Richards Variety Store

Fake Labubus!!! Advertised in the store (and told to me by an employee) as real. Here is a screenshot of what an actual labubu looks like and a photo of the one I bought here (in the overalls) that’s looking to the side and not head on like the real ones. Also an example of an actual box and the one I got from here. See the background of the doll is solid and doesn’t have the little rays?? But the fake box even has a QR code to the pop mart website! Will never go back here. I should have known better honestly.

Great products, great Store. The Labubus advertised as licensed are knock offs and when asked they sort of beat around the bush.

So many cool things in this store! I need to go back when I have more time to look around. The staff is so nice, too.

Great place it’s fun to browse toys and greeting cards. Reminds me of an old fashioned dime store any game or toy you can imagine party supplies snd and a working rocking horse. The staff is very helpful and nice.

Got a fake labubu and fake Sonny angel there, what a waste of money. Photo for reference, you can clearly see which is real and which is fake

This store truly embodies a variety store. They have such a wide range of everything from toys and games to books and kitchen utensils and holiday goods. Found the toys I was looking for for my kids and even a cool item I had forgetten about from my childhood. An additional plus, they had a working mechanical horse that my 3 year old could ride for a quarter. Good vibes all around.

The ultimate impulse buy! My favorite shop when I don’t know what kind of gift to get someone.

Love this place, but did get a fake labubu unfortunately… it’s still funny though “the monsier” instead of monster gives it some character

So bummed that I purchased a Labubu only to find out it was counterfeit! The one I pulled was the same one I already had and the comparison is crazy!

Great true variety store. Been going here since I was 24. Great greeting cards toys puzzles games and even kitchen stuff. True Atlanta landmark.

Funky little store with a lot of fun gift ideas and Knick knacks. Can easily find stuff you need and plenty of things you didn't need.

Richard's has everything you can imagine, and the amazing thing is that the store is super well organized. They have toys you won't find in other shops, puzzles, books, gag gifts, Legos, etc. If you are having trouble coming up with a gift or party favors there's bound to be something at Richard's. Need a classy glass deviled egg tray? Just head to the kitchen section. We picked up some puzzles and odds and ends. I really want some of their large construction equipment toys. A bulldozer or steam roller would look good on my desk. It's like Spatula City, but there's much more than spatulas!

really enjoy Richards generally speaking, although to be quite honest I feel like I'm on a bad-acid trip when I walk the aisles, lol. great selection for last-minute gifts and gag stuff. one of the folks behind the counter got a bit frosty with me when I asked about the return policy, but it might have been just a bad day. glad it's there, and the selection is crazy-good.

Found this whimsical little store in Midtown, Atlanta and I felt like I was home. Yes, I am a giant weird child at heart. This store has something for everyone and the prices are within a range that worked for me. I purchased skull shot glasses and they went perfectly with my eclectic style. The staff was friendly enough and were all busy working unlike most places these days where employees are just on their phones or ignoring the customers. I will definitely be a regular here because I want to feed my inner child. Good Times!!

This used to be THE BEST kitchy place to shop. I would go religiously fit stocking stuffers, unconventional gag gifts and all kinds of unique finds. Then it changed owners. And got dusty, and eventually overtaken with kids stuff. Which was fine, because I was in the area and needed a train themed kids present. While I was shopping I was horrified to witness the person, who I am pretty sure was the owner, verbally berate and abuse and belittle the female employee because she didn't log in to a certain site. She kept apologizing and saying it was her fault, but he kept at her. Then when I went to the register area to pay, she had been unpacking some deliveries on the counter in front of one of the registers, so she asked me to come over to the other one on the other side. A few steps away, no big deal. And again, right in front of me, same guy yells at her for doing this, so now I'm trying to deflate the situation, saying, "No, It's really fine, I'm good" but he keeps at her and has that "wait until the customer leaves" look on his face, so I go back to the other register. She is now visibly shaken and flustered. But we get through it, the entire time being scrutinized by her boss. I have no idea, other than that she is so broken that she thinks SHE is the one at fault, why she stays working there. And by the way, check the prices before you buy, because I did, after the fact, and I paid 33% more due my 3 purchases, which totaled over $100. I like to shop local, but if you shop here you are supporting an abusive owner and getting ripped off. I hope this woman has either quit, or reads this and realizes that she does not deserve to be treated like this and can find a job where she isn't.

