Williams-Sonoma

I try not to frequent Williams-​Sonoma stores too often because everything in there exemplifies a foodie and a kitchen gadget lover’s fantasy (at a price that I cannot yet quite afford, being a graduate student). I stopped by this store to look for some kitschy mother’s day gift knickknacks on May 5^th and was pleasantly surprised. The display of the spices, baking mixes, magnets and coffees were gorgeous and nothing was out of place/​out of line. The store smelled great and wasn’t too cluttered. I bought a unique type of indian spices (vandouran?) and the cashier told me some great ways to use the spice and offered me a complimentary catalog of spices with some recipes in it. It was a cool experience — maybe someday I’ll have enough money to do some heavy duty retail damage here!

While I’m not a fan of Crossgates mall or of buying from big corporate entities, I’ve been known to buy a thing or 2 from here.
I took a free class here with Glen from Rolf’s Pork Store in Albany. I learned a lot about what goes into the products he produces. As a side benefit of taking the class I got 10% off my purchase.
I managed to get a good deal on a Le Creuset oven (using a couple of crossgates gift cards that I’ve been hanging on to since Christmas).
The 4 women working in the store were extremely friendly and helpful, answering a ton of questions that other people seemed to have. They appeared to enjoy their jobs and made it a pleasure to shop there.