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Aldea Home
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Home Decor [Edit]
890 Valencia St(between Cunningham Pl & 20th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 865-9807
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
James E. said: "If you like "oriental" rugs, this is an excellent place to look, browse, learn and even buy. It's a funny business, rugs, kind of like used cars and aluminum siding. You just don't know if you're getting your money's worth. Well, Emmet…" read more »
68 reviews for Aldea Home
Review Highlights
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"Great staff and they actually carry Cafe du Monde coffee." In 4 reviews -
"I have bought numerous baby gifts there because they are so..." In 4 reviews -
"Great selection of gorgeous, fun, thoughtful greeting cards." In 7 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
2/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
They have the bed of my dreams there, and also have some fun and quirky stuff for the home. The people are helpful and almost wanted to design my entire room for me! No thanks, guys, but GREATLY appreciated.
I'll have to come back for the rocking bed (OMFG!)Listed in: La Mission
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Review from Diana D.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
The new Aldea is my favorite find, I love this place, it's what my dreams are filled with when my head hits the pillow.
I enjoy buying things making them better and then reselling them so I'm always looking for inspirations and visuals that get my creative juices flowing and this store does it all for me. I'm so happy I stumbled into the store since I know longer live in the city. Yes i had to move to oakland to accommodate all the stuff I am accumulating and I know this store will help me keep on stacking things up.
So many reviewers had experienced an attitude with the owner but I found her so friendly and humble. She even spent the time to talk to me about their new couches they expect in and how they want to do more furniture sales. Kind of my specialty since i get to buy furniture for other people I have a knack for this kind of stuff and I appreciated her candid and honest salesmanship.
I was happy to hear all their couches are made in the US.
Aldea will be my new go to for gifts as my first experience was great but yes it is expensive. You will be getting what you are pay for when buying from this local gem: great products, great service and an amazing experience. -
Review from Erin G.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
We bought our crib and crib mattress here. They have a great secret showroom of high-end cribs in the downstairs of the main store (not at the ninos store). They have one sales person who is very knowledgeable about the cribs and they give neighborhood and Golden Gate Mother's Group discount.
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Review from Sammy C.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
When I walked into the store I was greeted like my money was not legal tender. Just because I dress very sexy does not mean Im not classy. I really wanted to buy that big chair but was not taken seriously!!! Stop looking at my skirt!
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Review from Lucey M.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012
this store is really great! The staff was refreshingly friendly and welcoming. They sell incredible home furnishings for when you're ready to put some money down. And every time you walk in you will likely find some affordable gifts you can't help but buy for yourself. Just ask my new necklace and water bottle. Love them!
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Review from Sanaee I.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
Beautiful things! Walked in by accident. Saw the most beautiful coffee table. Fell in love. Got it. Came to pick it up the other day and although the store was closing this really sweet guy who works there helped me out in the most awesome way. Thank you!
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Review from Floyd L.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2012
Aldea's selection of products is great. Decently priced items for the home or gifts. The kind of stuff you saw on Apartment Therapy two months ago & need to purchase before your other etsy friend realizes it's mass produced.
In order to see their inventory, however, you need to engage the staff.
They're nice and they're earnest, and very eager to please, but they're also really spooky. They each have glassy, expectant eyes, as if they've been watching you for blocks or for days, knowing exactly when you'd come in to purchase the white rhino bookends.
"It was the white rosepetals in the display window that brought you in," one salesman said. AND IT WAS! "They're fabulous."
On another visit, a saleswoman popped up wherever I'd pause, startling me every time. "Great stuff," she chimed. Maybe she was just wearing slippers, but it was like she'd apparate onto the showroom floor whenever she sensed a sale.
Perhaps they're the ghosts of X21 past. -
Review from Elizabeth G.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
Woo hoo! I am happy to say this place is GREAT. I'm not really sure how to classify what exactly it sells, but that should alone make you curious to at least walk around and see!