Personally, I love Richards Variety Store, but that is only because they literally sell the best birthday cards, wedding cards, anniversary cards, etc... cards... With that said, the cards they sell here are NOT for children. They are adult cards with adult language and adult humor... Other than that, the rest of the items are cool looking and things you may have a hard time finding elsewhere. This is a specialty store. I do agree, their return policy sucks, but if you only shop here for candy or cards, I would not worry about it. Only buy here items you know you will keep. [Review #592] (18th Review of 2019)

And, I always thought it was me. Stopped shopping here the last time guy at register was so ugly. No hello. No answer to my question -- did't even look my way. Good luck paying that big rent at Ansley Mall. Wish you the best-------from a good distance.

I have been frequenting Richard's Variety Store since about 2005/2006 (The location on Peachtree). When my mother would have lab work at the hospital I would go for something fun to do. I've purchased some unique things from there now and again. I have since moved to Savannah and haven't been in several years. Well, today my husband had an appointment at Emory and I decided to visit the new location on Piedmont while he was having tests ran. I was immediately happy to see it was much bigger. However, as soon as I walked in I said hello to the man with a white sweater on at the register. He completely ignored me. No big deal...they were never friendly at the other location either. Anyway, I browse around and took some pictures to show my husband the variety they have in the store since he has never been. As soon as I did that, a man in a burgundy sweater followed me around the store and would randomly pop up in the same aisle as me. I thought he was a customer at first, but quickly realized he was an employee. I have never been so uncomfortable. I couldn't even enjoy being in the store. I didn't buy anything and I won't be back. I've never stolen anything and I didn't appreciate being followed around the store as if you thought I was going to. I can promise you, that I don't want any of your dusty merchandise that hasn't changed in the last 20 years. Good riddance.

I'm convinced this place is a cover up for laundering money. Won't let you return anything after 7 days of purchase with your receipt, same card, AND BANK STATEMENT. They make it impossible for you to return anything. Do not come here absolutely terrible rude customer service and rip off prices.

HEADS UP, Richards has moved to 1544 Piedmont Avenue. Richard's Variety Store is honestly one of my favorite stores in Atlanta. Whether you need children's toys, a quirky book, puzzles, fun socks, or you just want to browse, Richards is the place for you. I always come in planning to buy just one item and wind up leaving with several. The staff are extremely friendly and there is an abundance of knick knacks which makes this a great place to go to window shop. I could spend hours in Richards just perusing their wares

I have frequented this store many times. However I will never walk in this store again. I bought a Christmas gift and my husband didn't like it so I tried to return it. Wrong! 7 day policy even during the holidays and they accused me of using it but it was in its original package! Everything sold at this store is on Amazon. Amazon has a friendly return policy too!

A huge shout out and thanks to Richard's Variety Store for allowing our girl scout troop set up a cookie booth in front of the store. In fact, it was our third booth at Richard's and we sold a lot of cookies! The staff was wonderful to our girls and the store is absolutely fabulous! Thank you Richard's in helping our girls reach their goal of a trip to Savannah, GA, the birthplace of girl scouting! Thank you for supporting girl scouts!

The name describes this establishment perfectly. It truly has a variety of random items that somehow call my name and entice me to buy.. Too bad the management is subpar. I frequent this place, and every time I enter, I dread comments by the staff that are inevitably to be made. I stopped by today and they told me I could not enter without an adult.. I'm 23. A change of tone and a sense of trust would do this business some justice.

Not only is Richards by far the best store for toys in town, they have a lot of unique items for adults. You could spend hours looking at all the cool stuff they have. The staff at the Monroe Richard's is wonderful, too! The graciously allowed my daughter's Girl Scout troop to set up a cookie booth in front of their shop. Thank you so much for being a wonderful addition to our neighborhood!

