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Iguana Import Gallery
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Home Decor [Edit]
3440 E Broadway AveLong Beach, CA 90803
(562) 433-1713
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
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45 reviews for Iguana Import Gallery
Review Highlights
"Friends love the gifts that I buy here."
(in 16 reviews)
"...folk art, incense, candles, dia de los muertos escaletos to..."
(in 4 reviews)
"The furniture section is unbelievable."
(in 15 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from T. N.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2011
I love this place.
As many reviewers already stated, customer service and friendliness are very high here.
I almost always get wrapped up in an interesting conversation when I am here, and if you tell the staff what sort of gift you are looking for, even if it's off the wall, they almost always have something to fit your needs.
The products are all very interesting, an eclectic mix of items from around the world, almost all of it is hand-made, and some of it even by local artists!
I HIGHLY recommend Iguana's home-made scented candles, as they also are hand-made by the staff and are really lovely.
They are slow burning, and even without lighting, they will fill your home with a lovely scent.
Great jewelry collections as well, and quite reasonable. -
Review from Linda m.
Long Beach, CA
2/8/2012
\I love that place. I been shoping ther for few ywars and they always have new and exotic stuff that you cant find anywhere.
The oners are nice and they give you discount and accomodate you anyway they can.
I reconend that place to everybody. -
Review from Liz M.
Long Beach, CA
1/19/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I have been going to Iguana for over 10 years now. I absolutely LOVE the place and find it IMPOSSIBLE to walk in and not walk out with a new purchase just for me. 80% of all Christmas gifts i have bought in the last decade have come from Iguana. And believe me, i have very happy recipients. Everything from their candles..to their jewlery..to their little knickknacks are one of a kind. And the prices are amazing. I recently bought some gorgeous geode chimes for $25 that were an absolute hit at my office secret santa exchange. The service that these guys provide is something that should be practiced everywhere. Extemely friendly and helpful. Of course nothings beats their free gift wrapping that is the cherry on top of an already perfect cake. Thank you Iguana, you are one small business I will never stop supporting.
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Review from Christine W.
Long Beach, CA
1/15/2012
This is a wonderful shop with great unique gifts. The owner/workers are always super friendly and helpful. It's a bit pricey (not ridiculous but still a bit on the pricey side) but if you're looking for something different, this is a nice alternative place to buy a gift.
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Review from B D.
Long Beach, CA
12/24/2011
Iguana is awesome ! It's presence on the Broadway shopping district is critical to the area being as cool as it is. There's always a great gift to be found which includes their handmade candles that burn more beautifully than any candle I've seen.
Gotta support these guys cause the shopping world would suck without them. -
Review from Nicole Q.
Long Beach, CA
3/28/2011
I have known these guys for a couple years now. Anytime I need a gift I pick it up here; partly because I like to sponsor local businesses in my area, and partly because they have such AWESOME STUFF!
As the previous reviewer stated, they do not put on airs. They are unpretentious and genuinely good guys. They will always ask you if they can help you find something or they will leave you to browse if you wish.
Also, gift wrapping is always offered and is very earthy/classy. The wrapping fits perfectly with the ambiance of the store and the "world" gifts that they sell.
If you're looking for a place to pick up a unique gift, something that gives the impression that you really put a lot of thought into it, this is the place to shop. As an added bonus, they have items in ALL price ranges. You can buy your wife a fancy sofa or your mom a nice pair of earrings or your dad a leather diary or your friend imported glasses- they have it ALL!
If you live in the Long Beach area and care about keeping local character (i.e. small businesses versus a lot of chains/franchises), you really should consider purchasing from people like this. By shopping here you support the local economy and businesses as well as helping two incredibly wonderful people.Listed in: Best Places in LB to Giftshop
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Review from Tom C.
Long Beach, CA
2/8/2011
Lemme tell you something about these guys who run this shop...(and local shop owners take note)
THEY UNDERSTAND CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Everytime I walk in, I'm greeted within seconds. (5 Stars there)
- They ask me if I'm looking for something in particular, and if not, they let me wander through the store (5 stars)
- They treat everyone equally regardless of what you look like, they welcome you into their establishment with open arms (5 stars)
- When looking for something specific that they might not have, they take your info, and ACTUALLY call you when it comes in (17 stars if it were possible)
- The biggest compliment they give to a customer is acknowledgement. There's no clerk on their cell phone texting, and personal conversations pause to say hello. (47 stars!)
