Gold Bug

5 star review

I have come in here in the past and have purchased items. The owners keep trying to get rid of their negative reviews from their old location. They are extremely rude and unwelcoming to customers, it’s a surprise they are still in business.

Please do not shop here. I own a tour company and regularly bring groups to Pasadena, and I’ve recommended the Gold Bug for years because it’s such a unique store. Unfortunately, after a recent experience, I will no longer be recommending it. Several of my guests visited the store and were treated very poorly by the owner. They reported that he raised his voice, was hostile, and made them feel uncomfortable simply for asking questions and looking at items. One guest still made a purchase despite the unpleasant interaction. When I approached the owner afterward, his response was shocking. He said my customers were “old,” complained that they touched things and asked too many questions, and even told me he didn’t need my customers. His tone was dismissive, rude, and completely unprofessional. My guests are respectful people who are genuinely interested in unique stores like his. No business owner should treat customers that way—especially those who are trying to support local businesses. As a tour operator, I cannot expose my guests to that kind of treatment again. I will not be returning or recommending this store…. Lastly look at other reviews the guy makes a habit of being a bulky

As others have said, the vibes in here are not good. I'd like to support small business but I felt unwelcome. So many rules posted outside: "no food! No filming! Don't touch!" I do think this store could be successful if they just gave customers the benefit of the doubt.

Read the negative reviews. I rarely if ever or at all leave reviews but i had to for this store. Whoever the old man behind the counter is (probably the owner) is sooo rude, condescending and oozes negativity. It's very unpleasant to even be near or around his presence. I had to leave after I got a comment from him that totally killed my shopping energy for the day. Man needs customer service classes and some empathy which he clearly lacks. If I could give zero stars I would.

The owner is cool as hell and the shop itself is almost like a museum. There are many pricy objects but a good mix of things that can be bought as gifts and decor. Oddly enough this is a great place for bug or 'academic chart' looking gift cards. The vibe of the place is immaculate and is a breath of fresh air in a city that has many novelty shops but of which seem like you could just go online and find what you want. This shop is not that. You have to come into the shop to find what you want and you will likely not be able to find it online ever. The things sold here are: bones, skulls, insect taxidermy displays, nick-nacks with a focus on bugs and birds. For the more discerning customer there is plenty of fine jewelry made by independent artists that the owner will be happy to tell you all about I'm sure.

Gold Bug is one of the most unique shops there is in Pasadena, hands down. Not only does it draw from the grand tradition of European "cabinets of curiosities" but the owner's warmth and humor will wish you had some more money in your bank account to fork over. Yes there are some high ticket items, but more so incredible and incredibly reasonably priced gifts too. Support local, but most importantly support weird, cool, and the awesome in life. And they throw killer parties too. Win for all.

This store is an amazing hidden gem and Theodora is a delight! Such a unique place selling one of a kind items. To all of the reviewers complaining about signage discouraging photography/encouraging caution: grow up. This shop is full of precious fragile oddities and the signs are up for good reason. Give the owners the benefit of the doubt. Support this local treasure, we need more brick and mortar like this!