Nobbies

I think Nobbies is my new favorite store in the world. I went searching for some little Awards to give as novelty prizes for an Elite Unilocal event, and I found a world of fun to be had before I got to the little box of awards which totally was cool and fit my budget!
This place has it all. Candy, Costumes, balloons, plate and napkins of every color, strange gag toys, party essentials, both things to rent and buy!
I love the toy section and totally want to come back for a few things I could use in my band’s shows.
Totally fun, store, the staff was nice and they even have a rewards program for frequent shoppers! It’s free to sign up and since this is my favorite new store in the world you know I signed up!

Before stopping at the store, I called. After getting through the phone tree, it was answered within 2 rings by Lisa. I asked her about a flannel back table cloth that I had seen on the website and if it could be reused or felt like a one time use material. As I didn’t have the item number, she asked me to describe it and then asked me to be put on hold while she checked. A few moments later she returned and said, «It’ll be just one more moment. I’m having somebody go get one.» Less than a minute later she returned and had the item in hand. She described the texture of the material and ascertained that it was heavy duty and could be reused over and over. She said they have 7 in stock at the store and asked if I’d like her to put it on hold or anything. I said I’d be in to look at the table cloth and related items for a party and said, «We’ll see you then!»
The outside of the store is very clean. There were no carts or items outside the entrance. Though it is winter there was no snow or ice near the front of the store either, which was clear for customers to enter. Upon entering the carts were readily available by the doors and just to the right was the main checkout from which I was greeted by Lisa with a smile. She said, «Good afternoon! Thanks for stopping by. Is there anything I can help you find today?» I advised that I wasn’t sure, but was just looking at the moment. She replied, «Let me know if you need any help.» The floors and aisles were clear aside from the boxes directly with people who were stocking shelves. There was no apparent dirt or ice salt on any of the floors. The restroom was clean and smelled fine. There was no dirt or trash anywhere to be seen. As they have only a dryer and no paper towels, that keeps trash to a minimum. The mirror was clean as were the floors, sink area, toilet and urinal. Overall the store felt like a party with the bright colors, themed areas and
festive items. I observed people being assisted at the balloon area in a very quick and friendly manner.
Upon entering I had toured the perimeter of the store to get a feel for the layout and then proceeded to the costumes area. After a few minutes there I was walking in the aisle directly South of there and Sean was stocking a luau shelf. He said, «Hi! How are you today? Can I help you find anything?» I stated that I was having a costume party and was looking for a mustache that wasn’t one of the colorful felt ones I had seen in the costumes area, perhaps more realistic, along with related mustache items that could go with a party. He put down what he had been stocking and said, «It sounds like what you’re looking for is over here.» He led the way to an aisle East of where the costumes section had been. He said, «Here are some fun mustaches, some realistic ones, some with handles for parties… is this what you were looking for?» as he pointed out each selection. I said this was what I was looking for. I followed up by selecting a realistic one and asking whether spirit gum would work for this. He stated that, «spirit gum will work, but you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of remover.» I said that I did. He said, «Is there anything else I can help you with?» I replied that I was going to look through these. He stated, «I’ll be over stocking the temporary Luau area if you have any other questions.»
They were actively stocking the St. Patrick’s Day and Luau areas of the store. Outside of that everything was neat, tidy and in its place. The only note with merchandising was that some of the clearance items in the fall/​Christmas corner were not clearly marked with a sale price, such as a really cute metal fall sign in the very corner. Only the original prices were showing on those items, which was misleading given it was the clearance area surrounded by clearance priced items.
At the checkout counter they asked if I had found anything, asked about the rewards program, got me signed up and wished me a good day. While this is no
reflection on Lisa or the store, she did say that without being a rewards member that you don’t get the sale price on items, so I had to sign up in order to complete my purchase. There is no visible signage stating this fact, especially in the clearance area where it would be useful to know. Fortunately they had the sign up process down to a science and it was fast and easy.

In preparation for a little cocktail party at my apartment, I swung by to pick up some extra plates and cups. The stores layout it a little confusing, but luckily I spied the «nicer» plastic clear plates from afar and I was set.
I will totally come back here for super adorable tiny forks/​spoons/​shot glasses. Definitely for your higher end get togethers ;) They also have lots of holiday decorations, themed party gear (baby shower, children’s birthday, wedding). And tons of costumes and accessories, which I will remember for Halloween!
Staff was chatty with each other. And left me feeling like I was an interruption to their day. Not how a customer should feel.