There are a lot of these kinds of shops in SF and I tend to be a sucker for at least walking around them - great (expensive) furniture, usual selection of Bodom products, cute succulent bowls, candles etc. However, for some reason I feel like Aldea has a knack for picking the best of the best of this "genre" (if you can even say that). While the chances of me ever buying furniture are like .001% (hello-young-professional-dont-want-junk life), they do have a pretty funky collection of stuff. There's also a nice section of scented candles and body products. Next you can meander through the stationary/book section and look at all the little trinkets - many of which are locally focused. Again, this may sound like a generic review of a generic shop but I swear this place seems to have a great selection of the usual goods.
By the way - the space is awesome! I don't know what it was before and had never been inside this location, but the vaulted ceilings look fantastic and it just generally has a good energy when you're inside. Worth a peek! -
Review from Bry B.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011
PROS
Best merchandising I've ever seen, hands down.
CONS
While the staff (possibly the owner) were busy chatting it up, I had to break in their conversation to inquire about candles. I walked around, for ...HELLA and didn't get one word said to me.
I would have spent a lot but due to their shitty service, I ain't coming back nor recommend anyone else either. -
Review from Vanessa S.
Oakland, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is awesome! They have such great furniture and other household items. They are pretty expensive, which would lead me to stir away from this store, but I know I can come in here to find other stuff and isn't as expensive. Plus, I was happy to see that they carry ModKat so I don't have to order it online.
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Review from Kathryn M.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really cute boutique. They sell everything from couches to candles to cards. The way the store is merchandised is really lovely. The prices are a bit steep and I have been guilty of finding something I like IN the store and then buying it cheaper online, but for smaller items just purchase in store at the premium. The employees have always been very friendly to me and I'll continue to go in occasionally to check out their new merchandise.
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Review from P G.
Palo Alto, CA
2/26/2012 4 photos
Eclectic store with beautifully designed products for your home or for a gift for someone special.
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Review from Dana G.
Oakland, CA
4/13/2011
I love this place! My fiance and I just moved into a new place and needed to decorate our bedroom. We'd been to Ikea, Bed Bath and Beyond, Crate and Barrel, etc, and couldn't find anything we liked, until we came here. I wanted something colorful, unique, and preferably organic, which was surprisingly difficult to find. We ended up buying bamboo sheets (which are AMAZING) a comforter, and two pillows. It was pricey but worth it, because you can really feel the quality. Also, I found the owner to be super friendly, and helpful without being pushy.
There isn't a huge selection but all there stuff is really cute. I will definitely be back! -
Review from fina a.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2011
Love this place...
a block away from my house, its right on the way to BART which the last two times i went in, i was on my way to a bridal shower first, then a birthday second.
candles, oils, cards, trinkets, house stuff....
the perfect place for last minute people like me, to stop in and pick up a small gift for an occasion.
they had snacks and drinks one of the times, and both times they were having 15% off everything, yay! -
Review from Jana S.
8/8/2010
Really, really adorable stuff and the layout is wonderful...it's such a temptation for women, drawing you in through everything that females usually want.... diffusers, linens, soaps, rugs, comfy wear, jewelry, stationery, cards...but I came looking for a baby shower gift. Wonderful baby section that takes up 1/3 of the store's space.
Holy mama... unaffordable! The pacifier cutesy clip I bought already crested $10 and that's just so when baby opens mouth and pacifier falls OUT, rescue is on its way. I love the owner's buying sense... stellar. Adorable everything, from baby linen, to the Baby Bjorn, to teething toys with European labels...
and had I not seen the Cafe Du Monde box of beignet mix at Fox & Obel in Chicago and gotten it for about half the price that they were selling it for there, I would have snatched it up anyway. Their beignets are the best! Their label of chicory coffee canisters also sold there.
Love the inventory, but my wallet starts to wig out and weep. Had to pacify *it* by gettin' outa there. Wonderful find! -
Review from Melissa B.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Aldea would not have earned 5 stars a few weeks ago, but after a Mothers' Day shopping experience, I realized the true glory of Aldea!
