Updated July 2023
Who are the 11 best independent baby stores in America?
As the authors of BABY BARGAINS, we have visited hundreds of baby stores from coast to coast during the past 15 years. Along the way, we’ve met some of the smartest retailers in the USA—folks who we often turn to to find out what’s REALLY happening in the baby gear biz. Which cribs, strollers and car seats are selling and winning raves from parents . . . and what are the bombs.
Readers often ask us to tell us they want to support indie stores—but which ones are most reputable? If you are tired of the chains, here is a list of stores to check out.
A few notes: just in case you are wondering, NO retailers paid us to be on this list. We don’t take advertising, commissions or fees to recommend stores in our book or blog. The retailers we think are best earned it the old fashioned way—by focusing on their customers.
So . . . drum roll . . . here are the 20 Best Baby Stores in America (in alphabetical order):
HINT: Looking for a baby stroller? Check our sister site, StrollerWiki.com. Basically, a wikipedia for baby stroller!
Albee Baby (New York, NY)
Baby Super Mart (Broomall, PA)
Baby’s Planet (San Juan, PR)
Baby’s 1st (Houston/Sugarland, TX)
Bambi Baby (Paramus, NJ, Middletown, NJ, Staten Island, NY, Long Island, NY)
Behr’s (Long Island, NY)
Berg’s (Cleveland, OH)
Georgia Baby (Atlanta, GA)
Ideal Baby & Kids (Miami, FL)
Kids Stuff Superstores (Omaha & Lincoln, Nebraska)
Magic Beans (Boston, MA)
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You are soooo right with Goore’s. They could not be more helpful and friendly if they tried. Their employees are knowledgeable and approachable. I love that store!
You are soooo right with Goore’s. They could not be more helpful and friendly if they tried. Their employees are knowledgeable and approachable. I love that store!
What does the “best” really mean?
For example, we have recently found a store in Providence (Bambini) that has a very knowledgeable and helpful owner, but the store mostly sells very high-end (expensive) clothes and cribs. I wouldn’t put the store down as one of the overall best, but I would say that it has the best selection of unusual and unique clothes.
What does the “best” really mean?
For example, we have recently found a store in Providence (Bambini) that has a very knowledgeable and helpful owner, but the store mostly sells very high-end (expensive) clothes and cribs. I wouldn’t put the store down as one of the overall best, but I would say that it has the best selection of unusual and unique clothes.
By best, we mean best—best overall customer service, sales, selection. Nearly all the retailers on this list sell furniture and gear in all price ranges, not just the most expensive.
To come up with this list, we visited many of these retailers in person (sometimes, we were “secret shoppers”—not announcing who we were, etc). We also asked baby gear/furniture manufacturers who they thought are the top retailers. Finally, we also receive a tremendous amount of emails from readers about retailers. Hence, this list is a combination of our own research, the opinions of manufacturers and experiences from our readers.
Most (but not all) of these retailers are in major metro areas. We don’t mean to slight small retailers out of the way locations, but we thought it would be more helpful to focus on the biggest metro areas.
Of course, if you think we missed a great baby store in your area, feel free to let us know!
Alan & Denise Fields
authors, BABY BARGAINS
By best, we mean best—best overall customer service, sales, selection. Nearly all the retailers on this list sell furniture and gear in all price ranges, not just the most expensive.
To come up with this list, we visited many of these retailers in person (sometimes, we were “secret shoppers”—not announcing who we were, etc). We also asked baby gear/furniture manufacturers who they thought are the top retailers. Finally, we also receive a tremendous amount of emails from readers about retailers. Hence, this list is a combination of our own research, the opinions of manufacturers and experiences from our readers.
Most (but not all) of these retailers are in major metro areas. We don’t mean to slight small retailers out of the way locations, but we thought it would be more helpful to focus on the biggest metro areas.
Of course, if you think we missed a great baby store in your area, feel free to let us know!
Alan & Denise Fields
authors, BABY BARGAINS
We love going to Goore’s because they pretty much have anything we’re looking for that the big baby superstores don’t have. They also have great customer service and hard-to-find baby gear.
We love going to Goore’s because they pretty much have anything we’re looking for that the big baby superstores don’t have. They also have great customer service and hard-to-find baby gear.
I second the recommendation of Goores. I have had absolutely the best experiences with that store. Their sales staff is knowledgeable, friendly and not the least bit pushy (except for one lady out in the outlet store).
