Haight Ashbury Music Center
Haight Ashbury Music Center has a knowledgeable staff and an excellent selection of instruments. Although it is an independent music store they carry all of the major instrument brands, as well as high end and hard to find items. If they don't have an item in stock, they will gladly special order it. They also offer music lessons, instrument rentals, and repair services. I like supporting Haight Ashbury Music Center because it is a local independent music store.
FLAX art and design
Wow! Wow! Wow! Honestly, this store will blow your mind. A trip to Flax is a multi-sensory shopping experience. Flax has everything an artist or artist-to-be desires. The layout and presentation of the store is fantastic. The quality and variety of the products they sell is unparalleled. Getting to Flax can be a bit tricky but they do have a parking lot right in front.
Buffalo Exchange
Incredible used clothing store. They buy and sell used clothing. They give pretty good money for your used clothing - they will pay you a percentage of what they sell it for in cash or give you a little more in trade. They have a great assortment of funky, cool, hip clothes. The staff is always super nice and helpful.
Rasputin Records Inc
Massive music store. Multiple levels of almost every kind of music. They offer an incredible selection of new and used music in all forms - CDs, DVDs, LP, cassettes, etc... There are a few Rasputin stores in the area but I find their Berkeley store to have the greatest selections. They also buy used music for cash or credit. You can also join their Rasputin buyer's club that offers you a small discount on your purchases.
Street Light Records
Great used and new music store. Street Light has many locations around the area in addition to this store - one on Market near Castro, one in Santa Cruz and one in San Jose. I have been to all of them and think they are excellent stores with a good selection of music. I have never sold any music to Street Light and cannot comment on their prices for used music. The staff always seems nice and I appreciate that they have an independent feel, even if there are a couple of stores.
Gables Office Supplies & Stationery
Fantastic store! So much more than your average stationary store. They offer what you would expect- cards, wrapping paper, office supplies - in addition to an amazing array of high end gift items: jewelry, purses, toys, baby clothes, lights, bath itemsand more. The store always has a beautiful window display that features a peak at the treasures offered inside.
Le Video
The absolute best video store I have ever been in. The selection is unbelievable. They have videos and DVDs of just about everything - foreign, cult, rare, and more. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff that can help you find exactly what you are looking for. You can also call ahead and see if they have a title in stock.
The Animal Connection
Very clean pet store that offers numerous products for all types of pets. The store sells both pets and pet products. They offer specialty dog and cat food that you cannot find at Petco nor Pet Express.The staff seems very knowledgeable about animals and the products they sell. This store also has a nice neighborhood feel to it.
Green Apple Books
Incredible new and used bookstore. You can sell your books and receive cash or trade credit. They also have a small store a couple of doors down where they sell new and used CD and DVDs. Both stores have a very comfortable feel to them that encouragesyou to leisurely stroll through the store and browse at the thousands of books.
Amoeba Records
Probably the finest selection of music in the Bay Area. They offer an amazing assortment of new and used CD, LPs, DVDs, and more. They also offer decent prices when they buy your used music. I have found the staff to be very helpful and the layout of the store easy to navigate. The store also has cool in store performances that are free.
