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Books-A-Million
164 Forum Dr, Columbia, SC 29229, United States
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Books-A-Million
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Im
Review №1

I bought some great books at different books a million locations. Books on Kobe Bryant and Barack Obama. I do admit I always go to a second hand bookstore first to get a better deal. I also go on Amazon to get self help books. Reading is a lost art form in my opinion. Reading a good autobiography or a nice sci fi novel is not the same as reading news clips on yahoo. I try to engage my mind as much as possible with reading and exercise. The old saying is true if you don’t use it you lose it. With reading you get to use your imagination. It helps clear your mind and also builds your vocabulary. I don’t claim to be the smartest person in the world but reading has helped me in lots of ways. My future children will read at least one book a month. I want my children to be half Japanese because I love diversity and I love their culture. So I am studying the Japanese language but it’s very hard and at times seems impossible. Maybe in 5 to 10 years I will be able to speak and understand the language. I plan on spending some time in Japan although I am quiet and reserved. I love the culture because it’s all about showing humility and not standing out.

Ph
Review №2

Pretty much whatever youre looking for as in types of books and other products. Maybe not EVERY book. Clean and serene.

Tr
Review №3

Most awesome book store around! Great service 👏 always a joy going there!

Ji
Review №4

Great store, location and friendly staff. The outdoor seating is nice and as well as a larger than normal indoor seating.

Ge
Review №5

The variety of books is so amazing!! The customer service needs a little help. Trainees shouldnt be trying to sell memberships that either they dont fully understand how to explain or dont fully understand in itself.

Je
Review №6

A great and fun place to hang out and read. Good selection of vinyls if thats what your into. My buddies and I had a fun time playing Magic.

De
Review №7

I asked about a certain book and the staffer told me it was in the business section. He was a real Sherlock Holmes. He didnt even attempt to look it up. Of course I knew it was in the business section. I wanted to know if it was in stock so I wouldnt have to spend my time searching every book in that not so small isle. I looked for a few minutes then checked on my own phone for the availability. It was not there so I decided to order it through Amazon. If I were to make a decision to return based on the cashier, I would never be back but my love for books will more than likely drag me back in. I miss Border Books!

Je
Review №8

Large selection of books, magazines, and kids fun stuff. The coffee shop is nice too. Always friendly staff and its clean.

ly
Review №9

Although the staff seemed welcoming to guests upon arrival, they were rather loud throughout my visit. I sat in the Cafe attempting to focus on work and Zoom calls, and the staff had a leisurely pow-wow laughing and joking about as I tried to concentrate. I was under the impression people sometimes come there to relax and read in the Cafe, but it was DEFINITELY hard to do that when 3 or 4 employees are having a Frappuccino party nearby. It appears to be a manager of sorts and an employee or two.I was disappointed in this and only this. Internet worked fine. Employees were nice otherwise,... but sheesh!

G
Review №10

I enjoy visiting this bookstore, the staff is always pleasant and helpful. The store is always kept clean and organized.

Ca
Review №11

You can get lost in the rows of books and magazines. Staff is always helpful, they offer great recommendations. Just a great relaxing atmosphere.

Br
Review №12

Lots of great books to look at, and read. It is quiet, and relax. Many of the staff are friendly, but one employee who works here, is rude. She ignored me when I asked a question. But the managers are nice. Overall, good service. I would go over there again.

Kr
Review №13

This was my first visit to this location. Friendly cashier and informative associates. Found what I was looking for.

Cl
Review №14

More than just books. A great place for coffee and private studies

De
Review №15

I havent gone toa bookstore in quite a while, but Ive always loved BAM. Theyve changed some things around in there but I am still able to find what Im looking for. If I cant the clerks were so willing to help. I was told they could try and locate a book at a different location and order if necessary.

li
Review №16

Books were fine. Staff had the dispositions of indentured servants. Dont they feed them in there? Definite shift from the way I remember it. Oh well ... guess you cant be employed AND happy.

Li
Review №17

Recently, I visited Books A Million at Sandhill Mall, Columbia, SC and this store left very little to be desired. As a teacher on a budget, I frequently ask for store discounts and will usually be told yes or no. When I am able to receive one, I present my school ID without presenting any other information in order to recieve the teachers discount. However, not at this establishment. Not only did they asked for my school ID, they also asked me to present my paystub as further proof of being a teacher. I felt that this was only being done because of the color of my skin. This horrible experience left me feeling disgruntled. I can only say that if this is the way this store does buisness, then their policy should be made visible to all teachers when they ask for store discounts before hand. I have no desire to ever patronize this establishment again and hope that in this day and time of racial sensitivity, they learn proper edicate when dealing with people.