I used to love this store- it was one of my favorite places to find unusual and fun gifts for the holidays- this last trip was by far the worst experience I have had at a retailer. I tried to buy two card games - the boxes listed a price of 10.83 but when I got to the counter, the cashiers computer rang up a price of $13.80 - when I asked the cashier, he said plainly and meanly- " I don't care what the box says, the computer is always right" I tried to explain that all the card games were the same, lower price and he restated "I don't care what the boxes say, the computer tells the price." He was rude, mean and visibly shaking with anger at me for asking for the lower, tagged price. In the end, I said that if he wouldn't give me the advertised price then I didn't want the games at all- to which the cashier said "fine- I really don't care." He then rudely took the items, shoved them in the arms of another employee and demanded she change the price tags. If you have been to Richards you know they have tons and tons of varied stock- it is what makes them unique - that said, it was not right to not honor a price that appeared on these items. Add to that rudeness and frustration and a lack of customer service - it was just not acceptable- I won't be back after this experience- shop there carefully!

This is an independent family owned store since 1951, although not always at this location. Anyone should be able to find something of interest inside. I buy this one size fits all sink plug I use travel for just $1.29 often as easy to leave behind or misplace. So nice to go into a non chain store and always find something of interest.

Coolest place, ever! I'm really sorry that I never discovered their original store in Buckhead, but I definitely plan to make up for lost time at this new location in the Midtown Promenade. I can't think of another place where you can find practical items like pens, picture frames, and party supplies mixed in with fun toys and keepsakes. I had a blast wandering around using the Sarcastic Ball (think Magic 8 Ball for smart asses), reading witty greeting cards, and browsing unique bath items like the "Lookin' Good for Jesus" beauty kit. Great place for fun gifts, household items, children's toys, and party supplies. I can't wait to go back and buy more stuff that I didn't know that I needed.

***WARNING - MERCHANT FRAUD ALERT*** Horrible customer service. Don't expect a problem, unless you want to return one of their defective products. Richard's Variety Store (Midtown) does not return sales tax if you make a return. Interesting, because there is no way to remit sales tax to the GA DOR, if a sale has been returned. Retaining this money of its customers is illegal. If you question their policy, they threaten to call the police. The irony, is that they are the only one breaking any laws. Stay away for your own peace of mind.

After reading review after review about this place, I finally went in today. I thought it was going to be a little store with cards and little gag toys, WRONG! They sell EVERYTHING- sewing supplies, bathroom accessories, party supplies, kitchenware, SHEESH! It is definitely a variety of stuff. The toys, oh the toys... Ryan and I seriously thought we had stepped into some sort of psychotropic 80's dream, everything we played with when we were kids is in there. My mind was blown when I saw the Sylvanian Families toys, eeeep! But the craziest stuff is the (German made) Playmobil sets, next time you are in there you have to take a good look at them. Some interesting sets- -Rabbit family that lives in a mushroom and is making something with beakers and chemicals- meth perhaps? -Paddy wagon complete with drug sniffing canine -A little guy who lives in a tree stump, wears a mushroom on his head and lives with hedgehogs -Miami Vice drug dealers with a cool car and suitcases filled with money -Punk WTO protester handcuffed to a cop These are 100% for kids, no joke. Germans are insane. We decided when we have kids, they will have every one of those Playmobil sets.

How have I never reviewed Richards?! It is the absolute must go to spot if you need: -funny and/or beautiful greeting cards for every occasion imaginable -Second-hand Persian rugs -any kitchen utensil or gadget ever invented (egg slicer, lemon juicer, fish descalers, mac and cheese maker, popsicle molds) -witty socks -party decorating supplies, from plates, to streamers, to lanterns -furniture -old-fashioned candy -office supplies that make the work day a whole lot more fun -every plastic toy animal breed you can imagine And so much more. Be prepared to find tons of things you didn't know you needed. If you bring someone for the first time, also be prepared to spend an hour browsing through the surprisingly large store exploring all the amazing things inside.

