La Canada Books & Toys

LCBT has gone way downhill since Karen Poindexter left. She actually cared about the store and the customers. Now it's full of snotty teens and merchandise that makes me snore. Every policy change and mistake (including a huge overcharge on my card) is blamed on the mysterious "OWNER"--has anyone every seen him or her? I'll be taking my business to Flintridge Bookstore and Tom's Toys until somebody teaches these people some basic customer service.

Posted 09/30/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

A great store if you are looking for educational toys and books. Can't find a book or toy you're looking for? Donna Shepherd, the store manager, will assist you and help to locate the given item and special order it for you. Friendly supportive community store.

Posted 02/16/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

It is such a nice place to be in. It's not too big, not too small and it has great toys. Take it from anyone in my family, La Canada Books and Toys is the perfect place to shop for children. Whenever i go in i am greeted by warm faces; some are small children's but most are the staff members. They are friendly and caring. Also they do a very nice job at gift wrapping. I love it there and so do the rest of the La Canada Residents

Posted 03/17/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I agree with Erica F. This used to be a wonderful place to go. I knew I could count on finding a unique and special toy/gift. The merchandise isn't what it used to be. It's okay when you don't have much time to shop, but that's it.

I might recommend this store if the service was as friendly as it used to be. Now the store is staffed by rude young girls who can't be bothered with customer service.

Posted 08/13/07 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

This is our local toy store and for years I have been greeted by cheerful Karen Poindexter who ran a tight ship. Just today I went in to buy a birthday gift and immediately noticed a difference -- no big hello, and empty shelves. It seem Karen is no longer the manager. I don't know if she quit or was let go, but the store is not the same. I hope the "absentee owner" realizes that things are different without Karen. Also as a business owner myself, what the heck is an "absentee owner"?!?! Shouldn't you want to be on the ground and actively involved with your investment?

Also the new manager was busy with a toy rep and took forever to wrap the gift I had purchased...I may be going to San Marino Toy & book more often.

Posted 06/01/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I've shopped at this little store for years, and have been known to run in on Christmas Eve for "just one thing more!" The selection of Thomas the Tank Engine is alone enough to make me stop in here, or was when my sons were in that phase. You can find high-end Legos here also. You won't find (much) of the usual "shlock" stuff that toy stores sell; this place has high quality (with concomitant prices) toys and books, and little gems hidden away that you have to search to find. This is a great store, and not at all "ordinary." Friendly people, too.

PROS: Independent; high quality; good stuff.
CONS:

Posted 11/21/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

This is a nice small toy store, more oriented towards little kids under teenage years. They have lots of stuffed animals and playsets. In high school I we would always have to pick up our english reading books here and the people were always friendly (I knew all the student workers). My mom goes here a lot to pick up gifts for young cousins and is never disatisfied with either the price or service.

Posted 11/14/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Although this is a small town bookstore, the quality of the merchandise here is top notch. The store carries a variety of toys: puzzles, games, books, cards, American Girl and Thomas.
This small store stocks the required reading books from the local schools so the parents don't need to go searching. Whenever the owner is approached to donate for some local cause she is only too willing to help. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the merchandise. One of the little extras which i love is that they offer free gift wrapping with any purchase. This store is located in a plaza so parking isn't an issue.

Posted 10/23/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

LC Books and Toys has long had a reputation for quality and educational childrens books and toys. Their owners have worked hard to partner with the local schools to order and have available the reading selections of all grade levels. It's nice to have business in town that still works hard to meet the needs of the community and provide upstanding inventory and service to its customers. This is also a great shop for children's presents. It's a delight to enter the store and I feel good being a long time customer to such a great business.

Posted 10/04/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Good selection of high-quality and educational toys and books, friendly service. Also, free wrapping. A welcome break from the big box retailers.

Posted 10/20/04 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?