-
January 2024 by Lisa Jasek
Great tea shopI purchased 3 different green teas which I'm excited to try
-
November 2023 by Andrea K.
The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in such a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.
-
October 2023 by Eric B.
I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located just off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.
-
March 2023 by Preston Mary
I live in a small rural town in Wisconsin, and I was visiting family in IC and doing some "big city shopping" (for me). I saw a vase on display, with a sheaf of fake wheat in it, that I liked very much (just under $200). I wasn't sure I wanted spend that much on a vase, so I went home to my family's house to think it over for the night. The next day, I went in to buy it. I browsed for other gifts while the clerk wrapped it up, finding about another $100 in items to purchase.As I was getting ready to check out, I asked the clerk to just wrap the sheaf of wheat in paper for me. She told me it was not included. I was stunned--there was no sign saying "decorative flowers not included." I told her I had expected the sheaf, but she repeated that it was store policy to not include. I said I wasn't interested, then, in the purchase, and I left.I had no idea what a sheaf of fake wheat cost (but knew I couldn't find such in my rural town). I looked it up tonight, and it was $10 from amazon. Probably cost Akar $2. And they lost a $300 sale for that.I will find another vase I like, somewhere else.
-
March 2023 by Lisa Roberts
There's an eclectic collection of high-quality items. If you need a special gift, this is definitely a place to look.
-
March 2023 by Marcus Tan
Beautiful store! They have some wonderful ceramics on display right now in conjunction with the arts festival! The workers are super friendly!
-
March 2021 by Lori Beckermann
Terrific store for all sorts of things you need!
-
March 2021 by Mercy F. D'silva
A great location to pick up a bar of chocolate, housewarming gift, or a treat for yourself. This place runs the gambit for what might be a tasteful item you haven't encountered yet. Beautiful linens and tableware also available. Worth stopping in for a spin and a special something.
-
March 2020 by Nathan Collins
Great place to shop. Ceramics selection is top notch!
-
March 2020 by Quentin Adams
Cool store with lots of fun unique stuff but a bit overpriced.
-
March 2020 by Amelia DeRynck
I always find something unique at this great store!
-
March 2020 by Lynda Burr
Really interesting items that inspire design.
-
March 2020 by Louise Rauh
Contemporary designed products for all ages and very impressive handmade ceramic selection.
-
March 2020 by Sepand Bafti
Not worth it.
-
March 2020 by Mike McKay
Best place in town for unique gifts.