What sets them apart from the rest of the specialty shops in that area, is that they're always friendly. They don't treat you like you're doing THEM a favor by shopping in their shop. They're very considerate and want to help you have a pleasurable experience.
They come HIGHLY recommended! -
Review from Maria Christine M.
Omaha, NE
1/9/2011
My husband came across this great shop several days ago and highly recommended we go back and check it out.
Oh my! I LUV IT! The shop has such a great vibe/energy in there. The background music was fantastic while on my shopping experience.
I met Tom (not sure if he's the owner) who was so friendly and nice. He is holding a wonderful pullover sweater made in Peru for me.
The store is simply dope. I wanted to buy all the items/gifts in there! :) The furniture section is unbelievable. If we could afford several pieces, we would definitely buy them!
We will be back very soon! -
Review from Hazel Q.
5/20/2009
You know that friend of yours? You know, the one who's into Mexican culture and kitsch, is a hippie, loves art, and is a Buddhist? And you know how it's always so difficult to shop for them? Well, Iguana Import Gallery has all of the loteria cards, incense, patchouli, hand painted greeting cards, and Buddha statues you... er...I mean...your friend can handle.
They've got just about EVERYTHING here. Having driven by this place a million times I had absolutely no idea how insanely large this store is. It's huge. And not only do they carry chotkes and doodads, they care loads of clothes and furniture. Everything from folkloriko type dresses, to all organic dyed tunics, to lucha libre masks.
The price is a smidge high, but the excellent selection and superb service make up for it...even if you will leave the store smelling like a patchouli-soaked hippie the rest of the day. -
Review from Lisa Marie M.
Orange County, CA
4/27/2008
I was looking for some Mexican mercado mesh bags with Frida Kahlo & Day of the Dead printed on the bags, and low and behold I found the bags at Iguana's. I couldn't believe it. I was looking online for these bags and even considered Olvera Street, but I found them at Iguana's for a lot less than what I found online. Man, I was so happy and impressed to have found these bags here.
Iguana Imports is great. They sell everything from folk art, incense, candles, dia de los muertos escaletos to Mexican folk art. You will find some interesting gift and art items. Clothes, furniture, Tibetan flags, Buddhist/Hindhu statues/books to fun birthday cards. This is a fantastic store. Think Cost Plus imports, only better, but without the wine and food items. Plus, Iguana's is more eclectic and more ethnic, and hipper than Cost Plus. Iguana's is my favorite new store to shop for gifts, or to shop just for me. -
Review from Sam O.
Redondo Beach, CA
10/3/2008
Need a crucifix? A statue of Buddah? Both? Then this is your store!
Need a sofa? A new bracelet? Both? Yep, this is your store?
Birthday Card? Water fountain? Bench for your garden? Painting for your wall? New Blouse? Incense? Watch? Children's book? Lucky rock? Picture frame? Tampons? Okay I lied about the last one, just wanted to see if you were paying attention. You catch my drift on this potpourri of a store? They have a little of everything. I'm not sure if they have potpourri though. Hmm. Well they have a butt load of candles though so forget the incense, get a candle. And a candle holder while your at it. Get some dishes too. And a picnic basket. You need these things, don't you? I do. I go in and think to myself "I need gigantic vase the size of my leg?" Of course I do. Who doesn't.
This is a fun place to get cards and gifts as well as, well all the crap above. The guys that work here, I'm assuming are the owners, are VERY nice guys and leave you alone while you shop.Listed in: Shop this $hit
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Review from Amey D.
Long Beach, CA
1/21/2009
Walking in...and through this store is like touring exotic lands. It's layout is a fun little maze full of undiscovered treasures. My husband and I first discovered this place on our way back from breakfast one day.
We were greeted by a beautiful, peaceful wall fountain....sigh and delightful smells. When I'm in this place, I find myself saying "Oooh, I want that....and that...and this is nice, too!" During our visit, we ended up purchasing a vase (yes, the size of my leg - See Sam O's review below) and a bamboo fountain for our entryway. :) We are building our own personal shangrila.
