Harvard Coop — Local services in Cambridge

Not coming back anytime soon. I love this bookstore. Over the years it has been an oasis of peace and fun. Today’s experience was strange. Out of character for this store, I should say. So on Sundays, they open at 11 am. Like everybody else I waited in a 32 degree weather for them to open. The lady who opened the heavy door was super nice and kind. There was another lady, who stood at the entrance, intimidating more or less and welcomed every single person and completely ignored me. I don’t know why. Of course she has the right to ignore anyone she wants to ignore but I don’t understand why. It was a little humiliating in front of everybody she was like welcome, welcome, welcome, when I reached she pretended I was a ghost. The bookstore is very nice. The cafe is gone, the chairs also but it is an amazing bookstore with a huge selection. You can spend an entire day there and have a great time. Let me tell you everybody else was very nice and polite. But I am so hurt by that lady’s behavior that I won’t go back anytime soon. I prefer to spend my time and money somewhere that I feel welcome. Again, everybody else was super nice. For the lady I am writing here, don’t treat anybody like that. You certainly won’t like everybody but grossly discriminating against someone - a customer- and singling them out may make them not to want to come back. Mind you, nobody has to go to the stores, especially in this global economy. I have been a regular since 2012. Calling it a day. Thanks for the memories Harvard COOP. Maybe someday I will come again because I will certainly miss this store and all those great people who work there but not anytime soon. I keep wondering what was wrong with me. Why did she treat me that way? She doesn’t even know me. I still...

First, they deserve no stars. I will never buy anything online from these incompetent people. On December 20, I ordered an item online. Their website indicated they had item in stock. I placed the order. They took $147 out of my bank account. Within an hour I received notice that item was out of stock. Fine, I called them up to see if they had this Christmas gift item in a different size. No luck, fine I understand. But please put the $147 back in my bank account quickly. Or better yet, do not charge me for the item until you ship it, or at least check to see if you have it. I called them up. They said the money would be back in my account by Friday. So now it's $147 less that I have to buy Christmas gifts for others. Now it's Tuesday Dec 26. They still did not refund my money. Called them up, no answer. They want callers to leave a voicemail. This Coop needs to get their act together. This is not how a business should be properly run. I should have used Amazon..Another note. When buying a school book from the Coop online and you elect to pay a big extra fee for "Rush" delivery. That does not mean you will get the book fast or that the Coop even has the book in stock. It means the Coop will "rush" the order as soon as they physically get the book in stock . Which means you might be paying extra for a "Rush" order that actually takes 3 weeks to a month to actually get the book. This is not an uncommon event when ordering books from the Coop. The "Rush" delivery is a scam or at the very least a material omission or very misleading on the COOP's part. The Coop has bad business policies and...

This place is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge, combining a pleasant atmosphere, spacious layout, and a variety of offerings. Conveniently located at the intersection near the train station and right by the gates of Harvard University, it’s easy to find whether you’re a local or a visitor.

At first glance, the Coop might appear like a souvenir shop, with its ground floor displaying a wide selection of Harvard-branded apparel and gifts. However, as you venture further inside and especially up to the higher floors, it transforms into a book lover’s haven, featuring an impressive collection of books across diverse genres.

Spanning three floors, the Coop offers a unique experience on each level. The ground floor is a mix of souvenirs and books, while the upper floors focus entirely on books, creating quieter spaces perfect for browsing or reading. The thoughtful layout includes cozy seating areas with tables and chairs for individuals or small groups, ideal for discussions, studying, or simply enjoying the ambiance.

Beyond its rich selection of books and souvenirs, the Coop’s location in the vibrant Harvard Square adds to its appeal. After visiting, you can explore nearby coffee shops, pizza places, and other souvenir stands, making your trip even more enjoyable.

So, this place is more than just a store—it’s a destination for inspiration and relaxation. Whether you’re here to shop, read, or simply soak in the atmosphere, this iconic spot is...