Madison

I really like this shop when I need a small gift for someone. However, the customer service is AWFUL. I have had one too many bad experiences, so decided I needed to Unilocal.
First I asked the clerk at the desk for the location of an item. He told me to ask another clerk. Really? You don’t know where your wine bags are? Then when he rung up my purchase, he acted as if I was imposing on him by being there. When he was done, he ran off to a back room, slamming the door behind him. Excuse me! If I’m not there, or others customers, you have no job. And not even a Thank You! I was stunned. If this shop wasn’t so convenient, I would never go there again. I may not anyway.

This rating is actually a response to Rose H. of Orinda. Rose, please don’t feel bad… they ask me for ID every time I buy something with my credit or debit card and I am as white as a ghost. Sometimes it’s a little odd, as they’ll ask me even if I’m just buying a card for $ 4 or $ 5. I, too, was a a tad offended the first few times they did this, thinking maybe I don’t look as «fancy» as some of the «Lafayette ladies of leisure.» However, I recently noticed they check to see if my credit card is signed on the back before they ask me for ID. Maybe the lady ahead of you that day had signed her card.

Have always loved this store. However, was there recently and a customer stepped up to the counter the same time as I. I offered her to go first. She made her purchase of $ 50 however her Chase visa would not go through. The sales person tried several times and then tried wrapping the card in tissue paper and swiped it with tissue paper and it went right through. The customer saw a pocket knife she wanted. Had to be purchased separately and the sales person encountered the same problems with this new $ 40 something charge.
Finally it’s my turn and she rings up my 3 gift cards. $ 19. I hand her my Amex card and she swipes it and it goes through without a hitch. She then asks me for ID!!! I hand her my CDL. She not once asked the previous customer to show ID despite the fact she was having all these issues with her card! The other customer is white as is the sales person; I am a person of color.
I was tempted to say something but chose not to as it was Christmas Eve day and didn’t want to make a scene. Now I wish I had as it bothers me. I like the store so I’ll go back and test it to see if it happens again. Both McCallous and Madison’s (same owners) do not have any black employees that I have seen in ANY of their stores.

I went in this store last week and fell in love with a pair of leather gloves. I did not have cash on me, and was nannying at the time. So I decided to come back during the weekend, which i did. I grabbed $ 100 from my savings (which came straight from wells fargo down the street) and went to the counter to purchase. The old woman began to ring me up, she examined my $ 100 very thoroughly, which was fine. And finally did the pen test. She explained to me that the bill did not pass the pen test, and that she would have to go speak with her manager… So here I am feeling like a criminal, totally embarrassed and humiliated. I tried to regain my respect by explaining how that bill came directly from the bank, but this was to no avail. The manager comes to me, another older woman, and goes on to tell me that they do not have enough money to break my $ 100. I was very fed up at this point, and mentioned that I was given the impression from your employee that my bill is fake, not that you simply can’t break it. She reiterated her excuse that they just dont have enough money in the register. FINE, so I go to yogurt shack to get change. Guess what? He also did the pen test, and it passed without a second glance. I go back to buy my gloves, totally feeling like they think i was trying to get over on them with my «fake» bill. I tell the old woman that the 17 year old next door was able to clearly see my bill was in fact REAL. And that she may want to purchase a new pen. All in all the one star is for the products, but with such stuck up, rude, judgemental staff. I wont be back. Maybe its because I have a tattoo on my wrist? Or that im a college student? Im not so sure, but im a lamorinda native and currently live down the street in an apartment. It would have been nice to have had a good experience in my local gift shop. I almost regret buying anything, no wonder everyone shops online…
LEARN HOW TO CHECK BILLS BEFORE WORKING A REGISTER.

Cool gift and card shop. More (and better quality) cards than I’ve seen outside a Hallmark store. In general, a bit girly for me, but maybe that’s what you need to get sometimes.
Definitely fits into the Lafayette boutique thing, and definitely the first place I’d look for a card in Lafayette.

Love this gift and card shop! They have very unique and darling gifts for kids and adults. they carry lots of Klutz kid products and beautiful paper dolls and stationary. They also carry a nice Pandora jewelry selection and Sarah the manager is extremely patient and helpful! I am a very finnicky and slow decider when picking jewelry because I do not wear it often, and Sarah took her time helping me and was super sweet and patient. love this store!

Great small card store. Great place for unique cards, much better than CVS. Location is near McCaulous in Lafayette. Shop local!

I went into Madison this weekend in a big rush and on my way to a wedding. I needed gift wrapping in short order. Sarah, the manager, was SO HELPFUL! She not only hekped me pick out the perfect gift bag, but helped me put it all together! Now, that’s what I call service. I will recommend Madison to all my friends and family.

I love this place! They have so many cute little things in here that it’s now becoming my go-​to place for birthday gifts. They have cards, hats, puzzles and just a whole collection of stuff. My only complaint is don’t go here right before they are closing because they will push you out and not allow you to finish your shopping