Meandering up the stairs, to explore more of this store's nooks and crannies, we found little tributes to South America and Africa. So many things! And, just when we thought we'd seen it all, we entered the FURNITURE room...wow, again...we were pretty much loving everything. So many vibrant colors!! Nice art work, too.
During my latest adventure there, I picked up a nice cheeseboard and checked out their unusual collection of watches. I am definitely a one-of-a-kind kind of girl and this place carries some very unique things.
This is definitely a place a will visit time and time again! -
Review from Stella C.
Long Beach, CA
8/21/2008
Iguana is my favorite store in Long Beach! I have been shopping here consistently for years. The price range is great and the selection is so varied! I have gone in there several times looking for gifts for people who are extremely hard to buy for and have been successful each time. You can't get much better than that!
Between the jewelery, clothing, the FABULOUS candles, and the religious and decorative chotchkies it is hard to come out of Iguana empty-handed!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Steve Z.
CA
12/8/2007
Buying gifts at Target or the mall is SO Ghetto ! Especially when you have a place like Iguana.
You can visit Iguana a dozen times and not see everything. They started in the one part of this block and kept expanding when adjacent stores closed. Eclectic furniture in all 5 rooms, furnishings and gifts on every wall, and in all the nooks and crannies. A separate room for clothing, plus the best selection of incense and homemade candles in town.
The owners work this store, and make you feel welcome every visit. See a piece of furniture you like, but it's just not exactly what you wanted? Tom will sit with you and show catalogs of the stuff he can get.
My home is filled with their stuff. Friends love the gifts that I buy here. Even the way they wrap it is fun! You just can't go wrong here. One visit and you'll be a regular.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from January L.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/7/2010
And another 5-star review from yours truly :) Think I have been here 5 times in the last 2 weeks just cuz I can't get enough of those damn candles!! Did I tell you they pour their own? Yes, yes they do!! And they burn so effortlessly centered and smell wonderful!
This is the kind of spot you are likely to find me browsing since this store appeals so much to my contradictory personality.... you see, for those that don't know, I'm a little girlie, a bit hippie tree hugger, a tad world conquerer wishful, throw in some WWII era pinup, add in some vintage and clash it all with Mexican Talavera, Indian and Moroccan styles! So there u have it folks, this store has it all from the unique furniture to the hippie clothes, the candles and incense, the African masks, gifts and trinkets, lots of crosses and Dia de Los Muertos memorabilia, fountains, rugs, stationary and I could go on and on....
Truly fantastic staff and fabulous finds but like the others said, it can get a bit pricey depending on the item(s). Regardless, a must shop stop!!! -
Review from Anita S.
Iguana is my favorite store in Long Beach to shop for gifts and decorations for my home. The furniture is beautiful, it is pricey, but the quality is excellent. The jewelery is to die for! LOVE it! This is the perfect place to find unique signature pieces for yourself. And what is great is that many of the jewelry pieces are made by local artists. The Mexican folk art is great! They have a HUGE selection of incense. The candles are wonderful. I always go to Iguana when I need to purchase a gift for a friend, they gift box your purchases for free!
I can keep talking about Iguana forever. It is such a relaxing place to shop, the owners and everyone that works there make you feel like a friend. Great place! -
Review from Stitch S.
Long Beach, CA
8/25/2009
Can I give Iguana ten stars, please?
The fact that so many reviews of this amazing and beautiful gift store speaks to the great karma that the owners have built up over the years by being truly kind and awesome men who walk their talk! They donated to an organization I worked with that donated funds for work with kids and they did this knowing that they weren't getting free advertising in exchange. How many businesses can you say have ever done that?
I cannot add much to anyone else's review except to say that I have NEVER had a bad experience in this store and have often entered having had a bum moment or day, only to exit feeling happy to be alive and enriched by such beauty.
They always say hi and mean it, even if I am not buying a doggone thing!
Three points to consider:
1) The candles do truly rock!
2) There is a parking lot out back -- important in this part of Long Beach!
3) They give a KCRW discount, or at least they used to. -
Review from Sarah H.
