Schuler Books West Bloomfield — Local services in West Bloomfield Township

Warning: if you have asthma or migraines triggered by fake scents, don't go here.

I was really excited to see this place move in. I love to browse in bookstores and blow rather too much money on books I don't need. It brings joy! Yeah! Finally another properly large bookstore, it even has the comfy chairs, and a fire place, used books too. It seems for all the space, they could maybe have more books, and fewer silly gift items, but still, great. Except the second time I went in, the minute I walked in the door I was hit by a super overwhelming scent. I thought maybe it was someone's perfume, but then I realized no, it was the whole darn store, trying to smell like Christmas. I have a hard time with fake scents , but I love bookstores, so I tried..but within 15 minutes or so my eyes were just burning and watering, head getting the ice pick headache, and my throat feeling scratchy and kind of closing up, and I had to bolt. I haven't had that bad of a scent attack in a while (and it sucks, used to be no issue when I was younger, and the actual smell is irrelevant, some chemical in it) . I told the staff at the front desk but they were super dismissive and just kind of laughed. I'm so sad, I really wanted to make this place a regular haunt. Since it is a good store I'll still give it a 3, but it was really a bad experience.

Management if you are reading this, please consider that an increasing number of people have a asthma or migraine trigger in fake scents. There is no reason there needs to be anything but the fine smell of books in there. It's a bookstore not a Bath and Body works. ...

Yes, the place is huge and they have a lot of stuff. However, customer service? Non-existent at this bookstore. I walked in and no one greeted me or even made eye contact. During my whole visit, the ladies behind the desk were huddle around scrolling on their cell phones and chatting with each other. Like, seriously??? How unprofessional and tacky.

Put the phones away and do your job. Greet customers when they walk in the door. Pay attention to what's going on around you. If a customer is looking lost, ask if you can help them find something. Make some attempt to be friendly and personable, not make customers feel like they are interrupting you from texting on your phone and hanging out.

Although the store could be organized better with larger and more noticeable signage, it is a nice bookstore and gift shop. However, quality customer service and a friendly personality goes a long way with me, so I will not be returning to this store. I did not feel welcomed, I felt uncomfortable, and got bad vibes from staff. Train your staff and hire some folks who actually give AF and take their...

Full disclosure: I am an independent author whose books are sold here. That stated at the outset, I absolutely love this store and was thrilled when it opened. I miss the book stores of my youth - the new book covers, the new book smells and all the gadgets and gizmos they sold. Books stores went from every corner to the Internet, and it is wonderful to have this big local store. It is clean inside with every book and gadget imaginable, the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable and the store setup is just so welcoming. There is also an enormous selection of used books in very good condition. I love sitting in a chair by the fireplace with my children scouring through our potential next books. Please, please, please support this...