Beads, Inc. — Local services in Charlotte

The store seems to be well stocked, though, as other reviews point out, it's disappointing that the majority of the bead strings I looked at did not indicate what they were -- glass, semiprecious stones, etc. I was seeking aged cooper and silver wire, chain, and findings. While the staff was helpful (in a way that was less friendly than, I felt, designed to quickly get me out of the store), they didn't seem friendly or particularly welcoming. Ultimately, I spent over $100 and didn't really get what I needed or wanted, but stuff that'll do ... and I settled for that because I was in a hurry. I feel like I get a much better deal on silver chain (I didn't find silver findings), of which they had very limited options, and copper wire and findings via online wholesale sellers. The beads I saw are things you'll find at Michael's. Perhaps if I felt like I could look around more I might have found something unique, which is really what I expect from stores like this, but I didn't. Had I seen semiprecious stones, I probably would have purchased some. But, again, I have an online source that I'll stick with for semiprecious stones.

The parking lot is behind the building. It appeared to be a one-way entrance, however I did not feel safe exiting via what I think was the appropriate entrance due to an overgrown bush and people speeding on the main road. So, I backed up and ended up scratching my car on a diagonal metal electric wire that looks like it's been hit multiple times.

So, add all of that up and I'll stick to online shopping for my jewelry making supplies.

I lived in Charlotte for 20 years before we hit the road and much prefer Beadlush, which has been closed for a while. So, if you're looking for that same cool kid vibe you won't find it here. This place gives "auntie who only...

Sooo much fun!! The cutest little house, they do have a couple designated parking spots around back, or you can find street parking in the neighborhood. The store is clean and organized in a way that is easy to navigate. All beads were clearly labeled with price. They had almost any color, or material you would want in beads. They also had sections of charms and pendants. You could really make anything- necklaces, earrings, bracelets, even keychains! There is a lot to choose from, I was a little overwhelmed at first but the staff is AMAZING. They were very well staffed and were very willing to help. There were already made pieces around the store, or they were able to look at inspo pictures and find beads/pieces that matched. Once you pick out your pieces, they give you a board to lay it out, and string to bead it on, then they take care of putting the clasp on and finishing it. They have tall tables to work at so you can stand while you work, or sit in a stool. You can drop in anytime they are open, but they are only open until 4:00 during the week. We scheduled a private party which they do after hours, is $20 a person not including jewelry, and you need a minimum of 8 people. We also brought our own drinks and snacks. As far as pricing, everything is very clearly labeled, then it was an addition $5 to put the chain and clasp on. My necklace was $40 total and most pieces made by our group ranged from $30-$60 for the most part. I will...

Make sure you’re charged correctly!!

The place is wonderful and such a unique experience BUT we were very much inaccurately charged for our beads. We went on a Friday afternoon around 2:30 and it got really busy after that. We made our first bracelet and then waited quite a while to get string for our second bracelets. At this point it was 4pm and they were trying to close. We had tried to find staff sooner, and there were many working, but they were all busy helping others. No big deal we are patient and knew we’d be helped we just didn’t realize it was getting close to closing time. After getting the string we quickly finished our bracelets and the employee priced them out for us quickly. We were not even the last customers still there.

However, once we left and looked at the receipts we knew they weren’t accurate. I only Have pictures of two of the beads I used. But you can see the 30¢ daisy beads were charged to me at $1 each. And the 15¢ silver beads were charged to me at 45¢ each. I know others are inaccurate as well. My friends spacer beads she used were in a 30¢ box and she was overcharged at 40¢ as well.

I know it was a busy day and the employees were rushing to help everyone finish so they could go home, but it’s a little disappointing to know if I were to go back and price my beads it would cost much less.

So if you go, just keep track of what you’re getting and make...