Blick Art Materials — Attraction in Los Angeles

I went to the Blick in Los Angeles because I thought they have good supplies. In store I wanted an easel, I asked the clerk to get it for me, when he took it out, the box already opened, and he was trying to push the easel into the box. I asked to see it first, then I told him, the easel seems some parts are missing, could he bring another one from inventory,. My niece waited there while I shop other items. When we took It back, I assembled and found 3 parts were missing. We had to go back to store again. This is one very annoyed thing. I needed some linen stretched canvas, so I called up the store and ask the store do they have the canvas before we went. The clerk in store said we have oil primed canvas is very good quality but we don't have the size you want, I will called up others store to check it first. The store in Beverly Blvd I checked they have 3 in inventory I asked them to hold one for you, when you get there just go to the cashier. Then it took about an hour to get there because of the traffic. Walk in the store at casher's desk, what we saw the easel they hold was not the one we wanted. I ask the clerk to check if they haveit in store. NO they don't. I asked why do you made uus drive from one store to the other and don't have the merchandise? Oh, I'll find the manager, the manager said, I don't think I got a call. But why did you hold a canvas for us not the right size? Sometime we have it said in inventory but we don't have it. You can order online, I checked already we need it fast, but you charge $35+ for shipping. Oh if you want us to order, we charge you shipping, too. .... We are going to order from Amazion. And not buying it from your...

While many rave about Blick Art Materials, my experience left much to be desired. Let's begin with the positives: the store is situated in a good part of LA, addressing a scarcity of arts and crafts stores in the area. The store's vibrant interior, adorned with graffiti art both inside and outside, is visually appealing. I particularly liked the creative display of graffiti cans behind the registers.

Now, onto the issue. During my first visit, I relied on Google for the store's opening hours, which turned out to be inaccurate. Despite informing two staff members about this discrepancy, they seemed indifferent, attributing it to Google's actions. This lack of concern for accurate information is a significant flaw.

My frustration heightened when I discovered pricing discrepancies. For instance, I intended to purchase coloring pencils advertised as 12 for $30. At checkout, they rang up higher, and upon revisiting the signage, it lacked clarity on the specific type of pencils included. The staff's dismissive attitude when I raised concerns about pricing inaccuracies was disappointing.

Additionally, I encountered an issue with incorrect signage for another product, and while they honored the posted price, their initial attempt to deflect responsibility was concerning. A diligent approach to accurate signage and a more customer-centric response to concerns would greatly improve the overall experience.

In conclusion, despite the store's potential for finding art materials, my experience with inaccurate information and dismissive staff makes it unlikely for me to return. If you decide to shop here, exercise caution and...

Spent a couple of hours shopping for oil colors here to replace paints for the first time in LA. I am as meticulous at shopping as I am with my craft, and eventually found all I needed plus a portable easel on sale! I waited a LONG 30minutes in line, and noticed a Christmas giveaway sale, to gift art supplies to needy kids. Always supportive of kids getting art supplies, I threw some in. The charming sales clerk told me the strangest thing that made me burst into laughter outside, when I realized what she had said. I asked her about the children's giveaway and she told me "No...you don't have worry about that!" and threw my gifts back...I Iooked confused so she added, "Oh, no... that's not for.... that's only.... that's just for people who are....you know....coming back" and then thanked me so much in the most pleasant way...as if she was my BFF advising me to never go back because the place is rancid or something! I've never even heard of anyone being asked to not return somewhere in a more polite way! She had SUCH a lovely tone, but amazingly harsh words for any customer. Will definitely try another art store before returning here, but also want to return eventually if not only to remind them for a laugh. Three stars for not interupting me...