
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December 2022 by Donna W.
I have been shopping here since the very beginning. From their cute little store up the block, to their larger corner location. I have interacted with the owner, Lisa, and her manager, Amy, many, many times. Not only is this one of my favorite stores in the Bay Area, but Lisa and Amy are some of the nicest people you'll ever hope to meet - even when the holidays bring out the worst in customers! I've shopped for every member of my family here, and these gifts have been among the favorites my friends and family have received. If you haven't done your holiday shopping yet do yourself a favor and make one trip to A Priori.
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December 2022 by Joe R.
Buyer Beware! My wife and I recently purchase a clock that arrived broken in the box. My wife called customer service and spoke to Lisa. My wife told Lisa the the clock was broken in the box. She oddly defended the packing and insinuated we broke the clock ourselves, because in her mind, it wasn't possible for a plastic clock to break in transit. My wife also said besides being broken, the clock is plastic, not wood as their website stated. Lisa said oops we haven't updated our website. Later my wife received an email from Lisa outright claiming the clock wasn't broken when we received it. I would never purchase an item from a company that calls its customers liars. She begrudgingly refunded our money after the nasty email. I called quite upset with harsh words in response to calling my wife a liar. Good riddance A Priori. Save yourself aggravation and shop elsewhere. In response to Lisa: My wife's phone was on speaker. I heard every word you said to her and I read the email you sent my wife. My wife was very surprised and hurt by your words and your email. I will always defend my wife from rude business people.
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December 2021 by Jim H.
I accidentally walked into this store thinking it was Earthly Goods and was pleasantly surprised to find this gem store. Great stuff especially the African American greeting cards (which you never see in Berkeley) and enough little gifts to complete my shopping list.
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December 2021 by Stephanie S.
I love this place. Beautiful and thoughtful merchandise in a welcoming environment. I'm so glad they were able to weather the lockdown and move to a better location! I bought all my holiday gifts there and will continue to support this great local business.
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April 2021 by Ann Jean Millikan
Fabulous store and one can find anything of all prices for a gift or for oneself. Everything is beautifully displayed, and the earrings are truly divine. The service is excellent and Lisa and Amy are very knowledgeable of their merchandise and very helpful. Highly recommend Apriori Store.
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February 2021 by Can Goksal
Great selection of cards and cute gifts.
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February 2021 by Toni M.
How did this lovely shop/gallery exist for 10 years and I'm finally just discovering it? I can't explain it, but today was the first time I came in and I was entranced. What brought me in was a need for bubble bath. I thought they had some, based on other reviews, but they didn't. They do have bath salts and I ended up getting a couple of bottles. They have a wide array of so many other tempting items, from art glass to ceramics to turned and carved wood objects, decorative and colorful shallow woven baskets, scarves and on and on. There was a beautiful traveling jewelry roll that I really liked. The only thing that stopped me from buying it was the uncertainty of when or whether I'll be able to travel again. They had an assortment of TCHO chocolates that I similarly resisted. Their selection changes over time, as more things are found to display for sale. Now that I've found it, I undoubtedly will be back.
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March 2020 by Ann M.
This is a wonderful and delightful store, having so many wonderful and uniquely crafted artistry items for gifts or oneself. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The items in this store are from artistic kitchenware, scarves from foreign companies and USA, to many, many great and also useful items that are aesthetically very pleasing. The two owners, Lisa and Amy, are so kind and welcoming. I bring my friends here often. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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August 2019 by TastebudDaddy D.
I never get tired of coming into this establishment. You can tell a lot of thought goes into what they choose and why. This place has so many local goods and environmentally friendly wares. It has turned me on to sleek n sexy water bottles and fine ceramics. I've never considered myself someone who gets excited by a fine cheeseboard but I have to admit, their kitchen ware is exquisite. The ladies that run the joint r friendly as heck and super helpful.
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April 2019 by Heather Jolly
Lots of original home wares and jewelery. Reasonable prices
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March 2019 by Barb Roberts
Unique and distinctive. Just the place to shop for a person who has everything.