Just a great selection of gifts, laid out and crammed full of fun things, in the middle to high price range.
I love the shower curtains, bath products, jewelry, jewelery organizers, cards, and gifts for children. Also great home decor section. A small but carefully selected place. They even have a fountain set up in the store right now. Who would have imagined, right next to the Taca ticket office, an Oasis for your inner yuppie!? (that's sarcasm)
My favorite find of all last week, besides a nice gift basket from Ahava for my mama, was the cutest retro ice-pack; remember the kind your Mom had, fabric on the outside, lined with rubber and waterproof so you could fill it with ice water or warm water?
They have those! In adorable patterns. A little smaller than the original, but that's OK. This has taken my heel-spur care to a fashionable height, on par only with the high heels that induce them, since I normally ice my feet with a bag of frozen peas!
Finally, I too, like other reviewers mention, have received some rather lackluster service and reception in the past. Would it kill you to say Hi when I walk in the store!?
They seem to have hired a stellar new chap who was so kind and helpful, even though he doesn't know all of the ins-and outs of their inventory yet- I can tell he will do a good service to the owner with his great attitude.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from William C.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
I wish I could throw everything out and fill my house with Aldea finds.
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Review from Nish N.
11/11/2008
After eating at Maverick the other day, we decide to digest a bit and walk around the Nission a bit. Our first stop was Aldea, which we'd probably have missed otherwise, since it's on 17th Street. It's a nicely laid out boutique, mostly home furNishings and children's accessories, all with a certain playful style.
Aside from barware, plates, candles, pillows, even robes, my two favorite things they currently carry are Table Topics (http://www.tabletopics...) cards and ties from Lee Allison (http://www.leeallison....). -
Review from Jayne A.
7/31/2011
Whenever I am around the area, I make sure that I go here. This is a cute little shop that sells a bunch of stuff. There is beignet mix, pillows, gardening stuff, lotion, soap, candles, office supplies, jewelery, kids toys, etc. All the employees here are very nice and helpful. The store is on the pricey side but you will definitely find something awesome for anyone.
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Review from Corinna P.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2008
Fo' real. Why do knick knack stores have to be so expensive? $30 for a candle?! It smells good as hell but that shit is going to burn out. And I will be left with nothing. Nothing to show for the $30 I spent on a citrus zest candle.
La Aldea has really nice things. If I could spend $130 on a decorative throw pillow perhaps I would. I like that their merch won't make my room/house look like a straight-from-the-catalog Pottery Barn showroom. But I like having more than $4 in my bank account. So IKEA, here I come. -
Review from Brye L.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2007
First of all I was greeted by two little furballs at the door. I love that! If I could I would only patronize stores with animal mascots. The store was a feast for the eyes...every nook and cranny was filled with something fun to play with, something that smelled good, or something that would have looked positively wonderful in my house.
Next paycheck I'm there....smokin' debit card in hand, ready to buy! -
Review from Sasha S.
11/1/2009
Really cute stuff, really rude woman at the counter (who I believe is the owner).
Shopping here would have been great, since they have so many lovely things, if the woman working the floor hadn't been so consistently passive-aggressive and condescending.
If you don't want me to pick up, look at, touch, or sit on anything in you store, how about having a sign out stating your strict no touch/look/sit -on policy, hey? That might be more effective than arbitrarily coming up behind me every 2 seconds and starting every sentence with "Um yeah..."
As in:
"Um, yeah... don't touch that."
"Um, yeah... I can't have you sitting on that."
"Um, yeah..."
Um, yeah. Got it, Aldea - your attitude is unnecessary and I need not shop here. Bad customer service. -
Review from Melissa Q.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2009
I love this spot. As it is a bit off the beaten track, I just happened to stumbled into it one day. From then on though, it's my go-to spot for cards. Great selection of gorgeous, fun, thoughtful greeting cards. Though there are many birthday cards, and the usual assortment of Get Well, Thinking of You, Congratulations, the true gems here seem to be the Wedding/Engagement/Anniversary/Love cards. Honestly, some of the best I've seen.
