Gleebooks

Students, beware! The customer service here is truly awful. When picking up my books as part of a university discount order, an older male employee called Steve took what seemed like 5 minutes to scan 7 books, which his female co-employee had done in less than 30 seconds. It seems like he revelled in being a nuisance, as he also misquoted the amount payable, insisted that “everything’s on the receipt”, and tried to ignore me in hopes that I would go away. I understand that addition mistakes can occur when making a large purchase, but I was quite incensed that Steve didn’t even bother to double-check the cost until I waited at the counter for another minute. After finally giving me the correct change, he deigned to look me in the eye, deliver an apology for his terrible attitude (and mistake), or a copy of the receipt with the correct cost, which I requested after he screwed up the payment. The worst bookstore experience I’ve had to this day, and such a shame as the employees I spoke to on the phone were very helpful. Clearly Steve could learn a thing or two from them.

Bookstore ..or Doctor's Waiting Room? First visit after reno. Hate it. Souless. Who would want to browse the shelves in this sterile environment? Thankfully Sappho is still going.

The still recently-refurbished store (which was a painful throught covid process, but a worthwhile wait) is purpose built for author events as well as retail. The range of new books is excellent. Love the cafe with lift at the back for accessibility, along with a section of secondhand books too. Everything you remembered from the old Gleebooks is there, but with new look.

Great selection of books. The cafe is nice but needs to improve the menu and drinks. A proper strong chai or matcha would be a good start.

I frequent gleebooks and can't say I have ever had a bad experience in any way. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, they have a wide range of stock and if they don't have something in stock ordering a book in is really fast and pickup is super easy. Its so easy to support an awesome local business when they are as great as this one.