I second the recommendation of Goores. I have had absolutely the best experiences with that store. Their sales staff is knowledgeable, friendly and not the least bit pushy (except for one lady out in the outlet store).
I completely agree with the Lone Star Baby and Kids in Dallas, Texas! We bought all our nursery furniture there and the sales staff was fabulous and the selection was limitless. They were the only Munire retailer we could find in our area and everything we wanted was in stock.
I completely agree with the Lone Star Baby and Kids in Dallas, Texas! We bought all our nursery furniture there and the sales staff was fabulous and the selection was limitless. They were the only Munire retailer we could find in our area and everything we wanted was in stock.
I don’t know about Karls in Philadelphia. Although it seemed like they had a wide array of clothing…the only stroller brand they carry is bugaboo. I’ve also noticed that these small stores have a longer lag time to replenish stock. I called to ask to if the store had any jj cole infant bundle me in stock and they’d just sold out and wouldn’t have any for 2.5 weeks!!
I don’t know about Karls in Philadelphia. Although it seemed like they had a wide array of clothing…the only stroller brand they carry is bugaboo. I’ve also noticed that these small stores have a longer lag time to replenish stock. I called to ask to if the store had any jj cole infant bundle me in stock and they’d just sold out and wouldn’t have any for 2.5 weeks!!
I don’t know about Karls in Philadelphia. Although it seemed like they had a wide array of clothing…the only stroller brand they carry is bugaboo. I’ve also noticed that these small stores have a longer lag time to replenish stock. I called to ask to if the store had any jj cole infant bundle me in stock and they’d just sold out and wouldn’t have any for 2.5 weeks!!
I don’t know about Karls in Philadelphia. Although it seemed like they had a wide array of clothing…the only stroller brand they carry is bugaboo. I’ve also noticed that these small stores have a longer lag time to replenish stock. I called to ask to if the store had any jj cole infant bundle me in stock and they’d just sold out and wouldn’t have any for 2.5 weeks!!
I took your advice and tried Lone Star Baby in Dallas/Fort Worth. I was able to shop for all kinds of baby gear at http://www.LoneStarBaby.com and find some great deals. They have an online baby registry too! Its really nice to be able to check on products and prices online and then go to the local store (mine is in Frisco, Texas) to make my purchase. When I visited the store, the people were really helpful too, unlike those big box stores where you cant find a person to help you.
I took your advice and tried Lone Star Baby in Dallas/Fort Worth. I was able to shop for all kinds of baby gear at http://www.LoneStarBaby.com and find some great deals. They have an online baby registry too! Its really nice to be able to check on products and prices online and then go to the local store (mine is in Frisco, Texas) to make my purchase. When I visited the store, the people were really helpful too, unlike those big box stores where you cant find a person to help you.
Because we are in the military, I have had the pleasure of shopping at several of the stores on your Top Retailers list. Of all the baby stores I have shopped in, including BRU, I would have to say that Great Beginnings has by far the best shopping experience. From the helpful & knowledgeable staff to the beautiful displays- this store gets it.
Because we are in the military, I have had the pleasure of shopping at several of the stores on your Top Retailers list. Of all the baby stores I have shopped in, including BRU, I would have to say that Great Beginnings has by far the best shopping experience. From the helpful & knowledgeable staff to the beautiful displays- this store gets it.
I have lived in many of the major metros (boston, NYC, chicago, LA) and it seems like every one of these “best” stores are in the major metros. I recently moved to rochester, ny and found Simons to be above all the best store I have been to. It is disappointing that the “best” list pretty much excludes every store unless you are in a major metro.
I have lived in many of the major metros (boston, NYC, chicago, LA) and it seems like every one of these “best” stores are in the major metros. I recently moved to rochester, ny and found Simons to be above all the best store I have been to. It is disappointing that the “best” list pretty much excludes every store unless you are in a major metro.
I’ve gotten several major items from Great Beginnings and they are indeed an EXCELLENT retailer. Their staff knows the products (shout out to Lee in strollers), they keep a good supply in stock and their prices are very competitive. Well worth the trip up I-270.
I’ve gotten several major items from Great Beginnings and they are indeed an EXCELLENT retailer. Their staff knows the products (shout out to Lee in strollers), they keep a good supply in stock and their prices are very competitive. Well worth the trip up I-270.