Ka
Review №18

It was very friendly and nice, had many good books that I loved plus cool plushies and figurines with a cafe on the right.

Ja
Review №19

Awesome place great people, and staff great place to relax with a beverage and snack and of course a book

Pa
Review №20

Has a delicious pumpkin spice latte if you want to get your Fall on.

Ta
Review №21

Very clean. Loved the various selections.

SU
Review №22

Had five of the six books I was looking for . They did offer to order the other. Personnel very efficient and helpful.

Ad
Review №23

Our cashier was awesome informative and very pleasent to deal with explained rewards program in great detail perfect customer service experience

Ez
Review №24

Love this place! I havent been in a long time and Im sad that I havent. Be mindful when entering this place, youll want it all if you like cute gifts, incense, and any book that suit your needs.

Li
Review №25

Great bookstore with great deals on selected discounted books

Ma
Review №26

Its a bookstore. They keep changing their floorplan, so you never know where your favorite section will be.Lots o manga...I like that.

je
Review №27

As with the whole world its just understaffed love the selection and size.

Im
Review №28

I love books and I go to this location pretty frequently. They have a wonderful selection of manga and light novels in store as well as popular bestsellers. There are also games and various plushies along with some movies and novelties. Plus, the website where you can order a wide variety of things that have been out for sometime or might not be in stock.

Tw
Review №29

Staff was great! The ambiance in the Cafe was surreal. Great pomegranate drink.

Ni
Review №30

Love this place! Staff is nice, but slow.

Ka
Review №31

Love to read and it has a nice little corner to get coffee and cookies. Really good place

Al
Review №32

Great bookstore in Sandhills mall.

Br
Review №33

Absolutely love this location, staff are very friendly, and knowledgeable about the books. We will continue to come back to this store.

He
Review №34

The childrens book I was looking for was in stock! The employees were very helpful

Mi
Review №35

I really like this store. The cashier was very helpful and pleasant.

Bl
Review №36

I went To books a million to find the closers survival guide by Grant Cardone. I didnt find it but found Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone and wasnt disappointed the book has been a game changer to my sales game. Im thankful for Grant writing such an amazing book and for books a million for having it. They just need more books by Grant on sales!!

Sh
Review №37

I went to pick up Craig Melvins book for my Godmother. I asked for assistance and the staff was very professional.

Er
Review №38

The manager has a additude as soon as we walk in the door and follow us everywhere we go in the store.

Do
Review №39

I absolutely loved the guy at the registers today.. he was so kewl! And his customer service was outstanding! I love this location anyway but he was like the cherry on top. Thank you so much for making my shopping so pleasant.

Qu
Review №40

They dont sell sports cards!!!! 👎👎👎👎👎... 5 Thumbs Down😒🤨

Ju
Review №41

Great service, sweet people

Jo
Review №42

This is a great store but the books are priced pretty high.

Ke
Review №43

Was surprised to find out that I couldnt return the wrong book i ordered in order to buy the one I wanted. Brought it thru PayPal. Stuck with it. Aint ordering no more.

Jo
Review №44

Big fan of books a million been going to them for at least 15 to twenty years now

Ch
Review №45

Great selection with amazing customer service.

Ka
Review №46

I love shopping for books, and Books-A-Million did not disappoint. I like that they have both new and used. The staff was friendly and helpful. Ill definitely be back. Couldnt give 5 stars because of the pitch to buy a member card, etc. Not the fault of the individual location - just a corporate policy.

An
Review №47

Great layout of the store, excellent prices and very family friendly. This location is awesome and has excellent customer service!!!

Be
Review №48

Well organized book store with knowledgeable and friendly personnel. Can always find what I want or be advised of others that might be interested in reading.

Te
Review №49

Store was very clean! The selection was large enough and the staff was friendly

Ma
Review №50

Love this place! So happy Columbia still has one, brings back nostalgia. Great prices and lots of stuff for kids. The staff at this location are great as well

al
Review №51

I was looking for a book, I asked one of the employees for it, she just told me where it could be, I searched for it for 40 minutes I couldnt find.

H
Review №52

Love this store. They have a great selection. Also bargain priced books. So you can find something to read for every budget. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The bathroom was clean and well stocked. The store was also clean.

Mi
Review №53

Good location, good variety of books, clean store, and nice representatives.

Br
Review №54

Something for everyone here.

El
Review №55

The worse customer service Ive ever encountered. Not one person out of the six I saw acknowledged that we were there meaning no one spoke and no one asked if we could be helped which wouldve been nice since I found only 2 of the 7 items I was looking for. I regret ever purchasing a membership! I will not be ordering online either!

