Imelda's Shoes

09/28/07

How to self-actualize your business 101

by bovierstar at Citysearch

As a resident of the immediate Hawthorne area and a local business operator myself for over twenty-three years, I find it almost unconscionable to support anything other than that; with an exception being Imelda's & Louie's. Never had I seen so much turnover in all my life and lack of product knowledge amongst a "well-established" owner of a shop who has been in business over a decade. I find myself leaving with more questions than when I arrived, mostly how one can consistently produce a living off of selling Walmart quality products in cognito with the exception of a good 10% wavering.

I often visit to humor myself with the lack of improvement over the years while the owner continually makes snide, unnecessary remarks to her week-long employees. As a fellow business owner I would suggest that this company's hierarchy invest in some management and humanitarian courses to establish a more people-friendly working and shopping environment, but again; I wouldn't hold my breath.

• Pros: Location.
• Cons: Lack of proper business etiquette.

11/23/09

No service after check clears

by eveleth at Citysearch

In the world today when you pay $114.00 for a pair of shoes should you expect them to last more than one week? I purchased a pair of Jeffery Campbell shoes (Patricia) on October 31st at Imelda’s on Hawthorne, wore them the next day to church; the airport and to 2 days of meeting in California. By the time that I returned 3 days later I noticed that the heels had started to peel; when I took them back to Imelda’s on Hawthorne two weeks to the day of purchase they told me tough luck and they thought that the shoe repair could not even fix them; that I had caused the shoes to peel.

When I returned home I called and asked for the manager’s name so I could contact them directly. I called the next week and spoke to the manager, explained what had happened and that I was not asking for a refund just a little customer service. She told me that they would have to stand behind the decision of not to have the shoes fixed, it was a wear issue….well I have several pairs of shoes that I had for years, and nothing like this had happened before.

The end of the story is that I have always recommended Imelda’s; and it was a great place to shop….guess I was wrong…. Or maybe if you are spending your money it is good…. But do not ever expect any service after the check has cleared.

• Pros: neighborhood
• Cons: customer service after you buy

08/19/09

great shoes & selection, some problems

by kj2400 at Citysearch

I have purchased many (10 or 12 pair?) shoes at Imeldas over the last 8 or so years. They have a great selection and constantly have new styles. The staff HAD horrible customer service, even for Portland, a YEAR OR TWO AGO. I made a comment to one of the staff around that time - "wow, you're really nice and helpful - what's changed around here?" and she told me that there had been a shift in philosophy and those with bad attitudes were let go. Since that time, I have not had a single encounter with strange or snobby staffer.

Last year I purchased a purse and was assured that it would wear nicely even though it was cream colored leather, but it did not. When I brought it in 2 months later and tried to talk to a manager about it, she said that it was natural wear and had something to do with how I held the bag. Frankly, this was disappointing, and the manager didn't handle it too well, but this isn't we'll-take-anything-back Nordstroms! However, they still have some room to improve customer service. I have a feeling that it is a trickle down effect from the owner.

Also, they have a Very clear return policy, which I've always had to sign separately. So I am VERY sure to wear my shoes around the house until I know I love them.

04/28/09

Be careful - No return policy

by jbirdd at Citysearch

Be careful shopping for shoes here. This place has a terrible return policy for being in business for 13 years. There shoes are all over $60 or $70 dollars, so make sure the shoes that you get fit and feel good because you cannot return them for your money back. Nordstrom has just about the same sort of selections of shoes as this place and actually has a return policy. So it would be much more worth your money shopping somewhere else because then you have the chance to return the shoes if they end up giving you blisters.

I bought some sandals here hoping they would look good for a dress that I'm wearing to a wedding. The sandals ended up not going well with the dress, so the very next day when I tried to return them, I could only return them for their stupid store credit. Even though I had them for less than 24 hours and never wore them.

Now I have about $85 dollars worth of their stupid store credit which is such a waste, because they mostly have shoes and sandals with heels.

Overall good selection of shoes, but be careful, because you won't be able to return the shoes that you buy.

I've learned my lesson about this place and I'm never shopping there again...

• Pros: Good location
• Cons: Horrible return policy

03/17/08

You've Got to be Kidding Me...

by woweezoweee at Citysearch

Coming from someone who has spent that last seven years of their lives working in a multitude of different retail settings (a few being on Hawthorne) I ask you this:

At some point, shouldn't one be adult enough to take responsibility in knowing what fits properly and what is comfortable?

Blaming Imelda's for purchasing a pair of shoes in the wrong size is a lot like blaming the Gap for buying a pair of jeans that you're too fat to squeeze into. And speaking from experience, it takes more than one or two wears to break in a pair of boots. Fashion can mean pain, kids.

And as far as retail staffs go, I've found the Imelda's girls to be nothing but friendly, helpful and honest.

I know... It's scary and off putting when sales clerks try to help you and a complete and utter outrage when they don't help you enough, right? Yeah...

Besides the outrageously high husband stealing rates, retail is supposed to be fun, Portland... lighten up!