Any chance of getting a Canadian list?
Any chance of getting a Canadian list?
I wanted to offer up Baby Tyme, near Kent, Ohio. We also love Berg’s in Cleveland and feel blessed to have locally-owned retailers rather than just the big box stores.
We took a chance on Westwood Designs furniture from Baby Tyme before they were reviewed by you. I have no compliants and was pleased to seem them featured in your latest edition.
I wanted to offer up Baby Tyme, near Kent, Ohio. We also love Berg’s in Cleveland and feel blessed to have locally-owned retailers rather than just the big box stores.
We took a chance on Westwood Designs furniture from Baby Tyme before they were reviewed by you. I have no compliants and was pleased to seem them featured in your latest edition.
Denise and Alan,
This is a very disappointing blog. How come the majority of the people on this list are all part of the same cronie group? Many of these stores are deserving of recognition, please don’t misunderstand. I feel that more research could have been done, though, and that the list could be more objective and less exclusive.
Denise and Alan,
This is a very disappointing blog. How come the majority of the people on this list are all part of the same cronie group? Many of these stores are deserving of recognition, please don’t misunderstand. I feel that more research could have been done, though, and that the list could be more objective and less exclusive.
I wanted to recognize Segal’s for Children in Portland, Oregon. They have a huge selection of furniture, gear and general baby items that I can’t find at larger retailers or local stores here in the Seattle area. Plus their staff is so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I live in Tacoma, Washington and got most of my nursery items from them. Drove all the way down just for the service and selection.
I wanted to recognize Segal’s for Children in Portland, Oregon. They have a huge selection of furniture, gear and general baby items that I can’t find at larger retailers or local stores here in the Seattle area. Plus their staff is so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I live in Tacoma, Washington and got most of my nursery items from them. Drove all the way down just for the service and selection.
I love Bergstrom’s of Orange County, CA. They are on par with the Babies R Us type superstores in terms of selection, but are a great family run business. They also regularly send fliers with discounts and coupons, making their prices competitive to the best online retailors.
I love Bergstrom’s of Orange County, CA. They are on par with the Babies R Us type superstores in terms of selection, but are a great family run business. They also regularly send fliers with discounts and coupons, making their prices competitive to the best online retailors.
My husband and I went to Tiny Totland’s Portland Maine store today and left sorely disappointed. As the only dealer of higher-end baby furniture within 50 miles, we expected at least a little service especially when not a single other customer was in the store when we arrived (perhaps that should have been a sign to us as it is a Saturday afternoon). A group of three employees stood around the cash register, and did not so much as glance in our direction when we entered. We browsed through the store for 15 minutes, as the group, who apparently were an employee, his significant other, and their friend, chatted. At one point one member of the group went into a back room and walked right past us in the showroom without so much as a nod. It became clear that our presence was neither welcome nor desired, so we left. We called the Manchester store and spoke to the chain’s owner who admitted she suspected a problem with an employee in Portland and suggested that we drive to their Manchester store (90 miles away)! She was also quick to mention that they had recently been named to Baby Bargain’s Top 21 list, which is why I decided to post. In the current economic climate, you would think we would at least get a “hello” when we entered the store. I mean, how many people could possibly be in the market for $800 cribs these days? Sadly, my husband and I got more attentive “service” (at least a greeting!) at Babies R Us! Needless to say, despite the lovely furniture, we will not shop there again and I would not recommend Tiny Totland to anyone.
My husband and I went to Tiny Totland’s Portland Maine store today and left sorely disappointed. As the only dealer of higher-end baby furniture within 50 miles, we expected at least a little service especially when not a single other customer was in the store when we arrived (perhaps that should have been a sign to us as it is a Saturday afternoon). A group of three employees stood around the cash register, and did not so much as glance in our direction when we entered. We browsed through the store for 15 minutes, as the group, who apparently were an employee, his significant other, and their friend, chatted. At one point one member of the group went into a back room and walked right past us in the showroom without so much as a nod. It became clear that our presence was neither welcome nor desired, so we left. We called the Manchester store and spoke to the chain’s owner who admitted she suspected a problem with an employee in Portland and suggested that we drive to their Manchester store (90 miles away)! She was also quick to mention that they had recently been named to Baby Bargain’s Top 21 list, which is why I decided to post. In the current economic climate, you would think we would at least get a “hello” when we entered the store. I mean, how many people could possibly be in the market for $800 cribs these days? Sadly, my husband and I got more attentive “service” (at least a greeting!) at Babies R Us! Needless to say, despite the lovely furniture, we will not shop there again and I would not recommend Tiny Totland to anyone.