I needed a special card this evening--just a blank card that "said" just the right thing without saying anything at all. I knew that Aldea was the place to go. Yep, I found it. Beautiful and perfect and will hopefully make someones day tomorrow.
I met the store's owner tonight, Johanna. Very sweet! I was the only customer in the store so we talked for a little while. She let me bring Walter in with me and we talked about dogs. As I browsed, I found myself actually talking with her about the merchandise, as though I was shopping with a girlfriend. I'm not generally the type to be so talkative with strangers but she really made me feel welcome and comfortable.
She told me about Thursday night Wine Night and poured a chilled cup of white. On Wine Night, purchases are also 15% off! I'll have to keep that in mind for nights when I need/want more than just a card!
All in all, the store is very cute and classy. The selection is tasteful and variety just wide enough. The kids section offers choices to satisfy everyone from a hipster auntie to a conservative grandma. Hostess gifts, spoiled puppy accessories, and just-because items. Generally overpriced but mostly expected. Good value to be had though. Cards are a sure bet. I'm holding out on the last star as I've had varied service, as many Yelpers have noted. Some nights it's stellar...other nights, I walk in and out without so much as eye contact.
I love Aldea. I love Johanna. And I'll keep coming back for the cards, if nothing else! -
Review from C P.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2009
Went in to Aldea the other day with my prego friend to look at a $900 stroller. I had already relegated myself to the position of passive companion and chief head nodder, as I essentially have NO interest in baby stuff. Much to my surprise (and relief), Aldea carries more than just items for future or current baby mama's and daddy's, they have really cute home items plus my beloved Cafe Du Monde!
The sales associate was really sweet and totally patient with us even though we came in 10 minutes before closing ( I know how annoying it is when people do this, so I respect her for being so cool about it). I will definitely come back when I need to purchase a gift for my pregnant and non-pregnant friends or when I need to replenish my Cafe Du Monde supply. -
Review from Shannon V.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2006
I'm obsessed with this store, and now I'm even being recognized there. Of course, this time I finally made a purchase instead of, you know, drooling intently over all of the merchandise. I got a doormat and shower curtain that I am already complimenting myself over--it's that kind of stuff.
And 5 stars for the customer service--they're nice and helpful and even looked up Cheap Pete's for me when I asked if they knew where it was.Listed in: Home, Homie, Paycheck Wasteland
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Review from spiff e.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2006
Found some Dwell linens here that I was about to order online, but noticed that I could get them here cheaper and quicker. Only thing that sucked was the parking situation, but that's not their fault.
And they were super nice too. I called ahead to see if they had what I wanted and they did. And she spread out the duvet cover for me so I could check it out in person when I got to the store. And they let me buy the unopened one as it was a gift.
And then when I had a question about my purchase a week later, she actually remembered who I was. Pretty great.
Anyway, since I was there to make a specific purchase, I figured I'd walk around a bit to see what else I might find as well. Nothing really popped out at me, although it was all pretty cute. Found out that you can also order anything from the Dwell line, even if you don't see it in the store. -
Review from David K.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2009
Alright - let's get a couple of things straight from the off:
1. My lady is a messy eater. It's a problem. Especially with ice cream. She digs her spoon into a cup of frozen dairy and that shit's going EVERYWHERE.
2. She has terrible taste in beauty products. Nothing original about her. She always picks out the same old scents that everyone else does. It's pretty embarrassing actually.
3. I have trouble with chairs. When I sit on them, they break. End of story. Some people say I'm cursed. It's a problem that's haunted me since childhood.
As such, you've gotta feel for the saleswoman working at Aldea this Sunday. I can imagine what she must've been thinking when we walked into her shop.
But still, she kept her cool when calmly pointing out to my paramour that she was "allowed to eat ice cream in the store but be careful". Trust me, the love of my life needed this reminder, else that poor cashier was gonna be spot cleaning sticky furnishings for hours after close.
