KARL the store — Local services in Sausalito

I usually go into Karl the Store after getting coffee at Equator. I really like the curation of items from art to candles to clothing. It’s all pretty high quality items and the prices reflect that but it’s also a small business and I understand the time that goes into finding, buying and holding all these things.

I wanted to share a particularly nice experience I had at the store. I had my eye on a bomber jacket that was just expensive enough that after visiting twice I was hesitant to pull the trigger. I googled the item and found that it had recently gone on sale online for nearly 50% off what it was in the store. Like I said above, I want to support local businesses but the difference in price would have been hundreds of dollars. I mentioned this at the store with the nice gentleman who is always there and just asked for a small discount to try and bridge the gap between the two different prices. What he did next really impressed me: he insisted on giving me the same price as what the jacket was on sale for at the manufacturer website. Even after I mentioned that wasn’t necessary and that somewhere in the middle would be fine, he insisted that they would honor the sale price. Wow, as a customer that makes me want to go back and shop there more. I love my jacket and we’ll definitely be back in the future. I wanted to share so others would appreciate that while the shop might have high end things that can be expensive, they’re also extremely hospitable and kind. Definitely a place to stop by the next time you’re...

Sigh....where do I begin?!?! I was planning on going into the city (SF) but wanted to take a short detour and scenic route through Sausalito. As I'm driving, I see "KARL the store" and immediately pulled over. It looked so cute, and I just wanted to have a brief experience based on the store facade. Little did I know I would end up spending more than I expected on items that I love. These items each had a story behind it and even though I'm an Amazon Prime member, it's stores like these that make me appreciate and enjoy the in-person shopping experience. Dennis, the owner, was NOT pushy at all and had a backstory for each item I was interested in, and items that I didn't know I would be interested in. He is a friendly gentleman that didn't talk my ear off, had the perfect balance of explaining where certain items are from and leaving us be to enjoy the store. My experience in this store went beyond my expectations and I'm glad I pulled over and found a parking spot 1 min. away. (I couldn't pull over in time to park in the private lot he has in front of the store. I didn't want to leave, but I had to, before I purchased every single item. I will for sure be coming back. I'm not saying "i'll be coming back" to get people to go there, but this is for real. I really hope I don't go back soon, because I know that I will just continue to buy and buy and buy! Thank you for the experience AND the recommendation for dinner, Dennis! See you, hopefully later...

On July 24th, after a lovely lunch at Equator, my friend (Black) and I (Hispanic) entered Karl the Store hoping to look at some of the unique items on display. Unfortunately, we had less than a pleasant experience after the only store attendee (older White woman) followed us around, did not greet us back, deadpanned my friend when they warmly smiled her, and said nothing in return when we said goodbye. We immediately left when it became clear to us she was treating us as if we were criminals who needed to be closely watched. Given the other generous reviews, I hope the store owner can make an effort towards teaching their staff that such behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable. Until then, if you want a ghost surveilling your every movement and making no effort to welcome you into the space, then this is your spot to shop at. If you don’t think non-White people deserve to feel unwelcome in Sausalito, I suggest you take your...