As the manager to the South Portland Tiny Totland Store , Im very sad to read this previous statement. I pride myself in customer service and have for a very long time, Im extremely sorry for your bad experience with my store, there is in fact only 2 employess at this location and I appolidgize if we did not meet your standards of service, I try to say hello to everyone that comes in the door and I do tend to let customers look around alot more before approaching them based on my experience with Maine Customers in general. Again I can assure you this is not the experience I would have wanted for you and your loved ones and I extend my deepest apology for my lack of service to you.
Thanks
Sean @ Tiny Totland South Portland, Maine
As the manager to the South Portland Tiny Totland Store , Im very sad to read this previous statement. I pride myself in customer service and have for a very long time, Im extremely sorry for your bad experience with my store, there is in fact only 2 employess at this location and I appolidgize if we did not meet your standards of service, I try to say hello to everyone that comes in the door and I do tend to let customers look around alot more before approaching them based on my experience with Maine Customers in general. Again I can assure you this is not the experience I would have wanted for you and your loved ones and I extend my deepest apology for my lack of service to you.
Thanks
Sean @ Tiny Totland South Portland, Maine
I am shocked to see Lone Star Baby on there. I have never had good service there and I was ticked to find everything I bought there for a better price somewhere else. In fact, most of our local message boards in Dallas have negative reviews on them.
I am shocked to see Lone Star Baby on there. I have never had good service there and I was ticked to find everything I bought there for a better price somewhere else. In fact, most of our local message boards in Dallas have negative reviews on them.
I can’t believe that TREASURE ROOMS in St. Louis is on the list, as they are rated “F” in the Better Business Bureau. They have a horrible reputation in the area. Luckily a new baby furniture store has opened in St Louis, Goodnite Rooms, and they are touting world class customer service (along with great prices and selection) – my wife and I found them to be much better that Treasure Rooms, where we bought our first child’s crib. They have a good website also.
I can’t believe that TREASURE ROOMS in St. Louis is on the list, as they are rated “F” in the Better Business Bureau. They have a horrible reputation in the area. Luckily a new baby furniture store has opened in St Louis, Goodnite Rooms, and they are touting world class customer service (along with great prices and selection) – my wife and I found them to be much better that Treasure Rooms, where we bought our first child’s crib. They have a good website also.
I have been worried about finding baby bargains but you have definitely cleared up any worry I may have had. I have already saved hundreds of dollars because of your blog – thanks for the helpful resource!
I have been worried about finding baby bargains but you have definitely cleared up any worry I may have had. I have already saved hundreds of dollars because of your blog – thanks for the helpful resource!
I have to agree with the Post about Tiny Totland in Maine (and New Hampshire). I made the decision to shop for my Furniture in a Specialty Boutique due to all the recalls on Cribs from the “Big Box” Stores, and I hoped to receive excellent customer service and a great shopping experience. I not only visited the Portland store, but also the Portsmouth, NH store and did not find the experience nor the customer service that I was after. If I am going to shop in a local store I expect a certain level of customer service, in both stores I went in hoping for some education on the products and left with barely a hello. I felt as though the stores were both run-down and the furniture appeared to be too high-priced for the quality and look. I’m not looking for the highest end, but I want furniture which has a fair price and is good looking. We live in an area without many options, I suppose I will have to look further to find furniture and an experience that suits my family.
I have to agree with the Post about Tiny Totland in Maine (and New Hampshire). I made the decision to shop for my Furniture in a Specialty Boutique due to all the recalls on Cribs from the “Big Box” Stores, and I hoped to receive excellent customer service and a great shopping experience. I not only visited the Portland store, but also the Portsmouth, NH store and did not find the experience nor the customer service that I was after. If I am going to shop in a local store I expect a certain level of customer service, in both stores I went in hoping for some education on the products and left with barely a hello. I felt as though the stores were both run-down and the furniture appeared to be too high-priced for the quality and look. I’m not looking for the highest end, but I want furniture which has a fair price and is good looking. We live in an area without many options, I suppose I will have to look further to find furniture and an experience that suits my family.
