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Chapters
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
10504 82 Ave NWEdmonton, AB T6E 2A4
(780) 435-1290
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Chapters
13 reviews in English
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Review from S J.
Edmonton, AB
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
As a hard-core booklover, I really love bookstores and for a chain store this is one of the best. There are always staff around who are willing to help find your heart's desire. The children's section is very good. Combine that with a Starbucks and I am happy.
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Review from Alex P.
1/4/2012
This store is pretty big and covers a variety of topics. The selection depends on what you're searching for, though. They have a wide selection of fiction novels. For a general topic (like learning how to knit) you'll be able to find something suitable. But I tend to opt for the nerdy science books, and I find that Chapters sells mostly overviews aimed at the layperson, which really isn't what I want.
The staff at this Chapters are hit and miss for me. Sometimes, I chat it up with employees and get fantastic books recommended to me, and sometimes employees are nowhere to be found.
The way the store is laid out is nice and cozy. It's not too hard to find a nice corner to read in, and I've spent my fair share of nights here with friends just hanging out. One thing I dislike, though, is that it smells like Starbucks. I'm not a huge Starbucks fan, and especially when I'm hungry the smell really puts me off.
It's tough to judge this Chapters because there are so many great used book stores in the area. For most general topics and casual browsing, the used book stores are much easier on your wallet and much more interesting.
Verdict: If I want to sit down and read and possibly find something unexpected and interesting, I'm more likely to try a used book store nearby. If I want to buy something specific, I'm more likely to shop online. The Chapters website offers a larger selection, better discounts (for the most part), and the option of purchasing used books as well. There isn't much to be gained by going to this particular location unless you're in a rush and know they have something.Listed in: Date Ideas
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Review from Jamie T.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Books and Starbucks on Whyte Ave. Yeah, can't go wrong there.
I like this location mainly as a spot to kill some time while waiting to meet people. Inevitably, if I agree to meet up with anyone on Whyte, the first thing they'll say to me is "Meet up at Chapters?"
Sometimes, I worry about how predictable I'm becoming in my old age.......
Anyhow, back to the review - great books, great prices, fun people to watch and tie up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things. Well, except for that bit about tying people up. I only do that at work. -
Review from Aditya R.
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Chapters on Whyte ave is my go to place for general bookshop browsing. Given that they've got such spacious interiors, it's certainly very inviting to come here and spend time scanning through the various sections of the shop.
The Starbucks here blends in very well the rest of the shop, making it ever so easy to stop for a cup of coffee while going through the books. One reason I really like chain stores like Chapters is that they have a great selection of periodicals. There've been so many instances when I've walked in on a Sunday morning to get the Sunday edition of the New York Times. Of course, with a decent list of international newspapers and a huge collection of other magazines, I tend to stop by quite often. I like reading magazines, yes I do!
The gifts section is conveniently located near the great picks or recent releases of books. That's a nice idea since it's ideal to spend time in this part of the shop if you're looking for a nondescript gift.Listed in: Whyte Ave, City Living
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Review from Karlie M.
5/14/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I generally prefer to take books out from the library and then buy them later if I really feel the need to own them, or buy them online for a bit of a discount. However, for me, nothing can really beat the feeling of going into a huge bookstore, sitting on the floor and surrounding myself with books. And this is the place where I can do that. Seriously, if I'm ever feeling bored or low, put me in a bookstore and I'll cheer up.
Anyways, like everyone else has mentioned, this store has two floors, so they have quite a good selection. I spend 98% of my time at this store in the travel section. They also have a pretty decent selection of notebooks, another favourite section of mine. The people who work here have no problem with me and my husband or friends sitting on the floor for an hour or more with a stack of books. (And yes, they do have chairs, but I prefer the floor, ok?!) I've encountered several lovely people working here. I remember having a long conversation with one of the ladies about travel once. They're always there if you have questions or just want to chat about books.
Like I said, I usually don't buy anything, but decide what I want here and buy it online cheaper later. When i do, the checkout staff are also usually quite nice and friendly. But I always gravitate to this place when I'm on Whyte and like hanging out here.Listed in: I like books
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Review from Eric B.
2/14/2010
This is a fun Chapters location within a fun neighbourhoud (Whyte Avenue) and near the University of Alberta. Parking is the only issue around here and like Berkeley the meter people are relentless. The Homelessness situation also reminds me of my home in Northern California, except that the First Nations influence is much more pronounced.
When I'm usually on Whyte Avenue, I'll come here for a bit, go out and about a bit and then come back. It's also important to note that there are also independent book stores in this District that merit a visit. And it's either at Greenwoods' or the Wee Book Inn that I will try to make a purchase first.
This Chapters has 2 floors and a nice relaxed vibe. It's fun to linger, browse and people watch here. The magazine selection is comparable to the Chapters at West Edmonton Mall and the book selection is nicely stocked throughout the store. I also like the music section, the windows and natural lighting, and the coffee shop. And as I have encountered at most other Chapters and Indigo stores, the bargain and gifts sections are worth a dedicated look. -
Review from Amy W.