Does anyone else remember when Tuesday Morning was the only economical gift-buying place in this shopping center?? Richard's is cooler and a perfect addition to the plaza (I'm partial to the Buckhead location, largely because it's about 1000 feet away from my house!) but this one is awesome, too. Same great stuff, same nice people. A plus that this location has over the other is that there's furniture! Cool. Also, of course, cards, funny gifts, magnets, notecards . . . random stuff you *need* . . . yep, it's all there. I'm not in this area all that often these days, but when I am, a swing by Richard's is a must. Even (especially??) if I have no gift-giving or specific purchase needs in mind! That Etch-a-Sketch I saw would be perfect for . . .

Today was one more day of frustration trying to return a deficit item (a toy guitar) at Richards Variety Store, just to be blatantly told that musical instruments are final sale. This is not ok. Firstly, because the item was deficit prior to purchase. Secondly, because the return policy that "musical instruments are final sale" is not clearly communicated with the customer at the moment of purchase.

I am not sure why it took me so long to review Richard's. I have been to this location (in same complex as the Trader Joe's on Monroe) several times since living in the neighborhood. Richard's is quite the unique variety store. Truly, the perfect description of the place. I just recently took my boyfriend there for the first time. I saw something in the window that he was interested in, but they were closed. And I knew that he would get a kick out of the place. We spent quite a bit of time in the store - letting him explore. My fave section is actually the book section and went there while he explored. I think it is a fun place, but you do spend more than what you would online or at other retailers, for the most part.

The funny thing about this review is that two weeks I had full intentions of leaving a glowing five star review for this store. There is no denying the selection of goods is delightful and unique. It's a bastion of useful wares, hobby supplies, and gifts. The only thing holding me back was that I wanted to assemble a little paper mobile that I purchased so that I could post a photo along with my review. However, when I took off the shrink-wrap and laid out the pieces, I found that two were missing. I went back to Richard's, expecting an easy-swap of the defective kit with another (the kit was not cheap and it was by no fault of my own unusable). The socially awkward clerk listened to my story with a defensive glare. "No receipt, no return," he said pointing to a hand-written sign on the desk. I asked to speak to the manager. He called a lady from the back. To his visible glee, she sided with him demanding "Why didn't you save the shrink wrap? How do we know you bought it here?." Yeah, because thieves are totally targeting Richard's Variety Store with incomplete paper mobile kits from obscure French manufacturers that they got who-knows-where. As I walked out of the store with the lady shouting something about contacting the manufacturer, I knew that I would never in good faith be able to patronize a store with such terrible customer service again.

RIchard's is awesome. I've been going for years and years and I enjoy it immensely! The book selection never disappoints. I've never had an experience that was less than positive.

This place was so cool!!! It was very heavy on the toys, so I guess that's probably great if you have kids or are looking for a gift for a kid. I wished there were more adult fun "toys" though. The cards were very unique and I bought several to stock up for when I need them. I loved the selection of general stationary, as I'm an avid thank you note giver. The books they have are the perfect coffee table gifts. I love that they have so many party items and this would be the perfect place to go for party supplies if you want something a little more unique. Also, they have a nice selection of glassware.

Wow I have known for a long time that this place is over priced. However, it became crystal clear to me yesterday how cheap Richard is. I picked up two packs of votive candles 100 count each so 200 total. There was confusion at the register by a woman I believe (not sure) is one of the owners. Then a girl came around the corner and said "No, we don't sell them like that". I said "in the package"? she said we only sell them individually. Then why are they on the shelf!??!?! Keep them in the back until you refill the basket the single ones are in. I asked how much it would be and she replied 29cents per candles. so they wanted $60 for 200 votive candles. Well I let them know how ridiculous that BS was. Left went to Kroger and bought 200 for $9. That's a 5x mark up at Richards. Not to mention the last time I had a shopping bag from another store and that Ahole Richard followed me around like I was a common criminal. I highly suggest you shop online and save yourself some cash as opposed to supporting Richard. If you know me my motto has always been "Support Local" but this is an exception to the rule. I don't want to let anyone else get ripped off. If Richard should be monitoring anyone it's should be himself. He's robbing his patrons hand over fist