And god bless the woman for enduring my darling's question about whether they carried a shitty brand of perfume she likes. We were told they don't stock that brand because it's become "common". I've been telling my love this for ages but, you know, she's like a dog with a chew toy. Won't let go.
Finally, you've got to thank heavens that after I sat on one of the sturdy plush loungers littered around the store that this angel of a saleswoman maintained her composure whilst alerting me to the folly of my ways. These items were for sale! Imagine if I'd broken one!
I would've been out of pocket a lot of money.
Of course, my lady left a little bit cross. She said the woman should have signs up if she doesn't want you to eat in the store, otherwise she should keep her mouth shut.
And that she should be courteous and not belittle customers choices of cosmetics.
And that there should be signs on furniture asking you not to sit there if you're not supposed to sit there.
But you'd expect that from my lady. She's a total bitch. -
Review from Jill C.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2007
Unless you've tried yourself, you have no idea how hard it is to find Cafe du Monde Beignet Mix in San Francisco. I bought a deep fryer this year to have on hand when hit with culinary homesickness, and have had great difficulty finding Things To Fry at grocery stores. Breaded okra? Yeah, good luck to me.
Imagine my delight today when I walked into Aldea just to check it out, and not only found a fabulous go-to place for gifts and housewares, but the SF home of the holy grail of pre-made pantry mixes. The very sweet owner said she carried it because she had a special place in her heart for New Orleans, and that a portion of all Cafe du Monde proceeds benefits rebuilding efforts on the Gulf Coast.
The store is in a generally residential stretch of 17th between Valencia and Mission, so it may be easy to overlook, but it's definitely worth the effort to add Aldea into your Valencia shopping circuit. -
Review from aimee j.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2009
This place is evil. And I mean that in a good way. I popped in today to escape the rain, though I've been meaning to check it out for some time now. I was greeted instantly, left alone for a while, then asked again if I needed help. I thought that was just the right amount of attention.
So many cute things! When is the last time you admired drawer sachets? I bought some today.
Inside you'll find nice-smelling candles and soaps, beautifully unique cards, cute stuff for the baby and the home, jewelry, you name it.
I also like that they have in-store events, which is great for bringing a community together. I will be back.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Cara G.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2011
The owner, Johanna was just really rude to me when I went in there - she acted like she was better than everyone and was not the least bit interested in connecting with her new neighborhood, only in making money. Her workers are far nicer - maybe she should learn a thing or two from them? I did not have a good experience. I don't care *what* this lady sells in her store....her attitude is a turn-off and I would have to agree with the other reviewers who mentioned this also. I miss X-21!! Those guys were soooo nice...and their stuff was far more interesting....but maybe that goes without saying since they were such savants of the art world - whereas this new place is just your run-of-the-mill household store with overpriced cookie-cutter items. A BIG disappointment!
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Review from Jennifer H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2006
This place is magical. It has a come-check-me-out vibe that is inviting.
The staff is obviously thoughtful; the mix of items are unique and fun.
My favorite is actually all the children's items that anyone would love. This store is not just a place to buy things but an experience and a gem in the neighborhood. -
Review from Tiffany L.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2009
I stumbled upon this store last night. Everything they have is unpractical (read: too cute!) but absolutely adorable. I can't figure out any rhyme or reason on why they sell what they sell (e.g. 1/2 of the shop is baby stuff, 1/10 have artsy and cutesy water bottles, the rest are made up of perfume, candles, hand lotions, pretty gardening tools, etc.).
Not like reason or logic has ever mattered much to me, I will be back. -
Review from Shyla B.
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2008
Not only is Aldea one of the cutest stores in the mission, but the owner is just as adorable. One afternoon I came in and the two salesgirls were drinking red wine. They promptly poured two glasses for my sister and I.
Their home accessories are beautiful as is their decor. I came back a few weeks later to buy a gold leaf jewelery set I had seen on my previous visit. (A gorgeous set of real leaves dipped in gold by a designer from Cole Valley.) I showed up an hour before they opened. They saw me, opened up shop, and sold me my jewelry without a moments hesitation.