We went to the Baby Furniture Warehouse in Reading this weekend for the first time ever and bought a table and chair set by KidKraft on clearance sale. I was so excited about the price!
The store is huge and they have a great selection of cribs, toys, furniture, etc
The service was outstanding, too! We will be back.
We went to the Baby Furniture Warehouse in Reading this weekend for the first time ever and bought a table and chair set by KidKraft on clearance sale. I was so excited about the price!
The store is huge and they have a great selection of cribs, toys, furniture, etc
The service was outstanding, too! We will be back.
Anyone have an opinion as the best baby store in the west. Mainly a larger one if possible
Anyone have an opinion as the best baby store in the west. Mainly a larger one if possible
I agree with the few posts abotu the Tiny Toyland store in Portland, ME. My husband and I browsed their selection twice without so much as a “can we help you”. They have a fairly decent selection of high end cribs but the store was kind of gross. The employees didn’t impress me either. The atmosphere was like that of a 7 eleven with nice cribs. We won’t go back.
Don’t even think of going in the bathroom. Ick.
I agree with the few posts abotu the Tiny Toyland store in Portland, ME. My husband and I browsed their selection twice without so much as a “can we help you”. They have a fairly decent selection of high end cribs but the store was kind of gross. The employees didn’t impress me either. The atmosphere was like that of a 7 eleven with nice cribs. We won’t go back.
Don’t even think of going in the bathroom. Ick.
First, I’m a big fan of the book and it was a lifesaver for registering for my daughter. I think I hauled this book around with me for weeks, marking pages and writing notes. So on the day that I walked into Karl’s in Philadelphia, I had the book opened to the furniture manufacturers reviews.
I’m a big supporter of local family businesses, so this seemed like a nice alternative to the baby super stores.
First I asked where I would find cribs and was told the 3rd floor. I wandered around without help for close to 30 minutes. This would have been fine if they actually had prices on anything. But they don’t and that was a little shady. (I was thinking to myself that this was going to be some sort of negotiation or perhaps they were going to size me up and decide what they were going to charge me…) Anyway so I finally located someone and she made a big deal of explaining to me how this was a family business and she was part of the family. Great. So I ask her how I might figure out how much these cribs cost. She told me to pick out a few and she would “look it up”.
Not ideal, but oh well. So I start looking and as I’m walking around I’m looking up the manufacturers in the Baby Bargains Book. As soon as I opened the book she was over like a shot telling me how the book was useless and “books like that” are written by people who don’t know anything about baby furniture. She tells me (and I’m paraphrasing here) “I’ve been in this business 30 years and I know more than your book about furniture”.
Ok. A little crazy but I power on.
Me: I’ll gladly take you up on that, but this book is useful to understand the various customer service experiences people have had with particular manufacturers when things are recalled, etc.
Her: What do you care about that for, you just bring it back here if you have a problem
(Interesting)
Me: So if a crib is recalled 3 years from now I would handle that through your store.
Her: Yea.
(Hmmm sounds fishy. At this point I had narrowed my choice to a fairly pricy Morigeau crib)
Me: Well, I heard a rumor that these people are having a bit of financial trouble with the change in the dollar value (which I actually read on your website)
Her: That’s not true, I talk to them every day. I would know.
Me: Ummm, ok (clear that arguing is pointless). It kind of makes me nervous and I was thinking about buying a stock crib from Ikea just because people have so many problems with manufacturers and getting their cribs delivered on time.
Her: (This is where she gets really snotty with me) well, this furniture is a purchase that grows with your child. Don’t you want something of quality that will last?
Me: Ummm, I was just looking for baby furniture. I kind of was thinking I needed something that can get me through 2-3 kids and then sell at a garage sale…
Her: (Snide noise made. Then silence. She walks away.)
I walked out of there feeling berated, belittled and generally angry. Who treats an obviously pregnant woman who is trying to spend money in your store that way?
When Morigeau didn’t deliver any of their orders and filed for reorganization, I wanted to go back in and ask her if she was still “talking to them every day”.
