Chronicle Books

I went in looking for new books for my 2.5 year old. Cool looking layout, and a decent selection of fun books for kids. I was not greeted, nor spoken too until the total price was given. The front desk was more focused on whatever was on their computer screen rather than helping a customer. I still purchased two books, but am regretting the decision later. Poor service shouldn’t be rewarded. I won’t be going back, but maybe you all will have better luck.

Yikes! For a fantastic press, I was really disappointed in one of their actual locations. I recently discovered Chronicle Books (who publishes fabulous cookbooks! [They produce kids’ books and novels as well…]) has stores. I only knew this because I was near AT&T Park having dinner and noticed the storefront. From the outside, it looked grand. I walked in to find a vast warehouse-​like space with enough books to fill a child’s closet. What was going on there? The selection was miniscule. When I hurried to the cookbook section, the books were laying on a low surface — not even a bookshelf. I had to bend down to sift through them. That’s not a very practical nor pleasant way to look through books. They sell other merchandise as well: journals, trinkets, etc.
I read some other reviews before going in and I can confirm that yes, their service is… well, it isn’t service. There were no customers inside the shop. There were two cashiers talking to each other, and not to mention being incredibly inappropriate. There must’ve been some workplace drama happening because they were talking about someone and there was some profanity used. Um, hello. This is a store where they sell children’s books. Geez! In the meantime, one of the staff was also chummy-​ing it up with a friend who walked in – didn’t even bother to ask how I was doing or if I needed assistance. I perused the bookshelves for a few more minutes… and alas, still no recognition and still nothing enticing to purchase. What a shame. I own at least a dozen cookbooks from Chronicle. Now… I’ve also been to the Chronicle on 4^th Ave. It is (I believe) newer, small in size, BUT LARGER in selection. There is also a Chronicle in the Marina. I’ll check that out and report back. In the meantime, avoid this location.

If you want to touch and feel your books, go here.
Don’t get too cozy though, these books sell fast during their warehouse sales.
You can get 50%-75% off some amazing books.
They have it all, coffee table books, graphic novels, cookbooks, self help, kids books, local authors, funny gift books, etc. There is a limited quantity though since it’s a small space.
To find out the dates of the sale, check the Chronicle Books Blog and Johnny Fun Cheap and you will be in the know.

A ton of Moleskines if you’re into that kinda thing.
A book for everyone with great typography, visuals and content. The store is spacious and open for curiosity.

A candy shop of a store where the beautiful books are showcased like cupcakes at a bakery. I wish the selection were larger and carried older titles, but I always stop here on my way to the Metreon looking for new treasures.

I must have stopped by at just the right time because no other customer was inside. It’s a small «showcase» bookstore on the entrance level at Chronicle Books’ business offices. Their publications are geared toward curious adults, although they have also published successful children’s fare. Several San Francisco writers who specialize in «How-​to» books have worked with them.
I was able to ask questions, purchase a baby gift and enjoy my browsing. The shop has a limited selection, but if you have a a reason to buy a close friend a book you are sure to find something specific to their interests. Much like going to a specialized library, I liked the simplicity of a store devoted primarily to new books (there were also notecards and blank books). The young woman in charge let me happily roam and read.
A bookstore is a wonderful addition to this part of SOMA.

If you love Chronicle Books you’ll probably like this place better. As a luke warm admirer of Chronicle Books I’d say this place has a limited selection of Chronicle Books. I expected there to be more of a collection Chronicle Books but I guess they purge their books with clearances now and again. They carry mostly food books, art books, and journals. After skimming through several books I realized that the covers are the best part of their books.

Great source for all things Moleskine. I wouldn’t really call it a bookstore though – mostly cookbooks and entertainment/​coffee table stuff, the rest was stationery and journals.

I wish I had an unlimited amount of wealth so I could stock my house with Chronicle books. I love the crafty/​baking books that are filled with pictures (because if there are no pictures, how am I supposed to know how its supposed to turn out).
And it’s great to have all the Chronicle books in one place! I’ll definitely be looking out for that 65% off sale that people have mentioned :)

LOVE their books! The quality of their books is superb. They have a huge variety of books that are designed well. I often come just to browse their cook books and children’s books. This location frequently has warehouse sales. This is the best time to stock up on notebooks and other novelty gift items.

This is a cute bookstore filled with nice novelty books. This is a good place to shop for the person that seems to have everything. All books and stationery are at retail price unless they’re having one of their warehouse sales where everything is 70% off. Scored a Pixar book for only $ 15.

I went in to this bookstore today after a visit to the Giants dugout dressed in Orange and Black. As a native San Franciscan I was appalled by the lack of customer service and courtesy by the young lady sitting at the front desk having a conversation with someone (another employee?). When I asked a question all I received was a rude response. I purchased a drawing book for my 3yr old son and paid for it,. Not even a thank you or come again. I surely won’t. I can find other bookstores in my city and not have to deal with transplants.

Publishers of trendy up-​to-​date books, gift books, and stationery products. I love my online password journal and business card book holder. This San Francisco, CA location is the corporate headquarter office. Chronicle Books’ products are reasonably priced and have cute design patterns.
I rate it four stars as, sadly, for the lack thereof any girly girl journals or notebooks lined or unlined with subtle covers as hearts or floral motiffs.

This particular location is their corporate headquarters (they are publishers). The retail store is somewhat warehouse-​like but you find wonderful deals when they have a sale and the rest of the time the books are fairly priced.
The books are interesting and I buy many design books (architecture, interiors, landscape, etc.) there as gifts to designer friends. There are children’s books and nature books and lots of other type of reading and coffee table books.
I read the review about the sales staff there not being nice and I have NEVER found that to be true whether I buy anything or not. When there is a sale on, I can take a book to them and ask to have the «final out-​the door price» before I buy and they are happy to do it.
The only time you might think you are getting in trouble is if you try to go over into the corporate area showroom next door. My suggestion to Chronicle is to curtain it off or reposition the sales counter (it could be on wheels for instance) so that shoppers don’t even try to go over there.

65% off! That’s almost free. Thanks Chronicle Books!

This is the address of Chronicle Books’ offices – not its retail location. For more info, check out the website:
.
As an employer, Chronicle Books is one of the best in SF. It was named one of the Top 25 employers in 2004 and 2005.
***UPDATE***
Chronicle Books now operates a lobby store at its home office until 5:30 PM Monday-​Friday. They sell Moleskine journals there, too!

What a horrible experience shopping at chronicle books –store. The sales staff couldn’t bother helping me. My god I could walked out of the store with 20 books under my jacket and the sales person wouldn’t have said a thing– too much of a bother to get up.
The books are insipid and uninspired. the stationery is beautiful

Chronicle Books are slick, cool, and hip.
They’re definitely geared towards the younger generation of readers, and they obviously try to keep everything current and visually appealing to the younger set.
One star off… because they’re not appealing to me anymore.