Music Lab Inc
I've been going to this store for years, and I've always had a good experience. They sell many different types of instruments- especially guitars. They also have a nice selection of strings and pics which I'm constantly buying at great prices.
Also, they used to offer guitar lessons (and probably for other instruments too), so if you're looking for a shop to learn, this would probably be a good place to check out.
PROS: great products, great prices, cool workers
CONS:
Family Dollar Store
This isn't by any means the greatest dollar store around. Also, don't be fooled by the name. Many products cost more then a dollar! I was pretty surprised by this on my first visit.
The saving grace of the store is that it did have some pretty nice holliday decorations, and nice Christmas related statues.
I'd stop by if you're in the neighborhood, but you probably don't want to go out of your way to get here.
Also, the service was excellent every time I've been in, and I tend to get into conversations with the people working the counter because they're so nice.
PROS: some nice merchandise
CONS: small, many things aren't a dollar
Calvary Book Store
This shop is a nice place to go if you're looking for Christian books, and also a variety of other Christian products. Expect a lot of novelty items that might be great purchases for church groups or church related functions. You might pick up some videos, cards, or I've even seen pupets for sale.
It is a very clean store, and easy to reach down 159th street (or from the nearby expressway exit for those traveling from a distance).
PROS: Nice book selection, and good amount of other niche products
CONS:
Threshold Music
Threshold is a great shop to find CDs, DVDs, and records that won't be available at bigger music stores. You can buy shirts of bands, special import music, independent music, and lots of 7inches of local bands.
It's a great place to support if you want to be able to shop outside of the mainstream, though it can be more expensive if you are trying to buy popular CDs.
Also, this is a great place to check out if local bands have any shows. There are usually flyers by the door, and I'm sure the staff would be cool about helping you find out if anyone you might like is playing in the near future.
PROS: great selection, hard to find items
CONS: pricey for major label music
