Mendel's

After a long boycott and dry spell from this place, I figured the only craft store near me deserved another shot. So here's the thing:

The staff was much better today. And by staff, I mean the nice man in back who helped me with fabrics. He generally waited and watched while I browsed, and he went to ask whether the store had any chrome series sewing needles, or planned to get them. He wasn't, let's just say, the most knowledgeable about fabrics? But he knew enough to help me out, and as I said, his attention was in the right place.

The other criticisms I had about Mendel's--a generally disengaged staff and high prices--I stand by what I said. Retail is a crappy spot to be in, especially for crafting, where Amazon sells a lot of the same supplies for half the price. The reason I have been extremely loyal to Cliff's Variety and Fabric Outlet, however, is the sense of family and community when I am in there. The staffers all know my face and give a look like "oh what's he going to make today."

Mendel's has always felt pretty lifeless. I feel like this is an ownership and upper management problem... you can't really go to staff and tell them to be more cohesive without actually incentivizing that sort of behavior.

Anyways Mendel's I do appreciate the help today and the nice man who helped me. I'll probably come around again sometime soon.

While I know it's been hard for businesses during the pandemic, I have discovered (and re-discovered) many local businesses as a result of it. Mendel's is one of these, a place I had walked by many times but didn't have a need to visit. During the pandemic, it's been a great resource for craft and art supplies.

Mendel's could be easily missed from the outside, but is quite sizeable both in its space and selection. They seem to have all of your essential craft and arts supplies. My partner and I have come here several times for things like buttons, metal nose bars for homemade masks, scrap books, etc.

In the far back of the store, they also have a big section of wigs and other costume related items. I imagine this section isn't in as quite a bit of demand as it was pre-pandemic but I'm sure it will be popping again at some point.

Definitely recommend Mendel's as your first stop for any of the above items--keep Haight St businesses going!

My moms friend owns this place. Super nice. I have been getting my yarn from here since I started crocheting rather than getting it from a big Business.

This stupid bitch with a shaved pink head was so rude to me today. I wanted to buy some micron pens but she was so rude that I just walked out the store. They didn't have much selection anyways so better that I take my business elsewhere. I asked her a simple question when I walked in and she made me repeat myself 4 or 5 times before rudely telling me no they don't sell copic markers. After today I will never come back to Mendels again. I'm sure even if management sees this they don't give a shit considering how poorly run the store is.

I came in looking for fabric. The staff was friendly & their selection was fairly small, but some they had some fun prints among their cottons & remnants. I couldn't resist one yard of a couple of bolts, & a few remnants. Pricing was ok, $12-$14/yard.

The staff were l very helpful, unfortunately, the supply of goods they had to sell was limited to mostly tacky costume fabrics available. This is the store for children's parties burning man and other throwaway fashion. If you're looking for something quality, this is not it.

Mendel's is an institution on Haight St. As someone who lives real close to it and has no car, its come in handy for crafty/creative emergencies. Although it doesn't have everything (I don't expect it to honestly b/c its small and crafting/art items are endless), it has a good assortment of art supplies including an entire fabric section. During COVID, I was able to very easily order for a contactless pickup, which was greatly appreciated.

For people saying the staff is rude. We all have bad days in working in retail and I can only image the troubles Haight St. brings to a walk-in retail business.

Somewhat limited in fine art and hand-sewing supplies. Seems more to have a selection geared toward party and costume ware. Staff is helpful, not overly friendly.

This place is really dirty and doesn't look acceptable to even shop at in the first place, unless you're looking for Covid! They did not have Odorless Turpentine... in an art store???? I had a pleasure to speak to the owner for a minute, Naomi and God forbid, I would never want to speak to this person again - terrible customer service - just wow. never ever again.

I've been coming to Mendels for quite some time since it's the closest art supply shop to me, and have never really had positive experiences because of the unfriendly woman boss (I think she's the boss she seems to be in charge). Lately I've been helped by a guy named Brian and he's made my experience shopping there feel worth it lol. He cut ribbon for me todayand helped me find the right wire for my art projects. Shoutout this friendly guy for being the reason I go back