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| - Al's has variety, selection, and quality. He has a great range of stuff that is in demand. He listens to his customers and stocks accordingly. That's a good sign.
Another good sign: The staff are personable, knowledgable, and helpful. For example, I showed Lisa a design I had drawn up, but couldn't complete, and she recommended both the materials and technique I could use to finish my work - which then sold immediately. So of course, I bought more of the same stuff from Al.
I'm not a pro, but the pros shop here. I frequently see other vendors shopping in the store. My mother-in-law is a pro who gets most of her supplies here. This review is for her and for me.
That's how I started coming to Al's. We'd need something, and she'd say, "Oh Al's has that." We'd say, "Don't worry about it. We have our own suppliers." She'd bring it anyway, and the quality and price were always very good. Eventually we started coming whenever we are in Phoenix.
Even though we're from a town with a full-blown garment district with 4 bead shops right next to each other, Al's often has better quality, a better price, or something I didn't see at my other suppliers or online.
Like right now, he has some watermelon tourmaline. I haven't bought any yet, but it is good quality, so I'm thinking about what I can make with it. That's why you come to Al's. You mother-in-law drags you in when you were supposed to get something to eat, and you end up coming back because you get cool stuff you don't see at other places.
Pro Tip: Ask, "What else do you have?" They have more stuff.
4 stars for Selection, Staff, Value
1/2 a Bonus Star from me for Al's putting up with my mother in law.
1/2 a Bonus Star from her for Al's putting up with me.
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