Boulder Bookstore — Local services in Boulder

It's rare that a situation is so upsetting that it leaves me feeling shaky. Such was the case today at the Boulder Book Store.

Since the $6.50 candy bar I purchased at the Book Store was rancid, I wanted to return it. I had one other bad experience returning a chocolate bar there a few years ago. In that case, the chocolate was almost like dust. Clearly, this was not how the bar was supposed to be, but I got a voice message from a lady after I had returned the bar lecturing me about chocolate. I assume she had no idea that I spent many years reviewing chocolate and spent time as a pastry chef before that. I know a little bit about chocolate.

I'm the first to admit that I have a sensitive palate, but I also know that a lot of people eat rancid products, especially nuts, without really noticing that anything is off. Anyone who has any knowledge of the culinary world knows how quickly unsaturated oils in nuts can oxidize, though. It happens A LOT. I happen to be sensitive to the taste. I can't stand it. Some people don't notice it as much.

For the record, I have returned only three bars of chocolate or carob in my lifetime, this being the third. I do not return products if I simply don't like them, but I will return an item that's bad.

This experience was bizarre. The three employees who were there initially were nice, but when they called for someone in the chocolate department to come take care of my return, I had a feeling there was going to be a problem. After the lecture I got a few years ago, I assumed it might be something similar. Instead, the lady who approached me had an arrogant air right from the start. She grabbed the candy and shoved some in her mouth and, after a total of .3 seconds, declared she didn't taste anything wrong. Hey, have at it. I'm not touching your crummy bar that tastes like it was left in the sewer. Honestly, after she gobbled up a few more bites and, in her condescending way, said it was fine, sort of shrugging her shoulders as if to say, "too bad" I had had enough. What am I supposed to do now, take the bar back after you pawed it and and ate your fill? I walked out without the candy that I had purchased or my money.

Well, one thing is clear, I will never buy from the Boulder Book Store again. I don't need a worthless lecture about what you think tastes OK, and I don't need the pompous attitude. I hope you enjoyed the stale candy you shoved in your mouth, the one I paid for if you recall. You may think that kind of behavior makes you better than others, but all it really does is make you look like a mean fool. Congrats on losing a...

Absolutely unsure what’s happened to this place - the tl:dr is that there is no customer service.

I had preordered a copy of a new book via their website. I received the shipping notification, and then an out for delivery notification whereupon I noticed that it was out for delivery in a city roughly 50 miles south of me. I called the store and asked that they verify the shipping address was correct. Was told that media mail sometimes takes weird routes (fair enough) and to wait and see if it was delivered, but that if I had a delivery problem it was between me and USPS. I was also assured that there was only one address associated with the order and it was impossible that it shipped to the wrong place.

When the package was delivered, I went through the 800 number for the postal service where I was able to verify that the address did not match mine. I decided I’d try emailing this time, and when I went to look for the order realized the book I was expecting hadn’t even been released yet. I emailed these details to the email address indicated at the bottom of my order - no response.

Then, on the release date I receive an email that my book is in and I’d been sent tracking for a different order. At this point I’d resigned myself to initiating a chargeback via PayPal, but responded immediately reiterating my concerns, my initial call and email, and telling them I’d no longer like the order.

The next day the damn thing shows up.

So now I’ve driven to the store itself, paid for parking, and attempted to return the book. I was told there are several email addresses and maybe they went to the wrong one (sure). Then I’m told to leave the book and a note because the order has to be refunded the same way it was placed and they’ll “work on it.” Not holding my breath at this point but at least I have an email trail and picture of the return. Seriously...

Had the pleasure of visiting the Boulder Book Store, located on the historic Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, and I must say it was a delightful experience. This charming bookstore offers a wonderful selection of books that caters to a variety of interests and literary tastes.

Upon entering the store, I was immediately struck by the tranquil and inviting atmosphere. The peaceful ambiance, combined with the meticulously maintained cleanliness, created the perfect environment for browsing and immersing myself in the world of literature. The fact that the store is spread across multiple levels adds a sense of exploration and discovery, making each visit a unique adventure.

The selection of books at the Boulder Book Store is truly impressive. They have a wide range of genres, from popular fiction and non-fiction to niche subjects and rare finds. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated bookworm, you're bound to find something that captivates your interest. The staff's knowledge and passion for literature are evident, as they are always ready to provide recommendations and engage in insightful conversations about books.

As a customer, I appreciate the peaceful and quiet environment that the Boulder Book Store provides. It allows for uninterrupted browsing and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the pages of a chosen book. Whether you're seeking a new release or a hidden gem, the store's well-curated collection ensures that there is always something intriguing waiting to be discovered.

I am truly glad to be a customer of the Boulder Book Store. It is a haven for book lovers, offering not only a vast selection of books but also a serene and welcoming space. If you find yourself in Boulder, Colorado, I highly recommend paying a visit to this literary gem on the historic Pearl...