Medicine Hat, AB
4/6/2011
I know a lot of people seem to have a kind of..hate for shopping at Chapters/Coles (I guess it's because it's a chain??). But this Chapters really is a cool place to go. It's got a really nice atmosphere (unlike some Chapters I've been in..) and the one time I went in and there was an acoustic type performance upstairs at the Starbucks. Personally, I prefer buying used books so I will try and support the local businesses first. But I found that Chapters is the perfect place to buy a gift card for my stubborn uncle, as you can order whatever book you want online.
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Review from Lauren N.
10/16/2008 2 photos
I normally like going to smaller consignment book-shops, but I like coming to this Chapters now and then to mix it up. This one has two floors, with magazines, gifts and bestsellers on the main floor, and everything else upstairs. Like most other Chapters stores, they have a Starbucks located on the upper floor as well.
The staff are really nice and there's always someone around to help you. I met a guy who worked there and we started talking about writing. He told me he recently got some of his poetry published, and encouraged me to have confidence in my own writing. Funny enough, this small act of coincidence (or fate?) pushed me to do what I needed.
Besides chatting with the staff, I like to come here to browse their clearance section, as there's always something good for really cheap. It's not crazy to find a hardcover for a couple bucks. Unheard of, maybe (the book, that is), but it just might prove to be enjoyable.
If you were here at the end of the summer, you probably noticed their air conditioning was down and it was sweltering in the store. They have since then installed a new system, so the room temp is back to breathable normal. Thank goodness! -
Review from John S.
7/20/2011
I'm a big fan of this location. It's one of the few that still has a dedicated Hear Music section - though the prices of most CDs and DVDs are higher than you would find at most places. The Starbucks located on the second floor is a great place to relax but can be quite busy during peak times. The book selection is outstanding, especially the mystery section (my fave) and the staff is very helpful, often volunteering to suggests books without being prompted. Being a magazine addict, I love the selection of periodicals they have (and now with discounts on mags with chapters card, it's cheaper to feed my habit!). With air conditioning, it's a great place to stop when shopping on whyte during a summer heatwave - we still have those, right?
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Review from Paula K.
11/19/2008
Here is my second favourite Chapters location in the city. Two levels of book goodness. The first level has magazines, new releases, best-sellers, sales, and some gift items. Upstairs is the topical arrangement of books, along with the Starbucks and music store. The selection of music here is great, and I have found a lot of edgy tunes here. In fact, I think I have purchased more CDs here than books. I generally spend a lot of time checking out the sales bin that carries books for under five dollars - and the stuff is not junk. The place is usually quite busy, especially on weekends, but there are usually plenty of staff people around able to help. When on Whyte Avenue I still prefer to patronize independent and used bookstores, but I still like my visit to Chapters.
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Review from Sean E.
Edmonton, AB
9/5/2009
My favorite Edmonton Chapters. 2 floors, great ambiance and style, wide selection of books, and the best part: a Starbucks upstairs with a balcony overlooking the first floor, with giant windows looking outside Whyte Ave and allowing in plenty of natural lighting. The perfect place to spend an afternoon reading.
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Review from Maria F.
12/1/2009
Chapters' Whyte Avenue location is my favorite as well. I love the two floors, the Starbucks, the separate section with CDs... I love that people do not rush here, and take their time to read magazines and browser through the books, to have coffee with friends and to work on their laptops. The atmosphere here is relaxed...
Chapters carries a fantastic selection of magazines that cover every subject imaginable. When my husband was into stock market, he was buying financial magazines like crazy. I personally was amazed to find French Vogue and Russian periodicals.
The number of books is mind-blowing! I frequent history, biographies, fiction, classics and photography sections, while my husband prefers sci-fi, fantasy books and medical thrillers, and Chapters never ceases to offer an amazing selection. Although prices for books seem to have gone up, there are always sales going on.
The music section is also great. You can go ahead and put on the headphones to listen to sample CDs. I often browse world music and indie artists, and end up buying a CD or two. -
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
11/3/2009 1 photo
I love Chapters!
I come to the Chapters on Whyte just for fun, to hang out, browse, and even on dates. It's just a great place to be.
This location is the best in Edmonton. It has 2 floors which adds a different dynamic to it than most of the other locations. And because it is on Whyte Ave, it sees a different crowd. It's wonderful.
I will often grab a coffee from the Starbucks upstairs and go hang out at one of the listening stations (also located upstairs). It' a good way to relax.
The staff are friendly. Even if they don't know where something is, they will look it up for me and take me there. I went i looking for a travel book and there was a gentleman there who was so much help! He asked what kind of things I wanted it to cover, how much I wanted to spend . . . he was very knowledgeable. I walked out with the perfect book - what a feeling!
I don't just love the books, music, and coffee at Chapters, I love their environmentally friendly products as well. I bought my day-timer there and it made out of 100% recycled materials. It was more expensive than one that wasn't recycled but it was worth the extra few dollars.
Chapters is just a fun place to hang out. Grab a friend and check it out! You'll have fun, chat , and probably learn something too (that tends to happen when thousands of books are present)!