I purchased some eye patches for a kids birthday party from them. Upon opening one of them we noticed that the eye patches could absolutely NOT fit anyone's head as the elastic is insanely short. I took them back to return and of course they wouldn't accept my return because it's "costume" apparel. They are STILL in the packaging, unopened!!!! I've disliked this place for years because of the atmosphere, but I WILL not be returning and I will go out of my way to make sure I don't have to shop here again!!!! #boycottrichards

I've been going to the Richard's Variety Store at Peachtree Battle and Midtown for years, but no more. I tried to return a defective item to the Midtown store today, and the manager refused to let me exchange it for a new one. She had me wait for 10 minutes and then wouldn't even make eye contact. It's a fun store, but management is NOT! I'm boycotting!

Today was my first time going into Richard's Variety Store. It won't be my last. Our Girl Scout Troop set up outside to sell cookies. The staff couldn't have been friendlier. During a "down time" at our Cookie Booth, I went in to explore the store. They have cards for EVERY occasion, tons of toys, candies, party supplies, kitchen supplies, and everything in between. If you're looking for a unique gift for someone, this is the place to find it.

OMG...so this is where my aunt gets all those little scarscastic gifts she gives to everyone for birthdays and holidays. Are you serious??? How many cat books is a store allowed to have if they arent a Borders or Barnes and Noble. Came here in quest of a Halloween mask, and yes the barely speaks any English cashier at the Peachtree store did say, Monroe Drive, next to Trader Joes. More stuff (that you dont need) but seeminly organzied in such a way that you'll make up a reason to need (read:want) and purchase. Next time I;m in charge of the gag gifts...I am so here....the staff was a little more attentive here than they were at the P'tree Battle location, even though this locations was much busier. Prices seem to be normal for what should be in a dollar store, but isnt..because is at Richards. Very Very Cool Store!

Warning!!! Take the time to read the 3 lengthy signs (not duplicates, 3 signs with different info) lying flat on the counter which outlines their out-of-the-ordinary return policy. I purchased an item that they sell regularly (NOT a seasonal item). The package had NOT been opened. The item was in perfect condition. I had my receipt. I had the card with which the purchase was made. It had been 24 days since my purchase. Yet the owner would not return my money because it had been longer than SEVEN days. 7. I could understand if it were something that is seasonal, but it's not. This item will be put back on the wall and sold for full price. Ugh. Posting to help others avoid this frustration and disappointment.

Goofy shop full of loads of funny and mildly inappropriate knick-knacks and gag gifts. This is the kind of place you take newcomers to Atlanta to. I always get stocking stuffers for my family here. You can walk around for a whole hour and never get bored. They also have a decently sized selection of old school candies. I'm a sucker for retro things, so I dig this. They've got classic things like Chupa Chups, as well as button candy (remember how horrible it is to get off the paper?), Jujubes, Chick-O-Stick, Bit-O-Honey (my personal favorite), Necco wafers, and Oh Henry bars. It gets packed in here on the weekends, and the lines can get long even with the 5 or 6 cashiers they have. However, they move at lighting speed, so you never have to wait for long. And they fill the area with neat-o stuff to keep you occupied. Everyone has been nice and polite to me, never any problems with customer service. Bonus? It's attached to a Trader Joe's.

