Left Bank Books — Local services in St. Louis

Poor communication

I ordered for curbside pickup. Once order was confirmed as “ready for pickup” I drove over (lots of signage in curbside area: text #, sandwich board denoting curbside zone, “call when you get here” with number provided). I called (because, that’s easier than weaving through an online site to say “I’m here to pick up!”), and was greeted by an employee who said they were actually closed because of a positive Covid case/exposure...first of all: Thank you for taking precautions. BUT nowhere (at their physical location, IG account, website main page, OR Facebook page) did it notify me of this closure. It was only when I went through the website, acting as if I was about to pick up did it say they were closed.

First account of poor communication: All signage and social media/homepage of website lead me to believe they were open.

Then, I was able to pick up my order. All was running smoothly. I was told by the employee I called that “I will run this out to you soon!” So, based on the ample signage for curbside (and no denotation that the “curbside pickup” was a table and not a “bring to your car “ situation) I waited a silly 15min for my books to be brought to my car.

Now it might seem silly to write a review like this. And yes, it does feel silly to have been caught in these communication fumbles. But, usually businesses go the extra mile to explain (by signage or verbally) how they operate their particular curbside and make sure you receive your item. Including, giving ample notice of closures (some even send an email if you’ve recently ordered)!

I just didn’t feel like my business was cared for in this case and I think I won’t be a...

An absolute Cluster-F of an experience with their recent Dylan Hollis event. The event didn't even take place at their location, but rather they sent us all to a bar and then kitchen studio across town. It should be noted that at no time in their "important information for attendees" email did it specify that the venue they were naming was actually a bar. Good thing we brought our IDs so we could get into the event we paid for because their chosen venue WAS carding at the door.

After Hollis was done speaking we were told that the signing and photos would take place around the corner at the studio kitchen. Simple enough. They said those who needed disabled accommodations were to leave the bar first and then they'd get everyone out orderly after that. However, after announcing that, the Left Bank employee immediately left the bar and never returned. The entire packed crowd was left wondering what to do before people all just started milling out and forming a line wrapping around the corner on their own.

That line took 2-3 HOURS to go less than 300 feet down the sidewalk. They had easily 500+ people lined up along this uncovered sidewalk with rain clouds overhead and thunderstorms moving into the area. Good thing the rain managed to hold off or else there would have been a LOT of people standing there with ruined books.

I feel like they bit off more than they could chew by getting someone of Hollis' notoriety. They should stay in their lane and stick with indie authors who bring in 50 or so people...

I've had 2 experiences with this store now and I honestly would give it 2.5 stars if I could. First, I ordered a book and a calendar online. It took almost 2 months for both items to get in, and then I had to email them for them to tell me if my items were there. The curbside pickup was relatively efficient, though. Second, I decided to go into the store. They have a 15 customer minimum, and I stood in line for about a half hour--so feed the meter for at least an hours worth of time if you go. And check the weather because you'll stand there in the rain like I did. And apparently people make it a social occasion to go to book stores, which makes your wait longer because they're waiting for 2 or 3 or 4 people to leave (yes nearly a third of the store's capacity) before the line will move at all. There's got to be a point where they open it up to more than 15 people eventually. I know its a complicated time and I don't know what I would do differently, but I have yet to have a positive experience. The second time I could have driven out to west county, parked in a parking lot for free, gone right in, got the two items I came for, and then made it home in less time than it took me to drive around the block looking for a space to park, feed the meter, stand in line in the rain, walk 2 blocks back to...