Long Beach, CA
8/29/2010
I have been frequenting Iguana for four years now - ever since I moved to Long Beach. I bought a beautiful dining table here, and for a very reasonable price. My only problem with the store is that the furniture selection never changes. There are dozens of catalogs that the owners provide for me (this is how I chose my dining table), however this is a very difficult way to shop for big ticket items.
I realize that the shop is small, and it's therefor difficult to change the inventory, but for almost a year, I've been looking at the same desk, accent tables, and sofa every time I go in. I look to this store to provide the rich, rustic pieces that are so hard to find in other furniture stores, but I have to admit I've been disappointed as of late. -
Review from Kristina C.
Laguna Beach, CA
3/17/2008
Okay, Santa.... my Christmas list can be found at Iguana's Imports on Broadway. Too many great, funky pieces to mention. Always something new to put on my wish list. I always find something affordable that I can appease myself with and when I'm looking for a gift, I can always find the perfect thing here.
One for you, two for me....One for you, two for me... -
Review from Marisa A.
Long Beach, CA
4/26/2011
I love this unique shop... Full of culture and beautiful art.
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Review from Rayisha P.
Long Beach, CA
4/16/2010
I LOOOOOOOVE this store.
The staff was very welcoming and friendly. I walked around the entire store, with no one following me around. They just said to let them know if I had questions.
There is a little of everything for all cultures. I will definitely go back again. -
Review from Mattea P.
Long Beach, CA
4/17/2011
This shop has a lot of products from different cultures, which make great gifts or interesting things to have around the house. My husband and I usually just go to pick up some incense and stroll around the small store to look at the interesting products. The only thing that has ever turned my off to this store was the way the guy at the counter started to follow us around after we made our purchase. We wanted to look in the back of the store at the furniture, but made a u turn right out the store. Other than that negative experience it's a cute little shop to try out.
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Review from David A.
Long Beach, CA
10/30/2009
Yep, definitely agree - I've probably run into Khobe D. (unknowingly) as I've been frequenting Iguana forever too!
Tom is great and really is passionate about his business, the artisans and the community.
Had a Tequila tasting party a year back and bought give-aways from Iguana for my guests (both were a success)!
Items from the world over and locally abound in Iguana and range from pence to big ticket furniture items (but still reasonably priced).
I still have that door knocker from Italy, Tom! -
Review from Tiffany G.
Long Beach, CA
1/12/2010
I have been going to Iguana for years, they always have the most unique things and the best smelling hand made candles..Tom is so sweet, super nice guy and anyone else I have encountered there is always so helpful..I love that place..I asked Tom if he would be interested in caring some clothing with my Dia De Los Meurtos design on consignment. He was stoked and its been a great opportunity for both of us..cant say more. just an amazing place with so much cool stuff.
WWW.TIFFANY-GARCIA.COM -
Review from Julia B.
Long Beach, CA
1/19/2010
This is a great place to find those one-of-a-kind gifts, or something nice for yourself. I find myself purchasing most of my jewelry here since they carry such a selection, with many pieces from local artists as well as the imports.
Not only is the inventory great, but the staff is truly helpful and friendly. I've never gotten a fake smile here, and they are always happy to share their knowledge with you. Things are reasonably priced. They have even gift wrapped things for me in a box or bag when I'm going straight to the recipient's house to save me time and hassle. -
Review from Jason H.
Seattle, WA
2/14/2010
I simply love this store. It has the best selection of rare and unusual world themed gifts and furniture and home-made candles and drums and xylophones, etc....One could go on and on. The owners make you feel welcome and are genuinely interested in your needs and opinions.
It always makes me happy to support a local business and I will be doing so again and again. I just bought a sofa there and cant wait to get it in my house! -
Review from Laura A.
Long Beach, CA
1/8/2011
I love this store! I recently just moved from Venice/Santa Monica area where I felt that import stores were plentiful. Now that I just moved to Long Beach I'm so excited to find Iguana Imports for all of my furnishings, hand made gifts, and other nick knacks. I stop by often to see what new things they have in at least once every other wk :)
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Review from Misty T.
Upland, CA
9/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Love all the unique things you find here. From art to clothing and jewelry they have really cool stuff.
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Review from Michael P.