Well, sigh, after strolling the beltline with my girls(who arent from georgia), I introduced them to ponce city market, and we shopped a bit a trader Joe's! Love love! It started to rain as we were leaving so before heading back to the beltline we checked out Richard's variety store. It looked cute with some quirky things inside lots of fun looking stuff so we strolled around admiring all the different things. Well, over our shoulder at ever step was an attendant (side eye)..nevertheless we continued to enjoy our time ignoring them(crowding our space and being more than obvious that they were making sure we were stealing anything)..rolls eyes. We didnt let them spoil our time so we kept shopping . Well! One guy asks if he could "look in my trade joes bag" I said "I'm sorry excuse me"(thinking to myself...how rude, plus!! You've followed us around the gosh darn store SO YOU KNOW I HAVENT TAKEN ANYTHING plus I'd stayed around the front of the store!!). I didnt say that but was thinking it. He says "I'll keep your bag at the behind the counter..you know for your convenience " I said "no, but thank you, I'm ok"..he then says"i want to look in your bag" "we do this with all the customers "..I pointed at 3 others with trader Joe's bags and said "I'm sorry then why didnt you take their bags?". He looked wide eyed with no response. I have a very nice lifestyle and well paying job, but that's beside the point. I was very well mannered and didnt cause a scene but this is humiliating .I WILL NEVER EVER return to this store EVER! How dare you all racially profile people and to think Mr.! You did not ask any of the caucasian patrons to hold their bags. Only mine. I did absolutely nothing to warrant this treatment but be in the skin that I am in. SHAME ON YOU!!! and what makes this even worse, is this individual was An Asian individual. I presume he owned the store he and his wife who were behind the counter. He asked a worker to follow us throughout the store. What's crazy is...bc I KNOW the world we live in is so ignorant, I PURPOSEFULLY stayed around the front area TO MAKE THEM feel more comfortable bc I saw them staring. So sad. So freaking sad that I even feel like I have to take these extra precautions. I WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS STORE! EQUALITY MR EQUALITY!!! Maybe you and your employees should have been in that Stabucks meeting!!! SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!ON YOU! HOW DARE YOU MAKE US FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE HOW DARE YOU

Does your workplace allow company laptops to be held by clerks at stores? If not, avoid this place when bringing your laptop home. Today I dropped in to quickly pickup a toy that I was sure they carried. They said they needed to confiscate my small laptop bag and hold it under the register. Even after I pointed out it was a work laptop and that company policy did not allow me to let them store it in a box under the register, they remained unpersuaded. This is a thin laptop bag that is smaller than many purses. I'm not new to the store; I've shopped here many times in the last year. It is the closest brick and mortar toy store. It's Amazon time.

I wish I could give this place 0 stars!! Never been treated so poorly in my LIFE!! This place is clearly a toy store and my family and I were chastised for touching toys. My neice saw a toy that she like and she took it down from the shelf, and before she even had the opportunity to do anything she was rushed upon by the owner of the store (reason I know that it was the owner is because we asked the cashier) telling her she's not allowed to touch the toy unless she's going to buy it. Now mind you there were other children in the store also playing with toys, but my niece is not allowed to touch anything?!?! And when asked what the problem was the owner had a major attitude and told us to leave because we are making a scene. I will never set foot in an establishment that clearly does not welcome me or my type of people in her store.

Love the store, so much fun. All the store employees were awesome except for one (Jack) and the owner. Had an extremely bad experience with an employee by the name of Jack. Apparently he's been there too long. I think it's time for him to go. Guess what Jack and owner of Richards Variety Store, you are 90% toys. If you have no patience or tolerance for children touching, or sitting on the toys, your in the wrong business. It's Christmas time and I was interested in buying a bouncy riding toy for my granddaughter. Jack told us in the most extreme most disrespectful way......"don't let her sit on that toy". I talked to store owner and she was no help/could care less. Oh well......... My money spends any and everywhere. You lost a costumer today