So while I ended up with the Gulliver crib from Ikea (which is a great crib with clean lines and a modern look, converts to a toddler bed – rails included with the purchase price and is generally AMAZING) I did purchase a lot of baby stuff from “Genes”. This too is a family owned business. They carry cool, contemporary, mid-highend stuff and they’re friendly. I ordered the Monte Alto Glider from them – the owner hand delivered to us (literally carried the thing himself) since we live in Center City and was generally awesome to deal with – the manufacturer was a little delayed and he tracked that problem until it was resolved.
I have been back there time and again for odds and ends. It’s my go-to place for unique baby gifts and funky clothes for my daughter.
Another place is Happily Ever After on Pine Street. Great toys, great kids gift type stuff (not much in the way of furniture or clothing).
My whole point is – Karl’s doesn’t deserve to be on this list. I found more helpful and kind people at the Babies R Us in Cherry Hill (and I really really didn’t like that place).
Hope you’ll all consider this when you decide to spend you money in Philadelphia.
First, I’m a big fan of the book and it was a lifesaver for registering for my daughter. I think I hauled this book around with me for weeks, marking pages and writing notes. So on the day that I walked into Karl’s in Philadelphia, I had the book opened to the furniture manufacturers reviews.
I’m a big supporter of local family businesses, so this seemed like a nice alternative to the baby super stores.
First I asked where I would find cribs and was told the 3rd floor. I wandered around without help for close to 30 minutes. This would have been fine if they actually had prices on anything. But they don’t and that was a little shady. (I was thinking to myself that this was going to be some sort of negotiation or perhaps they were going to size me up and decide what they were going to charge me…) Anyway so I finally located someone and she made a big deal of explaining to me how this was a family business and she was part of the family. Great. So I ask her how I might figure out how much these cribs cost. She told me to pick out a few and she would “look it up”.
Not ideal, but oh well. So I start looking and as I’m walking around I’m looking up the manufacturers in the Baby Bargains Book. As soon as I opened the book she was over like a shot telling me how the book was useless and “books like that” are written by people who don’t know anything about baby furniture. She tells me (and I’m paraphrasing here) “I’ve been in this business 30 years and I know more than your book about furniture”.
Ok. A little crazy but I power on.
Me: I’ll gladly take you up on that, but this book is useful to understand the various customer service experiences people have had with particular manufacturers when things are recalled, etc.
Her: What do you care about that for, you just bring it back here if you have a problem
(Interesting)
Me: So if a crib is recalled 3 years from now I would handle that through your store.
Her: Yea.
(Hmmm sounds fishy. At this point I had narrowed my choice to a fairly pricy Morigeau crib)
Me: Well, I heard a rumor that these people are having a bit of financial trouble with the change in the dollar value (which I actually read on your website)
Her: That’s not true, I talk to them every day. I would know.
Me: Ummm, ok (clear that arguing is pointless). It kind of makes me nervous and I was thinking about buying a stock crib from Ikea just because people have so many problems with manufacturers and getting their cribs delivered on time.
Her: (This is where she gets really snotty with me) well, this furniture is a purchase that grows with your child. Don’t you want something of quality that will last?
Me: Ummm, I was just looking for baby furniture. I kind of was thinking I needed something that can get me through 2-3 kids and then sell at a garage sale…
Her: (Snide noise made. Then silence. She walks away.)
I walked out of there feeling berated, belittled and generally angry. Who treats an obviously pregnant woman who is trying to spend money in your store that way?
When Morigeau didn’t deliver any of their orders and filed for reorganization, I wanted to go back in and ask her if she was still “talking to them every day”.
So while I ended up with the Gulliver crib from Ikea (which is a great crib with clean lines and a modern look, converts to a toddler bed – rails included with the purchase price and is generally AMAZING) I did purchase a lot of baby stuff from “Genes”. This too is a family owned business. They carry cool, contemporary, mid-highend stuff and they’re friendly. I ordered the Monte Alto Glider from them – the owner hand delivered to us (literally carried the thing himself) since we live in Center City and was generally awesome to deal with – the manufacturer was a little delayed and he tracked that problem until it was resolved.
I have been back there time and again for odds and ends. It’s my go-to place for unique baby gifts and funky clothes for my daughter.
Another place is Happily Ever After on Pine Street. Great toys, great kids gift type stuff (not much in the way of furniture or clothing).
My whole point is – Karl’s doesn’t deserve to be on this list. I found more helpful and kind people at the Babies R Us in Cherry Hill (and I really really didn’t like that place).
