Lacey T.
Yelp
True Leaf Market and Mountain Valley Seeds are one and the same. Just want to get that out of the way first because it's a bit confusing, and there are even two separate Yelp listings. They are open to the public weekdays only, from 8:30am-5:00pm. This is sort of a bummer for working folks, but if you're interested hopefully you can make it work.
I arrived at the warehouse on a Friday afternoon to find the front door locked. I twisted and turned the knob, I could see people inside, I pressed the buzzer, all to not avail! I almost left, but went ahead and called, and after a bit of a hold, explained my dilemma to the woman who answered the phone. She proceeded to instruct me, in the most monotone and unfriendly voice imaginable, to simply pull the door. I did, and of course, it opened right up. I felt foolish and silly, and certainly that is a dumb misunderstanding, but why would you leave your doorknob locked during business hours, and if it is confusing to customers (and it must be, because I noticed a sign about it on the door), perhaps be a little nicer when they call about it? That started my visit with a bad taste in my mouth, which continued after I entered, as I browsed a good ten minutes before anyone greeted me, even though clearly the person on the phone knew I was coming in. Not to mention, the several employees who have a full view of the sales floor...ugh, see I'm still bitter!
Anyways, I got to looking around, and while my main interest was seeds, I spotted some other cool things, most notably gardening books, and Sandor Ellix Katz's Wild Fermentation, which I have wanted foreverrrr. They had various other garden supplies, but nothing in particular that stands out in my memory. Besides the standard garden seeds (available in a variety of package sizes and regular or organic), there were a TON of sprouting and microgreens seeds, which was very neat, and something I hope to research and try out.
In person purchases are 10% off, and if you place an order online, select "will call," and pick it up, you are still rewarded with that discount. This did not count for much with my hefty selection of three whole packs of seeds (livin' large!), but of course I still appreciated it, and that is something to keep in mind if making a costly garden supply purchase. The seeds were all less than what I usually spend (granted, I buy funky and rare varieties when I can), but I think Mountain Valley is right in line with your everyday seed companies, maybe even less.
The young man who assisted me (didn't catch his name, but he was a fellow ginger-yes!), was pleasant and friendly. My visit began poorly, but ended well, and I will return, mostly to purchase more seeds as I enjoy supporting local businesses when possible, and I go through A LOT of seeds!