Long Beach, CA
6/20/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is the ONLY palce I buy my incense because the variety is great, they all don't smell the same when you burn them and, they are a good deal when you buy butt-loads! The only one I'm not fond of is Tangerine..yes oddly enough it does smell like tangerine but in a ready to throw out the fruit sorta way. Tom the owner is a nice man and despite his eclectic variety of merchandise I only buy incense or, I'll end up with another Japanese Screen I won't know what to do with! Also, finacially for me it's not how I decorate my crib baby!
Listed in: Normandie & Imperial ain't got…
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Review from Elvis B.
Long Beach, CA
12/19/2007
If you've got funky friends with funky taste like I do, you can't just go to a mall or shop on Amazon. Booooooring. This store is the answer. We just picked up a his and her devil metal decorative something or other for a holiday gift. I love to look at all the goodies, smell the candles and incense, and drool over what I would buy if I was rollin' in dough. They went out of the way to wrap our devilish gift so we didn't have to. This is a great spot for those times when you have no idea what to get someone. Fabulous!!
Listed in: Shoppin' don't have to mean…
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Review from Anna O.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2007
I go to Iguana whenever I need a gift or a card to accompany a gift. The store is super eclectic and has a large range of prices. I never go in for the furniture, but it is all hand-picked (from what I've overheard). I loved the cards most of all because they are usually so different and there is such a variety. There are not only handicrafts from around the world, but artisans goods from the states, and flowy clothing for some reasonable pricing. They remember their clientele for the most part, and that counts for something at a larger store. The staff is friendly and they are always playing good music. I'd recommend a browse.
Listed in: Almost Downtown Long Beach
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Review from Benjamin M.
Palo Alto, CA
9/16/2006
I keep going in here to look at their furniture with longing in my eyes. I can't afford most of it, but I totally dig their style. They have beds, sofa's, side tables, coasters, screens: swanky merchandise galore. If you're looking for the upper end of furniture, look no further.
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Review from Lori E.
Signal Hill, CA
9/4/2010
I used to love this store when it was smaller. Have many items in my house from Iguana. However, things have changed since they grew. Last time i asked about a special order, lots of "yes, yes, yes, we can get that for you", but no one ever called me back with more information. I do not like the feel in this store anymore.
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Review from Mort B.
Long Beach, CA
9/15/2009
Don't know what to get mom? Go buy her something cool here. The 2 dudes are very helpful and wrap your shit fo free!
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Review from khobe d.
Long Beach, CA
6/25/2009
love this place.... love. love. love.
I have been coming to Iguana since the shop was in a teensy, closet-sized space, just next door to the current beautiful location. The owners, Tom & Jorge, are exceptional people with immense creativity & vision.
They pour their own candles here -- a MUST BUY item!
thoughtfully chosen, unique products ,incredible customer service. shop at this place! -
Review from Noelle C.
Long Beach, CA
7/6/2008
I have been shopping at the Iguana for years...even bought my sofa there. They are lovely and have wonder gifts.. and love the hand poured candles..
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Review from Scott D.
Bronxville, NY
9/24/2009
Tom and Jorge have made Iguana simply the best gift/furniture shop in Long Beach bar none. For years my wife and I have been purchasing small things (jewlery ect) from them and always found something out of the ordinary. Now we have purchased a home we went wild and started buying some furniture there..all the pieces are what guests notice first as they walk in..unmatched quality and style.
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Review from Jon F.
Long Beach, CA
5/18/2009
I've lived in Long Beach for over 15 years and Iguana Imports had been the one consistent store I have always shopped at. The guys that run the place are the best. It has a real friendly neighborhood feel. Who needs to ever to the mall ever again. I like interesting decor from around the world and they certainly have a unique supply amazing items. They travel the world themselves finding all the treasures they sell so it really gives the place the personal touch.
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Review from Lindsey K.
Long Beach, CA
5/7/2009
There is little i enjoy more than shopping in places like this, especially when you can still find awesome stuff that isn't insanely overpriced. I bought some earrings and a bracelet (moderately priced, good quality, local artist) for my mom for mothers day and for myself some guady fake gold earrings ($6) and some huge mexican paper flowers to decorate my bathroom ($5). Total score and about 75% necessary.
Listed in: Non-Mall Shopping
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Review from Charley M.
Long Beach, CA
7/12/2009
I LOVE this place! One of my favorites to buy gifts for all types of friends!