03/11/08

I live a block away, love to support local business and will not shop at Imelda's!

by daisy86 at Citysearch

I have shopped at Imelda's in the past. Of the 5 pair of shoes I have bought there only one was comfortable enough to continue wearing. Really, I bought two different pairs of boots there and they were killers. I sold them to Buffalo Exchange after two wearings. I've had the same experience as others have with young sales women looking me up and down and snickering. Shopping here is worse than going back to junior high. The sales women stand around, look bored, and when asked for help, give a great big sigh like its such a big chore to do their job. The other weird thing is that my husband bought a couple of pairs of shoes there in the past year. A couple of months later, he got a hand written note from the sales woman who helped him in the store. It went on to thank him for shopping and mentioned a couple of times how "cute" he looked in the shoes he bought in the store and hoped that he would be back. It was signed with the woman's name. He did not sign up for any mailing list so we both found it strange that it was sent to our home address. I am willing to pay more for products that I do not have to drive to buy. While I live a block away from Imelda's, I will not shop there!

01/15/08

anyone who complains about imelda's obviously only drinks starbucks.

by nanners15 at Citysearch

Imelda's is a mom and pop store. If you want to shop at a store that pays their employees slave wages and bases its clientelle on suburbanites, then go right ahead. In fact, if you want to complain about a portland based mom and pop, then why don't you just shop at DSW. Gross. Imelda's has great shoes that go on sale down to bare bones nothing. I would rather portland not become new york city, wherin everything is big box because the mom and pops can't afford the lease. So calm down and go buy your shoes at target if you want a lenient return policy. Suburbanite.

• Pros: shoes that go on sale
• Cons: what's with the boxes of backstock on the store floor?

10/30/07

Never buy your shoes here!

by ellizabethb at Citysearch

I bought $224.00 boots, the most I have ever spent on shoes. It took some convincing and the sales person assured me it was an investment and they would last a long time, never telling me they were deer skin and fragile... even after prompting care instructions. I wore them for 4 hours to study and go to the store and I look down and they have knicks in the leather. I didn't fall, trip, or anything. So I call that day and the sales rep tells me to come in the next day when the owner is there. Well that is when I met the cold lady. No returns, it was my fault with the way I walk, an unfortunate accident she called it. I spent an 1/2 hour arguing. She told me she was a small local store and couldn't absorb the cost of the shoes like Nordtstrom or REI. Well, I get that but if those are her competition she needs to change something. SHe was so rude about it. Never go here, the sales reps aren't knowledgeable about the shoes and the owner is awful.

10/26/07

My Attention-Getting Shoes!

by ellenhiltebrand at Citysearch

As someone who values terrific customer service, I fail to understand two things about Portlanders: Why in the world anyone would argue to make full-service gas stations self-serve (as if standing in the rain dripping gasoline upon my toes is a pleasure)....and why these crazy reviewers are complaining about letting the Imelda's staff help them find and try on shoes!?! I cannot be the only person who believes that describing my taste to an informed sales associate, and letting her present her wares is supremely preferable to rummaging through collapsible stacks on my own. My repeated experiences at Imelda's have been the height of fun and civility: Doting service, playful banter, and cool selections. Last time I was in, a whole gaggle of salesfolk and more than a few customers all got involved in my purchasing decisions re: footwear and jewelry, as did I in theirs. Not only did I not feel pressured, but an associate actually talked me DOWN from a purchase....pointing out that I could check out my wardrobe once home and come back for the shoes later if I was sure that they would really work with the outfit I had in mind. (Oh yeah....I went back. Couldn't resist. Bought more earrings, too.) Out on the town later that weekend, four men in one night came up to me and commented on how much they liked my shoes!! (No kidding. Imelda's-as-pick-up-line....imagine that, ladies!) As for the oft-maligned return policy....frankly, I'm grateful they're not recycling shoes someone else wore for a while and trying to resell them later to me. In addition, the prominently-posted policy is the hippest, frankest, funniest bit of business writing I've ever read. So read it--for the laugh, but also with the intention of honoring it if you plan to sign your name to it. (The number of you attempting to renege on policies you signed makes me cringe! Where are your scruples?!?) Then relax, quit complaining, and get out there on the town in those racy shoes!!

• Pros: hip, chic selection
• Cons: cramped environs, but lots of merchandise!

10/24/07

I'll be in again...soon!!

by swimdown at Citysearch

Being genetically predisposed to loving shoes, I am always on the hunt for the next great pair. I just found the next couple of great pairs all at Imelda's! I hadn't been there in awhile, but really ladies (and guys), I had fun! The staff were available, smart, fun (a.k.a. not pushy) and ready and willing to help me out (I literally tried on a TON of shoes) and made my shopping experience one of the most enjoyable I've had in a while. Their selection of fall goodies is nearly irresistable and I left with a new pair of boots that I can't wait to sport this winter, and a hat to match. And really, all this nonsense about the return policy? Know it, sign it, done. Not that hard...I'll definately be back soon, with a gaggle of girlfriends to boot!

10/24/07

Great Selection

by babs6 at Citysearch

I have faced a lifetime of embarrassment, no thanks to my genetics. My size 10 feet cause me to ask time after time in a sheepish tone "Do these happen to come in a size...gasp!..10? Possibly even 11, cause they look a little narrow at the toe..." The answer was rarely in my favor. While the frequency of a "yes" response has increased over the years, it still strikes fear in my heart every time I face the dreaded question. This is why it was a pleasant surprise when I walked into Imelda's for the first time. All of the boxes, sizes in plain sight, are out on the showroom floor. Rows of shoes with the answer right before my eyes!! While success is still not 100%, I now know straightaway if my particular fave shoe discovery is worth further exploration. I have found my safe haven. Thank you, Imelda's

• Pros: Cool factor, Ease of Shopping, Location
• Cons: Parking