Gahanna Bead Studio

I had three full punch cards and another partially full punch card — otherwise known as customer loyalty cards. I accrued them from shopping at this store over a period of time. I hadn’t been able to get to this shop for some time and was finally able to go. I went in yesterday, and bought enough items to finally use the cards and when I went to the register I was told I could only use two at a time. Okay, that’s fair enough — I understand they have policies. I might not agree with them — since I accrued these cards by shopping there, but I didn’t make a fuss. My total came to $ 43+change.
The people at the store were very nice, and there was a class going on while I was there. The store was well stocked, but pretty pricey — for instance each Swarovski crystal was priced individually, and for what you pay for a couple, you can get a dozen online. It was like that with everything $ 2.00 for 1 cord end cap! Similar for one toggle, one Tierracast charm was $ 1.50 — kind of crazy, but there’s a cost to overhead and they did recently expand to include a nice space for classes. The people who worked there seemed to know the clientele, and there was a lot of friendly banter.
Before I left the store I folded the top of the bag down several times, and slipped it into my purse. I never thought to check to make sure everything was there. Unfortunately, there were several items missing for which I was charged. I searched through everything more than once.
The woman who check the items out, Bri was so sweet — I was sure it had to be an honest mistake. I know there was no way she would charge me for something, and not put it in the bag. These were the only things I’d left loose and hadn’t bagged up, so I was sure it had to do with that. We were chatting while she checked the items out — so I wasn’t really paying attention to what went into the bag.
When I called the following day I explained what happened. I told the woman I folded the bag over a couple of times, and then placed it in my purse. She gave me the 3^rd degree — was the bag paper or plastic? Paper. Did the bag have a hole in it? No, and it was in my purse. Was the merchandise in the bottom of my purse? No, I checked everything more than once! It was not there. (She said well you might want to check again because you’d be surprised at the number of people who get home and find the items at the bottom of their purse!) I JUST told you I looked there! It was maddening to be given the third degree, and I was sure if Bri had been working and I could talk with her we could get it resolved, but she wasn’t working that day.
The woman I spoke with on the phone said she’d set the same items aside, call the person who checked my items out, and call me back within a few hrs. (Ummm… would you like to know what items those were?! Oh yeah, that might be a good idea…) She didn’t call me back after a «few hours», so I called the shop, but no one answered, and it was before they were scheduled to close. This really made me mad — not only didn’t I get the merchandise I paid for, but I was hassled on the phone, and then the woman who promised to call back didn’t bother.
I called my credit card company just to let them know and get a paper trail going — in case there are problems. Then called the bead shop back to leave a message and let them know the credit card company recommended the bead shop remove the charges — they have 15 days while the charges are pending, and if they don’t, my credit card company will open a dispute. Unfortunately, with yesterday’s purchase I have two full loyalty cards I’ll probably never spend there.
I’m happy for the beading community that we have a few beading shops in the Columbus area — it’s really important for classes, and to get to know others who share the same interest, but this isn’t one I’ll patronize again.
I do give it three stars for the availability of merchandise, the friendly staff, and the convenience.

What a great find! Was in Granville visiting my daughter and wanted to pop in to get some supplies for a bracelet. Super helpful staff and a great variety of super high quality beads. Huge selection! Glad I found them!

GREAT bead store! Lots of swarovskis and so many other unexpected finds! Note, however, that store hours on this listing are incorrect, they are only open until 7:00 pm.

This is the best bead shop in Columbus. I love the friendly staff and the prices are perfect. I’m a jewelry designer and I know how much beads cost and it kills me when bead retailers mark up their beads 4x’s their cost. Gahanna Bead Shop prices their beads fairly. The store is small so their selection isn’t huge but they have the basics and many more wonderful beads. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will gladly help you with a project or gladly leave you to your own creative ways.

Gahanna Beads is no Byzantium. But if the drive is to far or you get stressed easily about parking in the Short North, Gahanna Beads may be right up your alley.
Beads is small and has a very specific selection. Unlike the eclectic whimsy of Byzantium, Gahanna Beads is going for a sophisticated business casual bead buyer. The shop sells beautiful beads that can range from the very expensive to the pocket change variety. This store seems to cater more towards the adult, Silpada wearing crowd in its offerings. These beads would be something to dress up a little black dress versus something you would wear to Bodega.
The staff is very helpful and quick to point you in the right direction. Gahanna Beads offers lots of classes from beginners to advanced. There is an area in the back of the store where you can work on your projects with the aid of the staff.
Gahanna Beads is connected to Scrapbook Groupies so if beading doesn’t satisfy your crafting desire you can get your scrapbook on next door. With its upscale selection Gahanna Beads is sure to help you create a beautiful piece of jewelery.