Half Price Books — Local services in Downers Grove

So, hear me out. I WANT to like this store, I've been visiting it for about 2 years or so pretty steadily, but can't get over the three strikes it has against it (hence the 2 out of 5 stars). First star: the prices. Most items I look at (games, movies, books) tend to be at or above 'market value'. It looks like they base most of their pricing by searching the highest sold item on eBay/Amazon and rounding up. While it's never extreme, it always makes me pause before I buy something, and look up the eBay/Amazon prices. More often than not, you can readily find it cheaper on either site, which defeats most of the purpose of shopping at a brick and mortar store.

The second star deduction is for selection. Granted, their selection is based off of what people bring in and so they have limited control over it, but it's fairly stale. While other HPB's have a pretty steady stream of new arrivals, this particular location either doesn't get much in, or doesn't get most of their new stuff put out with any frequency. As such, expect to be looking at the same items each visit.

The final star is for their buying prices. Now don't get me wrong, I FULLY understand that they are a business, and to survive they need to buy low and sell high. All resale stores do the same, but here's the issue: their buying prices are incredibly low, especially compared to their selling prices. As far as I can tell, having sold there before and coming in later to see what they're selling my old items for, they buy at about 5-10% of what they sell for. Meaning, if you bring in something they'll sell for $100, they'll offer you between $5-10 for it. Obscenely low. Frankly, if you're selling games, movies, or toys, you may as well bring it over to the Disc Replay down the way. Their buy prices aren't much better, but still better than 5%. Books, you may as well just donate to a local thrift store and get a small tax deduction.

In the essence of a balanced review, I will say the 'pros' of the store are that the staff are generally pleasant to deal with, and there is still some intrinsic enjoyment in browsing a used book/media store. There are just better, cheaper...

Half Price Books could easily be renamed "The Reader's Oasis".

This exploratory outing resulted in some truly incredible finds (first editions, fine bindings and more; please see attached photos). If I had been afforded more time (I was on a bit of a schedule per usual), I am almost certain I would have walked out with half of the store.

First and foremost, every attendant I had the pleasure of interacting with was truly happy to help. Navigating such a large selection of reads can be difficult for the first-time visitor. Almost every title I could not find was calmly identified by the most lovely attendant; both knowledgeable of the literature and privvy to the layout of the entire store (this was quite impressive, as HPB holds a vast array of genres and titles).

The floor plan was optimized near to its fullest capacity in my opinion;  with mindful considerations in terms of open walkway space. The shop also had strategic nooks with seating scattered throughout (smaller chairs and table noted, for the earlier reader; +7 points for kid-friendliness).

I found the atmosphere to be both charming and serene; perfect for literary exploration.

The vast collection of albums (CDs and records) was such a nice addition to this trendy spot. Music selection available ranged from Bjork to bluegrass; I was happily surprised upon skimming. Next time I venture to HPB, I'll be sure to update this post with additional media detailing music finds; I'm almost certain I'll be leaving with quite the haul, considering the plethora of musical genres represented.

I must not forget to mention; high-quality reusable totes available for under $2 (additional points for affordable sustainability), a cohesive flow to the entire store, such an appealing industrial aesthetic, ample lighting prime for reading as shown in photos, incredibly organized shelving, tidy restroom with accessible stall, and large, legible signage throughout.

Half Price Books, you are truly a gem 💎 in my book.

Thank you for the lovely experience; I'll be back soon for that...

I am giving this store 5 stars initially because of an employee by the name of Corrin out of the Downers Grove location where I shop regularly. So, I called the store and Corrin picked up the phone very friendly, she smiled through the phone!! This young lady is a customer service guru!! Corrin went above & beyond the call of duty to help me, she took the liberty of locating a book that she didn’t have in store, she did ask if I wanted to order it however, because I needed it immediately, she then located it and placed it on hold for me in the Naperville store! Corrin was super friendly, patient, energetic, enthusiastic and then some! I just can appreciate great customer service. If u ever need anything please check out the Downers Grove location or the Naperville one where I was dazzled even further by a great employee by the name of Jonathan also, a guy I encountered over the phone by the name of Steve: great guy! He was very kind & professional! Thank you Half Price for hiring...