Patagonia- Austin

I had a great experience… The employees at this store made my shopping easy. Justine and Adam were very helpful. This store was fresh out of two kinds of XL shirts that i was wanting. Without hesitation or request, Justine mad a few phone calls and found alternate stores that carried the sizes of shirts that i needed. She arranged to have them shipped directly to my home. She was very pleasant and professional. I appreciated that she was eager to HELP me. I will shop here again.

I am awarding 2 out of 5 stars because I’d say that about 2 out of 5 visits, I leave satisfied.
The main problem I have with this store is the lack of merchandise it offers, particularly for such a large space. I do really like Patagonia clothing for a variety of reasons: durability, quality, small sizes, fits my style. They are spendy but I’m a believer in ‘you get what you pay for’ and I’ve not really ever been disappointed in a Patagonia garment. I’ve also never ordered online– I always try everything on beforehand to make sure it fits and that I will be satisfied with it for years to come.
Each year, I anticipate the releases of summer dresses, as dresses and skirts are mainly what I buy from the brand — especially dresses. I found about 4 dresses online that looked like they’d work out great, in a variety of colors. In all, probably 8 or so combinations.
I also saw a skirt that I liked in just basic black, and a tank top as well. So I went in looking for 10 things.
They had NONE OF THEM. Not ONE of the things on my list was available — as in, not carried in the store at all in any size, any color. I find that the pickings at this location are always slim at best, but this was the worst.
Thinking maybe it was just me not knowing where to look, I finally interrupted three clerks who were more concerned with closing tasks (which didn’t happen for several hours at that point) to ask about stock on a couple things. All confirmed that they don’t carry it in this particular store. So I asked if the potential would exist to get it and they said no.
It really boggles my mind that this huge store has a tiny men’s and women’s dept that splits essentially 25% of the store each (maybe less) with in-​season items and then the rest is all COATS. Yes, you heard me– COATS, in Austin, in April. WTF?
Last September I went to this store needing an actual change of clothes right then and there and all they had was winter stuff. It was 100 degrees outside and not a tank top, short sleeve, skirt, dress, or shorts to be found. Not one.
The folks at Patagonia need to get their ish together regarding this store and properly merchandise it. The selection sucks, the staff is somewhat helpful (at least, they are better than the selection that they offer) and the merch half the time does not fit the season we are in. Maybe I’m just out of the loop on the booming populous of Austin who needs to buy cold weather gear to travel to places that aren’t so damned hot, but you can’t tell me that need outstrips the need for every day clothes that we all need while we sweat it out and make me believe it.
Ugh.

I was going to an event downtown the other day and ended up parking right in front of Patagonia, so I decided to pop in. I was shocked at how unfriendly the staff (a guy and a girl) were. They didn’t greet me when I entered, even after I looked right at the girl and smiled, kind of waiting for her to say hello, and they never offered any help or anything, even though there was no one else in the store. They were standing at the register chatting (with each other) when I came in and the whole time I was looking around — which wasn’t long since I felt so unwelcome. The only time they even acknowledged my presence was when one of them said «thanks for coming in» as I was leaving, which frankly felt like something their boss had told them to do (never imagining that they would also have to be trained to say hello).
I wouldn’t even bother posting about this, but the unfriendliness was so palpable that I was driven to look up other reviews — and lo and behold, many others have experienced the same thing. I don’t know if the sales people have been the same throughout all of the years of similar reviews, but if they are, I don’t know how they’re still employed by Patagonia, and regardless, I don’t know how this store stays in business with such unfriendly staff.

Bull!
I like checking out the brick & mortar stores for items you can’t find online. I snagged a cool regional t-​shirt with a bull on it, some clearance running socks and stickers. Score!

The worst service I’ve had in years — close to none at all. The three employees couldn’t be bothered to greet, much less help, any of the would-​be customers in the store. If you need this kind of merchandise, go to St Bernard’s a few blocks west. Equally good products and the employees actually seem to care. Remarkable what a difference that makes. Stay away from this Patagonia unless you don’t mind being treated badly.

In a word: s’aiite. (Translation: it’s alright. I could have just said that and spared myself the additional words to explain «s’aiite.» And these words. Oh, well.)
We stopped into the store on a Sunday just because we were shopping on Congress somewhere else, and I wanted to peek in. If you don’t know what Patagonia sells, then you probably don’t need to be there.
The staff wasn’t super nice to us, nor did they ask us if we needed any help. The sales were very confusing to decipher because there were signs everywhere for different things, and prices weren’t marked on the items. An item I thought was 50% off, ended up being only 30% off. There were some great sales on jackets. They charge you for a paper shopping bag ($ 0.20), so be prepared and go in with one. I was surprised that they didn’t carry their line of ladies underwear, at least I didn’t see any. And as I previously stated, no one asked me if I needed help.
In conclusion: Meh. I’d rather go to Whole Earth or REI.

Great inventory, fantastic salespeople, high quality items

This store is amazing! Mostly because of the people. The clothes speak for themselves and are great, but pricey. While here couch surfing I stopped in and saw a flyer for a clean-​up at lady bird lake — sponsored by this Patagonia store. I went, had a blast, and met some amazing people including Patrick (who I believe is a Patagonia manager). He organized the clean-​up and is an all around awesome dude!

