Sign of the Bear Kitchenware

Yes ditto to other reviews. It would be appropriate at a store in this location should automatically ask «Can I wrap this for you?» Since they didn’t, and I bought four items I had to struggle and get the goop of the pieces from the tacky price tags. If you aren’t going to be kind enough to offer and gift wrap it WOULD be kind to remove and clean the surfaces at least. Where has customer service gone in quaint little retail stores?:(

Great kitchen store. Wonderful selection, fair prices and nice, nice staff. We make this store a regular weekly stop just to make sure We’re not missing any new «must have» kitchen items.

Horrible customer service. Purchased an expensive cutting board and when using it for the first time noticed the wood had a split down the middle of it. No big deal, good excuse to go back to Sonoma to shop.
Walked in with the board and receipt in hand. Two male employees standing behind the cash register noticed me. I know they realized that I wanted to do a return/​exchange. Instead of being inviting and polite, they were downright rude. Neither would look at me or address me. I stated that I had a receipt and was in just a couple weeks prior. They became accusatory and started lecturing me for misusing it. I was going to explain to them that I didn’t even get a chance to use it, but I didn’t even feel like wasting my time with these guys.
Finally, another employee came over and completed my transaction. Funny thing is that over the years we’ve shopped and spent hundreds of dollars at this place. Too bad, we’ll go elsewhere now.

Ok, so I know this place gets some high reviews, but why is the question? Some of the prices on appliances are competitive and some of the white dishes are ok — lots of what they have can be purchased at Home Goods for a fraction of the price. Mmm, now that I think about it, when was the last time I saw something new on their shelves? Lots of old stuff that is over priced and under cool. And, I ask you: have you ever really had stellar customer service at Sign of the Bear? Now, honestly, aren’t they snobby? Or maybe you are one of the many Americans who don’t expect decent customer service any longer. Well, trends show that is changing and so «Sign» better stand up and get with the program. Returns? Forget it! We locals need to «eat» (no pun intended) anything we’re not happy with. Better us than them, right? That says it all in my book.

This place has everything for your kitchen. It’s like a mini Sur la Table in the heart of downtown Sonoma.
Kitchen gadgets, coffee makers, knives, you name it, they’ve got it. And because they’re located in wine country, they carry plenty of wine related gadgets.
Even if you leave empty handed it’s a great place to browse.

I gave Sign of the Bear a five because of it’s versatility in handling many items that a cook either needs or dreams about. I have in the past tasted a product there, I think with the right staff could enhance their store into a place to stop and taste some of the flavors of Sonoma! At least that’s how I feel.

I ordered a custom cutting board from this store as a wedding gift. It took a bit of back and forth with forms and faxes and the delivery took longer than expected but the end product was worth the hassle. The cutting boards are made from the top of a wine barrel and very unique and personalized. The couple that received it was blown away and it was one of their favorite wedding gifts so I ended up ordering it for another couple as well. They also have a selection of cooking supplies! Worth checking out when in the area.

Over the past ten years I’ve bought kitchenware and cook books galore from this shop. This very charming shop.
More fun than a sur la table store, maybe because it’s more cluttered and quirky. Or maybe because it doesn’t feel so corporate cookie cutter.
Lots’a high quality merchandise. And when an item is on sale it can be priced lower than an e-​Bay or Amazon deal.
Recommended.

Fun kitchen and home store located right on the square. Chef knives, Beautiful Plate Sets, Flour Sack Napkins, Coffee Makers, Baking Supplies, Country Chotkes and Modern Flair. Love to shop for housewarming gifts, hostess items and home needs. Fun crew how works behind counter too.

Whats not to like? We live pretty close but only cruise Sonoma Square every few months or so… always stop in here. Have NEVER witnessed any attitude or obnoxious salespeople. We ALWAYS find something, yesterday we got an awesome special scrub brush for wine glasses. There’s a LOT to see, its just a FUN store, even friends who don’t like to cook like it here. Highly recommended!
My only negative (sorta) thing — time for a new window display, its been the same for a while!
Cool store! Go there!

