Village Commons Bookstore Review

Overpriced books, horrible return policy, employees are often tired (and as a result) not very helpful. They watch you like a hawk when you come in and generally act as salespeople rather than customer service. If you call, expect to be put on hold

Don't be lured in by the fact that you can rent books for cheap there, because they'll find any excuse to not let you return them. My book had the slightest wrinkle in it and the manager said I couldn't return it without even looking at it, then rubbed it in my face that "it's a big problem for them now to replace the book". They also won't let you return packets even if they're in perfect condition. And if you bought a bundle of books and one of them isn't returnable, then nothing from the bundle is returnable. The student workers are fine but every adult I talked to there didn't know what they were doing and their office was a mess. As conveniently located as this place is, avoid it.

My grandson is attending NIU. The staff was very helpful. My grandson was pleased that's all that mattered to me

It's a small place in the prices are kind of high. But they have the things that you need. The staff were friendly and very helpful. At least when I was in there.

This "merchant" has absolutely no accountability for mistakes they make. Erroneous charges will be pursued by the full weight of the university financial offices. When you call the bursar, they completely relinquish themselves for all actions and charges made by the bookstore. I have been working for almost a year on single refund.

I tried to send an email on their official contact me page, and it blocks all access as unauthorized. It is clear the merchant is willing to abuse students financially.

If possible, go to absolutely any other merchant.

Great customer service, huge variety of clothing and nice employees. Super convenient parking lot right out front. Definitely worth a stop!

I can't imagine DeKalb without the Village Commons Bookstore, but that will soon be a reality. This place doesn't look like it's been updated since the 70s when it opened. But it had the look and feel of a small business, as well as the charm. Their selection was always number one, with the freshest NIU gear in all of DeKalb. The staff was always friendly, and I am thankful to have called myself a temp worker for at least 2 book rushes.

So sad to hear they will be leaving us soon. You left a lasting impact on DeKalb, and the greater NIU community. I pray someone picks up where your left off, as you guys did it right for so very long. Take care and best wishes to everyone who made the VCB great.

Hot inside and busy, but that's cause I was in during peak seasonal hours

Helpful staff and they had what I needed at fair prices

The facility is pretty good. My only concern is the lack of coordination. There should be more direction as to where one should be going and such. Not a huge drawback, but it can be a little disorganized at times.

I can honestly say that I have never had a positive experience in this store. Not only is the VCB ridiculously overpriced but the employees there are the most rude and inconsiderate people I have ever come across in a "professional" environment. I go in there to buy art supplies on a semi-regular basis and always dread it but end up biting the bullet due to the convenience of its location. Specifically, there is one employee (I believe he's the head of the art department there) who has been consistently condescending and downright rude. A few months ago I purchased an art carrying case from the VCB for around $60. On my way home the cheaply made case broke. It still had the tag on it and I still had the receipt in hand. When I went to go return it the next day, the same guy employee questioned me for quite a while on what was in the case and what I had done to break it. After explaining that nothing was in the case, that it still had the tag on it, and that I still had the receipt, he made a huge deal out of "allowing" me to return it. While the return was being processed he brought another case up to the register and told me that for $15 MORE than the original case, I could purchase this equally crappy case. I politely thanked him for taking the time to go grab one but that I would try my luck at buying a case elsewhere. Without saying a word he roughly grabbed the carrier and rolled his eyes giving me a nasty look before walking away. This is just one of the many experiences I've had here. Today was by far the worst experience I've had there. After searching the store for painter's tape and being unable to find it, I was forced to ask for directions as to where it was located. After inspecting the tape I realized they only had a thinner version of the tape that I needed. So I left, only buying the other supplies I needed. As I left the store the same employee was waiting outside. I thought maybe he was taking a break or leaving for the day. As I walked past him he said "So you decided not to buy the tape, hm?" I thought he was being nice and starting a conversation so I said "Nope, it was the wrong size-" and before I could finish he says "You sure it's not in your pocket?" He literally accusing me of stealing tape from his store. I bought other things from the store so the logic that I would pay for those items but steal the $3 tape is beyond me. I've never been treated so rudely by an employee in my life and today was absolutely the last straw. I am never buying anything from the VCB again and will absolutely discourage anyone else from going there as well.

So sad to hear that this place will be closing within a month! They have the friendliest staff and great prices.

Just as we remember it 30 years ago...and that's a good thing.

Well supplied for art supplies and decent prices. Josh was very knowledgeable. NIU items way overpriced. The clearance items were not much of a deal.

Books are over priced and they don't give much back when you sell books back to them

Great selection of art supplies, they have a lot of stuff you cant get at michaels or hobby lobby.

Had a custom fraternity sweater made there in an hour! Very good quality work

Everyone was really helpful in helping you find what you were looking for and directing you to where you needed to go.

They have excellent prices compared to the NIU bookstore. Plus a lot if materials you may need for classes like art supplies, planners, laptops, calendars, etc.

It was my first time getting books for NIU. It is cheaper to get them here than the NIU bookstore. A lot of books were not in because of a delay that was not caused by the store, but I got most of what I needed. The merchandise selection is WAY better here than the other bookstore. A lot more to offer. I loved that I could swipe my OneCard to use my financial aid. At my community college, there was a boat load of paperwork to sort through. Staff were good, but the ultimate test is when it is busy and it was not today. So I can't judge them that much. Overall, go here instead of the NIU bookstore.

Great selection. Staff was very helpful in helping me find what I needed.

Overpriced books. Employees are annoying/annoyed. Return policy is . Avoid at all costs.

VCB steals college students money. I suggest going else where. they will buy your books back and say you wont need the same book next semester for a course. they make you buy the same book twice. the college students who work there are great, but the greedy owner must have some contract with greedy northern illinois university to rip off students.

I always get my books and Greek items here. very convenient and better parking than HSC

Check these prices against the other bookstore to get the best deal.

Classic college town feel, lots of NIU pride, great bookstore!

Great selection just wish prices were a little bit more affordable.

I ordered a textbook here for the first time and was told it would get here in 3 days, LIES!! It s been 3 weeks and i still haven t received my book yet and was told it wouldn t be here for another week.

Went for Greek items, received awesome customer service.

Beware! They do not honor posted discounts. There was a table with clothing and a few stuffed animals and a sign saying 40% off EVERYTHING on the table. Apparently the stuffed animals were not supposed to be there. The manager was very uncooperative and would not give me the discount! The discount amount would have been $4.80. Not my fault they were on the table. Another store would have given me the discount. I will not be back. Have shopped there for over 40 years!

Best selection of NIU gear and accessories on the campus!