(503) 223-4976
969 SW Broadway
Portland,
OR
97205
45.5177
-122.6807
Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Downtown
What People Are Saying About John Helmer Haberdasher
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Whether it's a cap, beret or dress hat, John Helmer's hat selection is one of the largest in the Northwest. Most of the selection is fairly conservative, but if you ask nicely, the staff will show you the novelty hats--everything from the classic propeller beanie to the modern jester cap. – – The Goods – If you're looking for a suit off the rack, look no further. Prices start around $450 for such brands as Corbin, Southwick and Hickey. However, if a tailor-made suit is what you seek, staff will take your measurements, help you pick out the material and…
09/07/08
Great products; high prices; below par service!
by vipaka
It's a very nice store with quality products. Haberdashery is a rare industry nowadays, although apparently a reviving one.
I've gone to John Helmer's for several years with a friend who wears hats and the other types of clothes sold there. Everytime he goes there he spends several hundred dollars on their products.
Thus, it's rather disconcerting to have a bill for more than $300.00 and to be told by the barely attentive salesclerk, Dan, who distractedly waited on the customer that there's no "public restroom" available for his use; and that he should cross the street and use the restroom at the Heathman Hotel. Adding that so far they [the Heathman Hotel] haven't complained.
In the first place, the customer should not be regarded as the "public." He didn't drop in off the street just to use the restroom. He spent over $300.00 in the store! And, what nerve to pawn off your customers to a another business's restroom!
The products warrent a 5 star rating. The service warrents two and a half stars, just barely above "below average," or 3 stars, which is average for Portland which, generally and regularly, is below average in the service to customers.
To further diminish our impression of this business: my friend has a condition that can cause temporary crippling, disabling him from walking effectively. This problem kicked in just as we were exiting the store. The look on the faces of the woman and long time employee, who may be a store manager, and the distracted sales clerk, was obviously one of concern, but not for the customer, but rather for themselves. A look which conveyed the thought, "Oh hell! I hope he isn't going to become a problem for us."
So, however desirable the products, we will diligently seek them out elsewhere in the future, or do without rather than support a business of such callous regard for the customer.
- Pros: convenient location; good selection of products
- Cons: No restroom use for customers;some salespersonnel callous or indifferent; one good sales clerk;
The Details on John Helmer Haberdasher
Know Before You Go:
Cash refund or store credit is available for items returned within 30 days, and accompanied by a receipt.
Parking:
If there is no street parking available, head for the lot on Taylor and 9th--the store will validate.
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