I am a huge patagonia fan. Part of what I like about the brand is that when shopping at the Patagonia stores the salespeople are usually extremely helpful and knowledgeable, this is far from the case at the Austin store. I very rarely write negative reviews, I am an easygoing person and I understand everyone is human, but twice now I have been treated badly and ignored at this store. The first time I went into the Austin store was the week before Christmas. I asked where I could find a Men’s fleece pullover, the sales guy pointed to a shelf with one pullover on it, without saying a word to me. When I asked if that was the only pullover in the store he flatly replied that it was, and seemed annoyed that I questioned him. Walking around the store by myself I found at least three different types of fleece pullovers. I understand salespeople are busy during the holidays and I do not expect to be treated like the only person in the store, but this guy just either has no clue what is in inventory, or more likely had no interest whatsoever in helping me.
My second bad experience came after Christmas when I came in to return a Jacket I had received. The store was completely dead, my girlfriend and I were literally the only people in the store, besides two salespeople (one being the guy from before). I ask the saleswoman for help finding another fleece jacket, she walked me to the back of the store, where a couple fleece jacket hung on racks, without offering any further help or suggestions she went back to the front of the store to fold clothes and talk to the sales guy. After searching for the R4 jacket I had seen online and not finding it, I approached the saleswoman again. The woman pointed to another rack, where the R4 jacket hung dangling about 6 feet up on a top-​rack. When I asked her if she minded getting it down she rolled her eyes at me, as if I were asking a huge favor. I am confident in saying that I have never received worse costumer service in my life. Patagonia seriously needs to retrain or replace the salespeople at this store. I spend a fair amount of money at Patagonia and these two experiences make me hesitant to continue doing so. I would suggests either shopping online or if you want great costumer service shopping at REI in downtown Austin. This place simply sucks.

This is the second time I have been in this store as I live in Savannah, GA. Last time I was there with my wife and we spent around $ 400. Patagonia is expensive but you get what you pay for– amazing quality and good ethical company.
The owner was in the store last time and was there again this time. Wonderful guy and awesome staff. He allowed me to return a coat that did not hold up like I had hoped which is rare with this company from my experience. No questions asked– we worked out an agreement. I wish we lived closer to Austin! I will continue to go to Patagonia because of this sort of reliable treatment.

nice folks working there. it’s a bit expensive but their skirts are my fav because they’re so simple and comfy. nice simple clothing for outdoorsy peeps and helpful folks working there.

So I’ve had the same North Face fleece for several years now and decided it might be time to switch it out. While it served me well in its day, I now see too many people wearing my fleece who I’d rather not be mistaken for. Enter Patagonia whose target demographic might be described as trust fund kiddos who use biodiesel for their Benzos. Not me, but a group I wouldn’t mind being a part of. Super comfy, nicely fitted, and not quite as common as its predecessor.
Stopped in another time during a downpour to replace my drenched shoes. Their website has maybe a hundred options for men’s shoes; the smallish store has zero. I opted for an extremely comfortable flannel shirt instead. Flannel shirts don’t make the world’s best shoes, but they’re pretty good for warming up when one’s soaked.
Patagonia’s also a good company in that green sort of way: one percent of revenue gets donated to various charities, and its former CEO and the company have helped to protect a couple of million acres of Chilean land, so some of my guilt at needlessly updating kind of expensive city-​guy-​posing-​as-​mountain-​man gear is assuaged.

More like a 4 ½ star review. Things can be a bit pricey and have earned the nickname «Patagucci» for their slightly high prices. But the quality and design are great. Items you buy from here will last you the next decade. There is a huge selection and the service is excellent.
There was a huge sale when I went in and it seemed like half the store was at least half off. This brought the prices back down to earth.
Go on a Saturday when parking downtown is free and available.

Yes, the parking situation sucks, but the store itself is worth the effort. Once inside, you’ll find a vast array of different ways to keep your body warm and dry, or cool and comfortable. Patagonia makes some of the most quality outdoors gear on the market, and they’ve staffed this beautifully-​designed new store with friendly, yet unobtrusive staff. That’s what I like in a sales associate. Readily available, but not in my face. The prices are a bit high, as others have mentioned, but you’ll be purchasing a product that you’ll love for years to come.
Bonus: Today when I walked in, I was told that everything in the store was 30% off! Even on REI’s best day, they offer one item for 20% off. Hopefully sales like this one will become a habit at Patagonia. I wouldn’t have a problem braving the parking for fabulous deals like the one I got today.

I’m SO psyched that Patagonia has opened a store in Austin (I think the next closest location had been Phoenix). Great store for outdoor wear (skiing, sailing, climbing, lounging, etc.). Yep it’s pricey but their stuff does seem to wear well.
Parking? Not unless you are lucky enough to get a metered space on Congress (or pay the $ 5 – 10 at one of the ‘serviced’ lots next to the building) — guess they are hoping for LOTS of walk-​in yupsters to fill ALL of those downtown schlocky condos (yeah, right).
One star down for parking (and for too many ‘Made in China’ products — REALLY? At these prices??). Next to Manuel’s if that helps.

Somewhat expensive well made clothing and accessories for hiking, climbing and general wear… packs, duffles, etc… this has been a green biz for many years… It is in the space that formerly housed the 60’s music venue Vulcan Gas Company… Nice space, nice staff, good product, green company… This reviewer has had good luck using their equipment since the Chouinard days with no complaints… Early stuff was hand forged rock climbing gear and alpine equipment…
History lessons
1972 Chouinard Catalog (important information about changing techniques and equip. in rock climbing… Chouinard later became Patagonia)
Vulcan Gas Co.