I am a local of Sonoma and i truly enjoy shopping at the Sign of the Bear. However, some of their staff simply give them a bad reputation. I’ve had 2 unpleasant experiences with their staff.
I went Christmas shopping in 2013 and was waiting for my present to be wrapped when I spotted something else I wanted. So a sales person pleasantly rang the item up for me so I could pay for it. In a few minutes, the first sales person (a nasty woman) loudly asked the other sales person, «Did she pay for that?» i looked at her puzzled at why she would ask that question and complained to a man who asked what the commotion was all about and he staunchly defended the nasty woman.
I stopped going there for a year and just recently did when we were in need of buying a present for a good friend. My husband went back today, 1÷10÷15, to get another present for a friend we were visiting. He called to say if I still wanted the item because they were giving him a hard time and refused to gift wrap 2 items that were on sale. The young man who refused to gift wrap the items said they don’t wrap items on sale which is very strange because they did so when we bought sale items on 1÷1÷15. What kind of sales person would refuse to gift wrap an item when they clearly do so for others.
This store has the most arrogant nasty sales people in Sonoma.
I guess shopping at Williams-​Sonoma would be a more pleasant experience.

I love this place! I make sure to come here each time I’m in Sonoma. Even if I don’t buy anything it’s super fun to look at ALL the kitchen gadgets. I bought my teen’s first chef’s knife here — quality. Service is fantastic with knowledgeable staff who are very friendly and helpful.

This store is a favorite, they always have unique things of quality and if I’m looking for a gift, its a sure find here.
The employees are genuinely friendly and welcome you as soon as you appear at their door.

Beautiful store with something for everyone on your «gift» list. I live nearby and pop in frequently — always leaving with something. Always a fabulous shopping experience, and if you’re a «browser», I doubt you’ll leave empty handed, just too many, fun, interesting, gotta-​have items, and you’ll be happy you did!

Love this place though my bank account suffers!
So many goodies are crammed in this store, I want to buy them all. If you are looking for a kitchen staple or the perfect hard to find gadget this is THE place!
Take into account it is Sonoma Square and you know it will be pricy. However, look around, you will find some great finds and amazing deals. (I got a $ 90 French press, tiny dent, for $ 20).
My BFF is a chef 3 hrs away and has me but stuff for her restaurant here for her.
Even if your not buying, worth a look-​ie-​loo!

I love going in Sign of the Bear to check out all the cool culinary gadgets! This store is so fun to shop at and is a great place to buy a gift.

This place is awesome! I am such a sucker for so many things in here! I love that you have so many more unique choices than you find at Bed Bath and Beyond. They also have the typical kitchen wares, but its easy to find inexpensive great kitchen items. I’ve received several gifts from this shop and always stop in when in the area.

I’m a sucker for culinary supplies. I love to window shop and although it wasn’t my birthday, I wanted something for myself and home.
They have so many gadgets and appliances that I was like a kid in a candy store. The baking section is impressive and the wood carved items were really beautiful. I tried to keep in simple and pick up a couple small accesories for my kitchen.
Perfect place for anyone who loves to cook or gifts for those who do. A culinary based gift is a gift that keeps on giving.

Very cute kitchenware store that was kinda like a cross between a Sur La Table and Bed Bath and Beyond because of their mixture of high end and mid grade goods. The place was packed when I visited but I still managed to oogle at all the wares that would look good in my kitchen.
You see, I have this illness. An illness that I have been called out on countless times. I tend to want to purchase kitchen electrics and goods for one sole purpose… it looks good on my counter! If you know me well, you know I can’t cook or don’t cook but sure do love those fancy shmancy electrics and tools!
I’d love to come back and buy ummm I mean browse the goodies again!

Fun store to browse! And it’s impossible to not find SOMETHING you need. I love this place. Every time I go, there are several aha moments or why-didn’t-I-think-of-that moments. Unfortunately, both times I’ve purchased something there, I felt like getting rung up was an inconvenience to the staffer. I understand that my purchases were small, but for a quaint, fun, Sonoma store, I’d expect a little charm. Just a teeny bit?
Easy parking in the square.