Recommends

mmm206

Joined 3 years ago

Wide selection, helpful staff.. While staying at the Heathman, my husband and I decided to stop in to see this extensively stocked hat shop. While there, I was impressed with the lovely service. I regret I did not catch the saleswoman's name to mention in my review, however, it seems she may be one of the few females working there. She spent a great deal of time with us and ensured that we both had the best style, color and fit. I enjoy my new hats and am even more thrilled that my husband now owns (and enjoys) a hat that is not a baseball cap!

Doesn't Recommend

vipaka

Joined 6 years ago

Great products; high prices; below par service!. 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.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This shop is tops when it comes to hats and suits.. 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 have the suit made to fit you. The store also offers a huge selection of dress shirts, silk ties and bow ties to bring the entire outfit together.

Recommends

wismark

Joined 11 years ago

Excellent. Great service, nice work. John was very helpful in making selections.