Please do not shop at Richard's Variety Store. I have never been treated this way in my entire life by a business. They have amazing toys there and it's a great place to buy gifts. My family has enjoyed coming here for years and we have spent hundreds of dollars on great gifts for our extended family each Christmas. BUT... the man who manages the place is extremely hostile and unkind towards children and adults alike. We were stalked around the store the entire time and badgered every time the kids were looking at the toys that they set out to play with. They have passive aggressive signs littering the entire store about don't touch this and don't do that and minors not allowed without adults, etc. This particular day my daughter was looking at a toy and for literally thirty seconds I turned away from her to put a book back on the shelf. When I turned back around he demanded to know if she was mine and commanded me to pick up the toy that she had just decided to set down. We weren't tearing up the place. I was actually putting a book back where it goes. RELAX. I've got two kids. I'm watching both of them and trying to shop for gifts for them at the same time. And I'm doing a good job of it thank you very much. He has acted this way towards me and other customers overtime he is on duty. I have seen him take shopping carts away from people in line and made them hold an armful of items so other customers coming in could use the carts. I have seen him badger, harass, and generally make people uncomfortable. He stresses everyone out. You can't come in and just enjoy yourself, because he won't allow it. I had enough this time and asked him why he made everyone feel so uncomfortable. He replied, "not everyone, just you". He got in my face and I felt physically threatened. I never cursed at him, didn't yell, didn't call names, didn't do anything but question him about why he was treating us this way. I asked for his name and he refused to give it. Then he proceeded to throw my children and I out of the store. For nothing more than daring to question his behavior. I will never go back there, except to lay out my grievances with the owner, who I understand condones this manager's erratic behavior. If you look through other comments on Yelp you'll see they got four stars because most people come and go without incident. But you'll also see a litany of complaints of rude behavior by management and staff, so I know I am not alone in this. You may go in here a few times without incident, especially if the bearded angry dude is not on duty. But your number is bound to come up at some point and when it does, it may be your kid that he snaps on or you or your spouse. It sucks to say I refuse to go back, but I can't support this kind of behavior. Just because your store has cool stuff and a long history, doesn't give you the right to treat people terribly. I don't wish the people ill. I have no idea what has made this man so angry in life that he treats people this way, and who knows what someone's life story is. Maybe he's been through some crap. But I won't be bringing my kids in there anymore because he's consistently like that. Please, do not shop there. Don't give money to an owner that won't address how their manager is treating people.

I've been in this store several times, but the last time will be my last time. I had my foreign exchange student and three of his friends with him last Sunday when we visited the store. When we entered the store, they went off on their own, as teenagers do. This man who worked in the store, maybe the manager, told my teens to leave and was very rude and threatening to them. I didn't see the incident as I was shopping and only knew they were out of the store when they called me on the phone. My student is very truthful and I believe what he told me. They really weren't doing anything that would provoke someone to throw them out. I think this guy was having a bad man day or something, but he made a "former" customer out of me.

Buyers beware! Although this place has a lot of neat stuff, they have a seven-day return policy after which they will not give any kind of refund or credit. I purchased a bicycle pump there. The first time I tried to use it, about three weeks after I bought it, the nozzle broke off. When I went to return it, I was told they will not give me money back because more than seven days had passed. When I asked where the seven day return policy is posted, I was directed to a totally obscured handwritten sign on one check-out counter that was covered up my merchandise. They sold me a product that was simply unmerchantable. What's worse is that the manager I spoke with was extremely rude and offered no apology for the poor product I was sold. I have shopped here for years, along with my family, for gifts and just for fun. Not anymore. They just lost a family of customers over a crappy $12 bicycle pump. Nice move.

The owners/managers of this place leave a lot to be desired. Go there to get ideas. Write down your favorites, take pictures then LEAVE empty handed. Go buy your goods at some other cool, locally owned shop with owners who care about their customers. The owners/managers here are clearly ageist and have signs on the front door banning all kids and teens without parents. Yup - if you are 17 and try to go to Richards, you are denied. Being 41, no one stopped me as I bypassed the sign and strolled through the front door. But that didn't stop me from feeling weird - you see I'm not sexist or racist, but I did feel a little bit ageist by shopping in a store that promotes ageism. I only made it a few steps into the store before some employee screeched at me that I needed to deposit my Trader Joes bags behind their counter for safe keeping. Whaaaht? Yes, I had my TJ bags in tow because yes, I planned on walking next door to buy a few groceries. No, my TJ bags don't cost a lot, but it is just a matter of principle. They are my bags and I don't feel obliged to check them at the Richards Variety Store counter. I'm not sure which neighborhood the whole "check your bags and backpacks" thing got started, but I'm damn sure it wasn't Virginia Highlands. It just feels LOW CLASS. I was somewhat entranced as I glided through the isles filled with CHEAP PLASTIC CRAP FROM CHINA ... when suddenly ... a verbal onslaught shook me from my shopping daze. I craned my neck around the isle to see an employee/manager screaming at a customer and gesturing wildly for said customer to leave the store. It was crazy town! I read similar accounts in other reviews, so I think some of the staff may be a little off their rockers. Next, I should offer a little critique of the checkout process. As the clerk rang me up, I was rudely informed that I could under no circumstances return any of the books I was buying. And why not? Well, he didn't have an answer. I just couldn't. I then noticed a little sign taped by the register informing me that the return policy is only 7 days long (unless you're buying books and then it is ZERO). I mean - are there any other stores in the USA with a 7 day return policy? Unlikely. I'd say this policy is just a big FU to the customer. I bought about $75 dollars worth of merchandise. Once I got home, I realized one of the items was defective. We were heading out of town for the holidays so I didn't make it back to the store until about 10 days after the original purchase. I figured the item was defective so surely they would issue a refund or give a store credit. Nope! I was 3 days too late for that, said TIGHT-ASS store manager with the IRON FIST. Do yourself a favor. Shop somewhere else. There are plenty of shops where the owners/managers will be glad to have your business ... where the merchandise will be backed by a reasonable return policy ... where the merchandise will be of higher quality ... where your teenage friend can shop without discrimination ... where you can shop without stressful screaming outbursts from the staff ... where you can shop with your stylish Trader Joes bag because noone fears you are going to steal some bacon band-aids or penis soap.