Mi
Review №56

EDIT: after speaking with the GM of the store, he assured me that associates will be more transparent to future customers about how the card used to purchase books would be charged automatically in 2 months for this magazine subscription. Just be warned before you go in to the store to say no to the “free” magazines unless you want to deal with having to cancel 2 months after the promo period has ended.They scam you at checkout! All I wanted to do was to buy some books and be on my way. At checkout they forced me to get a “free” magazine subscription even though I said I didn’t want one. They also left out the most important part of all this is that after the “free” two months ends they automatically charge the card I used today to check out! There has to be some sort of privacy law against this! There’s no way there’s anything ethical about keeping my card info on file and sending it to another company like that. They weren’t going to tell me this until my boyfriend asked about it! What the heck kind of scam is this? Don’t go here to buy books, go to amazon instead, because you’ll come out being scammed into some not so free magazines here.

Te
Review №57

Love b.a.m they always have gems that catch you off guard.

Cu
Review №58

Great customer service experience!

Ty
Review №59

Great store. They didnt have what I was looking for but I also have a peculiar taste so most places wouldnt. As far as books they have a massive selection and have even found some unexpected delights on a few of their tables they set up in the middle

Jo
Review №60

Poor selection. Staff has very little knowledge on their stock. I purchased a book online that turned out to be the wrong one. When I went to the store to return it, they wouldnt do the refund. Poor customer service. Barnes and Noble wannabe. BARNES AND NOBLE - IF YOURE LISTENING, PLEASE COME BACK!! WE MISS YOU!

Ma
Review №61

I dont know how these guys are staying in business because their prices are definitely higher than you can find online. I still like to visit the local stores but cant bring myself to spend that much extra money for the same product. I was able to find a couple of books on sale that were good deals though.

Ro
Review №62

This was a nice Books-A-Million. Hopefully they can stay open. A lot of genres in here, and even the popular Witcher series, which has been sold out at Barnes and Noble for weeks.Great place to treat yourself to a new book, or to buy gifts for someone. They have a lot of books, some older used CDs, lots of magazines, some office supplies, journals, planners, niche T-shirts, Harry Potter paraphernalia, and other toys and goodies. Definitely worth a stroll through if youre in the shopping center.

Da
Review №63

Terrific store. Where you can spend a lunch hour reading a book

Cr
Review №64

We love Books-A-Million. My kids and I come here ever Saturday and get a drink and wonder around. They each get a new book. I love the fact that now they buy books, so we can sell them back. The employees are wonderful.

Tr
Review №65

The books I was looking for were right up front inside the door. Easy!

Se
Review №66

A ton of books to choose from a wide variety of topics which is a good thing and the books are amazing

Al
Review №67

A nice and peaceful place to go and just read

Mi
Review №68

The cashier was amazingly helpful.

Do
Review №69

It has gradually moved from a bookstore to a toy store. Literature, History, Science, Philosophy, Cookbooks, etc., have all shrunk over time and more and more psuedo-religious trash and toys have come to dominate shelf space. Its not a serious bookstore any longer. Add to that the fact that the coffee shop is poorly staffed and frequently out of ingredients. Sad to see it go...

Wi
Review №70

What can you say books are great.

Ny
Review №71

Nice and organized could been more seats.

Am
Review №72

Good place to study, read, and buy books. But be aware one of the cashier( a guy) will try to sign you up for some magazines and take your CC info without telling you that they will charge you after your trial. He will only tell you that you will only get magazines for free for 3 months. So dont accept no free staffs or magazines from there unless you really like these kind of thing. Thank you

Bl
Review №73

Staff on hand is very nice and helpful. The store did seem to be a bit short staffed...this made some other customers angry. Even though the book I wanted was not in stock (its a very popular book) the staff made sure I knew when it would be coming in ad gave me the number to call to check yo make sure it was there before I made a second trip. I thought that was thoughtful and considerate of my time.

Ka
Review №74

This is my favorite place to go!!

bm
Review №75

I enjoy coming here to look around. I signed up for the membership but I regret it now because I havent visited much since I got a new job across town. Maybe its a good deal if you plan on buying books often.

Co
Review №76

Great staff happy friendly knowledge

Lo
Review №77

My favorite book store of all .the books are arranged so you can see what you need without having to struggle. This is my go to place when Im looking for a book to cozy up witb

Ka
Review №78

Super wide selection of books. Im excited to go back there again and get the next book in my series. They have great people there working. I love their cafe. Im excited to have Apple Cider from there again when its in season.

