AKAR 257 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240

"Great tea shop I purchased 3 different green teas which I'm excited to try"

"I live in a small rural town in Wisconsin, and I was visiting family in IC and doing some "big city shopping" (for me). I saw a vase on display, with a sheaf of fake wheat in it, that I liked very much (just under $200). I wasn't sure I wanted spend that much on a vase, so I went home to my family's house to think it over for the night. The next day, I went in to buy it. I browsed for other gifts while the clerk wrapped it up, finding about another $100 in items to purchase. As I was getting ready to check out, I asked the clerk to just wrap the sheaf of wheat in paper for me. She told me it was not included. I was stunned--there was no sign saying "decorative flowers not included." I told her I had expected the sheaf, but she repeated that it was store policy to not include. I said I wasn't interested, then, in the purchase, and I left. I had no idea what a sheaf of fake wheat cost (but knew I couldn't find such in my rural town). I looked it up tonight, and it was $10 from amazon. Probably cost Akar $2. And they lost a $300 sale for that. I will find another vase I like, somewhere else."

"A great location to pick up a bar of chocolate, housewarming gift, or a treat for yourself. This place runs the gambit for what might be a tasteful item you haven't encountered yet. Beautiful linens and tableware also available. Worth stopping in for a spin and a special something."

"The art pottery selection is out of this world. I wanted to take half of it home. The space is lovely, the gift half is the store fun and fill of unique items that will tempt you to take something home for many friends and family members. The staff offered my 11-year-old hot chocolate when we arrived on a snowy day, many galleries get pissy the minute they see a kid and assume they cannot handle themselves in a gallery space, but they made our kiddo welcome (he loves looking at art.) I'll definitely be back."

"I love this store for unique little gifts. There are a lot of fun kitchen gadgets and kids toys. The larger items are out of my price range but fun to look at. Store staff is generally friendly and helpful."