Hope you’ll all consider this when you decide to spend you money in Philadelphia.
Galt Toys in Chicago should make it in the list…. it is a great store !
Galt Toys in Chicago should make it in the list…. it is a great store !
When I saw the headline, I knew I’d have to ignore it if you didn’t mention Lullaby Lane in San Bruno CA. I drive across bridges to get to the store near SFO (therefore not actually in San Francisco). They’ve got everything I need at the best prices with hands down best service of any Bay Area baby store I’ve visited. And how often do you find fancy bamboo and soy baby clothes next to a rack of Carter’s bodysuits?
When I saw the headline, I knew I’d have to ignore it if you didn’t mention Lullaby Lane in San Bruno CA. I drive across bridges to get to the store near SFO (therefore not actually in San Francisco). They’ve got everything I need at the best prices with hands down best service of any Bay Area baby store I’ve visited. And how often do you find fancy bamboo and soy baby clothes next to a rack of Carter’s bodysuits?
Of course Lullaby Lane would be in there! Yes, they are uniquely San
Francisco. (True, San Bruno is not San Fran proper, but Bay Area—we
probably should modify that to be more accurate).
Of course Lullaby Lane would be in there! Yes, they are uniquely San
Francisco. (True, San Bruno is not San Fran proper, but Bay Area—we
probably should modify that to be more accurate).
I would like to nominate Heller’s For Children in San Rafael, California as one of the best as well. Very friendly staff who know their products. Although they don’t have an overly large showroom, they do carry most of the middle to high-end brands and have frequent sales. Compared to one of their competitors on this list (Lullaby Lane), their prices and delivery fees are lower.
I would like to nominate Heller’s For Children in San Rafael, California as one of the best as well. Very friendly staff who know their products. Although they don’t have an overly large showroom, they do carry most of the middle to high-end brands and have frequent sales. Compared to one of their competitors on this list (Lullaby Lane), their prices and delivery fees are lower.
Wasn’t impressed with Karl’s in Philly; won’t be going back.
Wasn’t impressed with Karl’s in Philly; won’t be going back.
I love Goore’s in Sacramento and Lullaby Lane in San Francisco. Both stores have a great selection and great customer service. I went to a few classes at Lullaby lane (baby gear related) and found them very informative. Goore’s employees put up with our several visits to evaluate strollers before our son was born (we probably went in at least 10 times in a month). If I’m looking to see an item in person (I do a lot of online shopping) I’ll stop by Goore’s. If I like it, I’ll likely buy it right there unless the price is significantly less online (depends on shipping). Often, the price is fairly comparable (when shipping is figured) and I get to have the item in my home that day.
I love Goore’s in Sacramento and Lullaby Lane in San Francisco. Both stores have a great selection and great customer service. I went to a few classes at Lullaby lane (baby gear related) and found them very informative. Goore’s employees put up with our several visits to evaluate strollers before our son was born (we probably went in at least 10 times in a month). If I’m looking to see an item in person (I do a lot of online shopping) I’ll stop by Goore’s. If I like it, I’ll likely buy it right there unless the price is significantly less online (depends on shipping). Often, the price is fairly comparable (when shipping is figured) and I get to have the item in my home that day.
will you be updating the top 20 best retail stores?
Hi Michele: No, unfortunately, we will not be updating this. We’ve lost so many good independent retailers over the last few years. Sadly, there are too few new stores to fill the gap.
I’ve been visiting Kidsland in Los Angeles for over 7 years now – I’ve been getting almost all of my baby items from them. While the price range is higher then Target, the quality of the items is significantly higher. I was able to test all of the strollers and car seats, make easy returns and exchanges when needed, and know that the service was going to be excellent. Early on, with my first son, I would make the mistake of going to Target for a quick bottle replacement or some diaper rash cream, only to find open items with broken seals, obviously used or returned, or my favorite, a onesie with a poop stain!
With specialty items, skip the big box stores, do some research for local shops, visit all of them, don’t commit. Test, test, and test – and talk to the staff or manager, these folks will be with you in the long run.
It is sad we leave in the Tampa area and there is absolutely nowhere to buy baby bedding! I ordered from Pottery Barn over a month ago out of 3 pieces I have received 1 with the other 2 continuing to be delayed. Some of us still like to touch and feel what goes against our baby’s & grand baby’s skin before we buy!