When I need something crazy, I head to Richards. And trust me, I buy a lot of crazy. From bubble machines to fake mustaches to electronic stoplights, Richards always has what I'm looking for... and what I didn't know I was looking for. It's the perfect place to browse when you're in the mood for something fun, and I always come here over the big box shops when I'm looking for anything for young people at heart. I was disappointed by their lack of giant checkers/chess, but their selection of puzzles, board games, and old school toys is enough to please me. I'm a little confused by the "useful" corner of the store, with furniture and homegoods. I mean, why even bother? How badass would it be to put a bocce court or an arcade back there? That's what I would do, if I was Richard. And if you're listening, I'd like Mrs. Pacman, please.

Both times I've been here they blatantly overcharged me and for products that had lower marked prices ON the items, but still said the marked prices were wrong. The first time I said forget it and left without purchasing (a puzzle that was marked $11 and they said was is actually $15, I pointed it out and they said there was no way to change it). Today I went to buy two gift boxes that are marked $0.73 each and they are marked with a sign above them $0.73. At the register they ring up as. $0.93. I again point out that the boxes are MARKED with a sticker of 0.73. They say "oh they're 0.93 now...... I am convinced from this attitude and other reviews that this is a tactic of theirs. They are scammers and cannot make honest money.

Don't hit me... I see that there is local love for the store... I really do... I just think it's over priced. My Sea Monkey eggs cost 1/3 more then then do on-line... and for that matter... so does everything else in the store. If there were more sale items, and some personality to the place, I could see the hype... but it's just all laid out in such a practical fashion... I leave a little... well... uninspired. That said... when I head over to Piedmont Park on a good windy day, I know where I'm buying my kite! The convenience of getting your spatula, board game, and earthen ware all in the same place has it's place in this crazy mixed up world... I just think it could be more fun.

Rude staff. Cheap toys that break within days. 7 day return policy and the product must be original packaging. That means you can't even return a broken or defective product because it has been opened/used. Shop amazon or other local businesses that sell quality products with a reasonable return policy. Never again! I should have learned the last three times that I shopped there and bought crap products that I can't return.

How could we possibly have missed visiting Richards before?! This place is a magical wonderland with just about everything and anything you could want. Or, more importantly, what you didn't know that you needed or wanted. Think of an Urban Outfitters (minus the clothes), meets a Party City, meets a toy store, meets a kitschy gift shop. We picked up a menagerie of awesomely weird things....mainly consisting of toys for our nephew, but we also picked up some awesome coasters for our new table, too. We'll be back to Richards for presents, gag gifts, fun, weirdness, greeting cards, and swords..... for me.

The merchandise is so much fun, but what's up with the angry manager? He asked if I was finding everything okay, then when I asked where something was, he chewed me out. He was outraged, saying I needed to look for it myself, and that they were busy. This is after he approached me! Lots of great toys, and the cashiers are very sweet, but this guy was scary rude!