Jo
Review №79

Great place to go for some quiet and to get away from things for a little while. I love to see what new books there are and to get books when needed. The customer service is always great amd I also enjoy browsing their non book items as well.

Er
Review №80

Well stocked but yet hard to find any help

Ro
Review №81

I enjoy going and relaxing while scouring the magazines but, they are taking up any walkable space with shelfings of anything they can find. It makes it very hard to walk the main isles. It hard to find free space where your not afraid of knocking something over.

Fr
Review №82

One of my favorite places in the universe 😍

Ka
Review №83

I am a faithful customer and this is my second time in a row having an awful experience at the Sandhills location in Columbia, SC. Angie clearly doesn’t want to help customers. Again, my second experience with her rudeness and uninviting assistance. The first time was with my daughter and this most recent time, I was alone. The floor layout has changed, so I think it’s perfectly okay to help a customer find the section they are looking for. Angie, needs a new job or a new attitude! It’s sad that my daughter is a HS student and states, “mom, do you think she’s having a bad day?” The first day I let it go, but this is my second time and that’s not good customer service or a good look for the business.

No
Review №84

It had exactly what I was looking for. And the people there are super nice

Va
Review №85

I always love this place to come and get some good reads. The people are so friendly. They do need more quiet spots in the stores.

Mi
Review №86

Went to get my wife a book she really wanted for Christmas, she loves Nora Roberts, Books a Million,$27.99. Amazon $13.99 thats absolutely a major rip off. Guess what one click shopping on Amazon while in Books A Million. And thats how its done. If it were $15 to $17 I would have bought it from there, but it wasnt.

Fo
Review №87

Great vibe to study, read, chill, have discussions... music is on point and cafe is just right. Friendly workers make it even better. I love coming here to work online and read.

Ha
Review №88

I do not think I have ever spoken to someone more rude on the phone than I think she said her name was Cynthia. I didn’t know that asking about store hours was such a hard question. But thanks anyways.

ma
Review №89

Showing books in stock that arent present in the store

Fe
Review №90

Was my favorite store to shop in when I lived in the area. I would often come in just to be surrounded by books when I had a stressful day. My friends and I also often utilized the café area to play Cardfight Vanguard as well. Nice, friendly staff. Will definitely visit again if Im ever back in the area.

ij
Review №91

Online showed that this location had a book I wanted. I went inside and two female workers were standing together and talking and having a great time. After standing and looking at them for a few minutes is when I said excuse me twice. They both look and said Oh I welcome to the store. I asked if they had my book. She looked in the system and r replied its showing we only have one copy and of we did its in the back on this section. They both turned back to that lovely conversation they were having and didnt bother to come and direct me or assist. I left after searching this area for some time and ordered the book off of Amazon.

Im
Review №92

Hands down one of my favorite stores. I love how they have a large manga and light novel selection, which isnt usually available in non-chain stores. Its also easy and fast to order books either online or in store.

Kn
Review №93

Nice little book store with a coffee shop. Prices are very reasonable.

Sh
Review №94

Big book stores are essential! You can browse new authors, find magazines youd never even heard of, and spend half your pay check on the Bargain Books tables. While online sellers are convenient, if you know what you want, Books-A-Million is there when you just want to shop.

Vi
Review №95

Good place to have a little meeting. The coffee bar has several options and snacks available. The chairs at the tables could be more comfortable. Maybe some type of cushioning.

Ad
Review №96

I only come here to buy manga, but the selection and variety are amazing. And when new volumes and chapters release, theyre always right there. Gotta say, customer service is always good too.

An
Review №97

Awesome neighborhood gastro pub. Great bourbon selection and a steady rotation of local beers on tap.

Su
Review №98

Went to get books for my grandkids who love reading. Always have a great selection. No problem finding books, but LONG TIME for someone to come to the register to pay (hint hint )...

Sa
Review №99

Did not find what we were looking for: travel books for Belgium and Netherlands. Disappointing but did find great books for grandson who likes history of World Wars. Both under $6.00. Good deals.

Ty
Review №100

Great store. great atmosphere. almost any book you can think of is there except palahniuk. unfortunately one one novel by him 😢 but still loved the store

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:164 Forum Dr, Columbia, SC 29229, United States
  • Site:http://booksamillion.com/
  • Phone:+1 803-788-4349
Categories
  • Comic book store
  • Book store
  • Gift shop
  • Magazine store
  • Music store
  • Toy store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–8PM
  • Tuesday:4–9PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–9PM
  • Thursday:9AM–9PM
  • Friday:11AM–8PM
  • Saturday:10AM–8PM
  • Sunday:10AM–8PM
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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