This is a great store to find unique gifts or just browse and drink some wine ... -
Review from Scott B.
Oakland, CA
12/13/2011
Basically there is nothing special about this store. It's clean, filled with made in China junk, and nothing special. Everyone was kind, the people are fine (nothing personal), but the least they could do is sell something special. Valencia street is known for it's eclectic shopping and unique items. this store is like IKEA and Bed Bath and Beyond had a baby. Boring.
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Review from H C.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2006
Great selection in a tiny store. Reasonable prices compared to what I have seen elsewhere. I go here for last minute gifts.
Friendly staff.
You all missed out on the free beignettes during their first week. neener neerer neener! (N^3)
No bath soaps? -
Review from J J.
Emeryville, CA
2/26/2007
We stumbled upon this great store after eating at Maverick a few doors down. The owner (Johanna) was extremely friendly upon walking in.
They have a great selection of home items, personal accessories and baby items. Great place for gifts!
If you are shopping at Therapy or the other places on Valencia, go around the corner on 17th and you won't be disappointed! -
Review from dianne b.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
i found Aldea to be overpriced, snotty and VERY pushy about sales.
As soon as we entered, we were accosted with over-"friendly" sales staff who had a desperate mien. We were followed WAY too closely, as though we were about to attempt a theft.
i also feel their selection is very limited and unattractive. San Francisco offers MANY better shops in this category than Aldea. -
Review from Dede P.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2007
I love Aldea, everyone is so friendly and it is a great place to shop for gifts! From great soaps and candles to linens and baby gifts, they have something for everyone!
Everything in the store is for sale! Yes, including all the furniture and displays!
It is also worth mentioning they have items at every price point so if you have to grab a $20 gift for someone in the office you don't want to spend a ton of money on or you are redecorating you home and have a much larger budget you can pick up a unique piece of furniture. -
Review from may g.
Campbell, CA
2/7/2008
One of the most beautiful gift shops I've found in San Francisco!!
special items coming from different places all over the world, and can definitely go as a unique present for any occasion.
Since I'm living in the hood, this shop already helped me so many times!
the prices are honest for the quality, and any way, there is a huge range of prices, so it's easy to find a beautiful, unique gift for any budget.
well, I'm not always taking my credit card out of my wallet... sometime, I'm coming just to enjoy from this well taste design shop.
products and of course them display.
you should visit there to see by yourself ! :-) -
Review from Squinka C.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2008
to the melody of O Shenandoah aka Oh, Shannen Doh.....erty,
(huh?) no really, like dis
http://www.youtube.com...
Ohhhhhhh Aldea
your prices are too high
come down you soaring price tags
O Aldea
your staff always answers
all my questions
cross a wiiiiide range of topics
O Aldea
I love your SOFT bamboo sheets
and your rolling Om Balls (YES OM BALLS !)
I'll buy your sheets
and take them across
the rollin mission
I'd buy more if they weren't more
if they weren't SOOOOOOER [it's a word] EXPENSIVE!
Tis many years
I've been a shopper
Well arranged are your silk pillows
When I come in
I always notice
Well selected homey and well displaaaayed
items cross the wide Aldea
BUT...
O Aldea
I'm bound to leave you
unless you roll down prices
O Aldea
Do not deceive me
or away I'll shop away
cross the street Valencia
cross the wiiiiide Mission
ok unsingingly:
I know as a small local shop maybe you can't buy in the kind of volume to really bring the prices waaaay down, but when I can readily find an item for less from the manufacturer, I have to wonder... is the price because you're a small shop just trying to make it or are you in some cases setting prices above where many people can sing uh pay?
cos of that you are missing a fifth star O Aldea,
yet, I happily sing out
FOUR swingin swag stars for great selection of eclectic dishes, silkysoft linens, crazy cool pet toys and unexpected little accessories for your home and you. All in a spiffed up locale, with a friendly, sweet staff.
