William Glen

This location is not at all like the original store in Town and Country Village. We were ignored when we walked into the store. The stock isn’t of the same quality as the original store and much of it is over-​priced. Two employees chatted amongst themselves while ignoring the couple of shoppers in the store. When we asked one of the employees where the packaged coffee was, the employee looked annoyed, pointed, and said «Over there.» As we were checking out, the employee didn’t thank us but told us that «there are no exchanges.» We later noticed that the coffee we had bought had expired over a year ago. We won’t be back!

I’ve always enjoyed shopping at a William Glen store. But it has been a long time since I had last been to one. Probably since it was once part of the old Town & Country Village. After it moved from there, I lost track of where the new location was. To my pleasant surprise, Joe K found out where it is now currently located.
As we pulled in to the narrow drive of the parking lot, I got very excited to go in just by seeing the cute and attractive exterior of the store. It reminded me of a combination cottage and greenhouse. Then as we entered, I was awestruck by the interior as well! It seemed a little cramped inside because it was jam packed with shelves and walls displaying everything from kitchen gadgets, home décor, gifts, spices, small appliances and even a whole section of beautiful Christmas decorations! There is so much to see, that I was glad that we had plenty of time to browse at our leisure! Needless to say we found all the items we were looking for plus a few we hadn’t planned on getting! Another plus is, that when you check in on Unilocal and show the cashier your proof of check in, you get a very nice wine glass with the William Glen logo etched on it!
We definitely had a fun time shopping here, and I hope we can have another go around again soon!

William Glen! William Glen! William Glen!
Anyone that had spent time wandering the wonderful cobblestone walkways laced with ivy before Town and County Center became a soulless wasteland of sprawling box stores has fond memories of William Glen. Anyone that loves kitchen gadgets and Christmas ornaments also has fond memories of William Glen. Fond memories of all those years that we knew we could count on William Glen being there for us like a wonderful old friend. Fond memories of all those years of experiencing the joy of finding just the right item to give as a gift or to satisfy our craving for a new kitchen toy. Fond memories of all those years of carefully searching the store for hidden treasures.
Then one day it was gone. Taken from us like a love one who is suddenly stricken down by a heart attack. Suddenly there was nothing left but memories. How I mourned and truly missed William Glen.
First William Glen opened a little store in Old Sac, then they opened another on Fair Oaks Boulevard that will never take the place of the original but I am certainly thankful that it has opened. It is located in an attractive building in a very unattractive mall that really needs some tender loving care. It is too bad the rest of the mall couldn’t be renovated to have the same character as William Glen.
The new William Glenn is filled with beautiful Christmas ornaments and kitchen gadgets and the people working there offer the same small family service as the original store. I certainly will not be a stranger to this store.

Call me a «fanboy», «enthusiast», or just plain «spoiled», …I love Department 56 Halloween Villages from William Glen. They are unlike any of the countless others and give me the flexibility and customization to be the «hobbyist» that I enjoy.
Keep in mind that these are high priced detailed pieces that can quickly add up to owning a small island off the coast of Capri. That being said,…I’m addicted and see no end in sight. The detail that goes into my favorite Department 56 Village pieces is beyond measure and has a price to prove it. The Department 56 company has a reputation for high end, complete collector series and the level of quality in their products is clear the moment you hold one in your hand. You will be impressed!
In particular, I’m a dedicated shopper of the William Glen store located in Old Sacramento. My «Go-​To» guy is Bryan Guarienti and he has earned that position with the hours of Q&A, helpful tips and tricks, the one-​on-​one training classes and of course, .the very few and deeply appreciated discounts. Since Bryan has helped me with my village collection, it has grown over the years from a one room shack with a single headstone to various characters, a creepy graveyard and a foggy mansion surrounded by crypt keepers, a sickle wielding grim reaper and midnight lights to illuminate the dead.
Every time I step into the store I’m greeted with new and impressive pieces that just NEED to be taken home to my «others» (…no, .there’s absolutely no issues here at all) =)
I could honestly go on and on, but as you weave your way through the isles just keep this little review in mind and remember that I told you you’d be impressed.
William Glen website:
Thank you, Bryan and I’ll see you soon!
Brandyn

Great store. Very helpful. Helped me select and creatively wrap a wedding gift.

This location isn’t even close to the atmosphere of their former location. We were never greeted until we left out the door. Two employees chatted amongst themselves about stocking and product.
Christmas décor still displayed. Doubt we’ll return. :(

Their new location is fabulous — well designed and a nice interior floor plan. Lovely home goods — perfect place to find a gift for that special someone. They even carry items that support local charities and special items by artists from here in Sacramento.
Parking is easy access and plenty
Staff was courteous and friendly
Lots of great kitchen gadgets and tools!!!
Kitchen linens by local artist– gorgeous!
Although this new location is smaller than the old (so I’m told) it’s still a nice stop to find a ‘must have’ or two …
Will have to get back there when their inventory isn’t so much christmas to see what other treasures they carry!

I’ll never shop here again and give them any of my hard-​earned money. I remember back at the old store, I had to return something, had the receipt and everything. It was a couple days past the return date. They refused to take it back. I even talked to the OWNER and he refused. He’s dead now though. It would have not been a problem with any nice and professional owner. I would want to satisfy a customer, because they’ll be back with friends and family. But I will never forget that experience and it must have been 7 – 8 years ago. Still remember every detail. I had not shopped there since, and had told all my family, friends and co-​workers about it. As the saying goes, when you have a good experience, you tell a few people, but when you have a bad one, you tell the whole world. My spreading the word certainly helped because everyone I knew never shopped there again. This store is done.

If you are like me and have been missing a local purveyor of kitchen goods and housewares coupled with an amazing selection of holiday décor, then your prayers have been answered. That’s right, William Glen is back! They’ve opened this new permanent location in addition to their location in Old Sac and it is as close to the original WG as we have had in many years.
Taking the space of the old Fish Emporium was a perfect pick for the legendary retailer. You can see the Christmas lights sparkling from down the street calling you like a beacon in a lighthouse. The owners have kept the old charm that sacramento came to love in the original, and I’m personally excited to have this local favorite back in such a prime location.