Avalon Antiques

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Sarah S.

Joined 1 year ago

I love this place because they have fine quality items that are very difficult to find. My tastes are sadly way beyond my budget, there's a business card holder for $2200. But not all of their items are so spendy and you can get quality pieces to treasure at I feel pretty reasonable prices.

Doesn't Recommend

alex71864

Joined 2 years ago

Shaken Disappointed Sad. 10/30/2011

"WE DON'T NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN HERE. IN FACT, LET ME OPEN THE DOOR FOR YOU"

First able, I would like to say that as a human being I know I am not expecting red carpet treatment just because I walk into a store. God knows that I have taken too many sociology courses at PSU and OHSU to realize that people behave a certain way for a variety of reasons. However, I have the feeling that this was a bit over the top.

In my week end travels I enjoy going to small stores(mom and pop's) to buy items that interest me because of the sense of adventure. I came to Avalon Antique and Vintages Clothes because I have been there several times before. There, this wonderful middle age gentleman is always courteous. I was surprised that they were open on a Sunday 10/30/11.



I proceeded to come in and there was a younger man maybe late 30's with long black hair. He was standing next to a rack arranging garments and looked at me. I smiled and said good morning . He said nothing. I saw a hat I wanted to buy so I wanted to make sure I got his attention so I said "excuse me sir" he looked at me again and did not answer. I had a chi tea in my hand that I had purchased at the Starbucks around the corner. I said again "sir" He was still looking at me with what appeared to be a frown. He suddenly walked towards me and screamed "DRINK' 'COUNTER' and point at a sign that actually did say drinks to be placed on the counter.

As I approached the counter to place my beverage, I was a bit taken aback not because what he said but by the way he said it(screaming) , not in a complete sentence but just two words. I then replied ...you know your tone of a voice is a bit aggressive. He replied..'What tone of voice?..I speak any way I please"

..I was still trying to process what was going on....so I said ...I am a potential customer and I think you should be a bit more courteous with your customer. I said I am the only one at the store. (that was true) then he he replied..you are not the only one we get plenty more people. I then said the way that I am treated will discourage customers from coming in. He replied "we don't need people like you here in fact let me open the door for you" as he walked towards the door..

I was in shock. I don't know whether I was shaking because I was scared or whether it was shaking because I was bewildered or both. I asked... are you the owner and he replied .".I am not". I said what is your name and he replied JOHN DOE. He proceeded to open the door .. I then asked ...is this a race thing? and he replied God no...as he was opening the door the said "leave". I must emphasize that I never raised my voice nor was I threatening in any way because there is no point. Nevertheless, It left me with a soar taste n my mouth.

I am assuming that this young man is the owner's son by his demeanor because there is no way that an employee (in this economy) will jeopordize his job like this.



I understand people have bad days. God knows I have plenty myself working in the medical field but I should not be a tension- release--instrument; just because his day is not going well. Maybe he does not like to work Sundays.

I am discouraged to speak with the owner, this wonderful older man because; if this younger gentleman is his son, then I think a father cannot change an established attitude of a 30 something year old son.

It is a shame because I sooo wanted that wonderful hat displayed on the rack and I was willing to pay anything for it.

Sad Customer

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DLS3

Joined 4 years ago

Amazing. If you're looking for a suit, call and find out what days Barbara, the seemstress, buttongirl.barbaraevans@gmail, is there. I hate shopping, but Barbara made it super easy and fun. Within minutes she had a suit picked out, according to what I was looking for, and was quick to grab me a shirt that fit and provide a number of ideas how to make the suit fit even better. If you don't find something you like in your size, she'll help you fit into the suit you want! (within reason)

The suit went from one I was okay with, since I had to wear a suit, to being completely pumped out of my mind about it and looking forward to wearing it as soon as possible. When she was done tailoring it, it went from looking like a $145 vintage suit to a $800 classic suit. She thought of everything and was not only helpful, but really funny and fun to work with. Thanks again for everything Barbara!

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ricl

Joined 5 years ago

Great staff and great clothes. When my sister told me that her upcoming wedding was to be in the 50's style wedding I was more than a little apprehensive. You see she's a great person but she can be more than a little particular when it comes to period fashion and since she lives in Georgia I felt more than a little bit intimidated when I entered Avalon being a guy who knows nothing of fashion. I couldn't have chosen a better place, Barbara and the rest of the staff there was incredibly knowledgeable and you could tell that everyone there really cared about the clothing and wanted to make sure I was really happy. I ended up with a great suit that my sister loved and a little more confidence in my fashion abilities. I'm not very knowledgeable about vintage shops but they seemed to have a great selection of outfits all in top quality. My experience at Avalon was wonderful and I plan to go back often.

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bzkds

Joined 6 years ago

great selection and service. I had a great experience at avalon -- getting a snappy vintage tuxedo for a fancy wedding. The staff were very friendly -- patient and helpful as I bought my first tux. They didn't mind my 5 year old turning the dressing room into a playroom as I tried on many items. Barbara did a wonderful job tailoring my suit, even though I left it to the last minute. Prices were reasonable for a distinctive suit. At a wedding with many NYC fashionistas, several people told me I had the "best-looking tux"... Thanks, Avalon -- I'll be back

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This store is the reason that people come to Portland to shop vintage.. In Short
One might find old Hawaiian shirts and skirts for swing dancers here, but Avalon specializes in antique formal wear. Men will find a wide range of suits and ties, and can complete the ensemble with accessories like wristwatches, lighters and cigarette holders. There are also leather jackets in every color--Fonzie would be proud.

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ViolentBeauty

Joined 11 years ago

pretty average. While I often find the staff to be somewhat crass, I simultaneously find them to be rather endearing. I'd shop here more though if they had a better selection. I keep trying, but still haven't ever found anything to buy there.

Doesn't Recommend

vintage_shopper

Joined 7 years ago

Bad manners. I am an avid vintage clothing shopper but both times I've been to Avalon I left feeling put down, unfashionable, and unwelcome. Both people who have helped me while shopping there were snooty and rude to me and whoever I was with. The second time I was in the store I tried a dress on that ripped a little bit on the seam. I felt horrible, but when I told the counter person he made me feel even worse and, on top of that, he made several rude and sarcastic comments while I was still in the store and within earshot. I was prepared to spend money in there, but I'm afraid I'll probably never go back.

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geowrite

Joined 10 years ago

Excellent Staff. We went in looking for a specific era suit. We found many to choose from. Tim was very helpful with advice about the suit, shirt, tie, and shoes. We ended up purchasing a suit and tie that are exactly what we needed.