Imelda’s and Louie’s Shoes

i’m writing a review on something that happened to me months ago, but it still sticks in my mind and bothers me sometimes. i was on the hunt for a pair of teva sandals, and imelda’s was the only store in portland that carried that particular style. everyone seemed pleasant enough, except for the short younger girl that helped me. i tried the sandals on and noticed immediately that the one on my right foot didn’t fit correctly. my foot was about a half inch lower in the sandal than my other foot, and it made it pretty uncomfortable to walk. looking at the sandals it was pretty obvious that there must’ve been a mistake in production, the piece that goes between your toes was shorter on the right foot than the left foot. when i explained it to the sales girl, she didn’t believe me at all. she said it was probably because my right foot was bigger than my left. which is true, but i’ve never had an issue like this ever. no matter how many times i tried to tell her it was the shoe, she blamed my feet. it was the only pair left in my size so i was a little bummed out. she didn’t offer to help me find a pair in my size at another location, or to even order them for me. she didn’t even offer to have me try on another pair to see if they fit okay. when i left, i told her that she shouldn’t put that pair back up for sale because if someone buys them without trying them on they’re going to be very disappointed, especially with the return policy imelda’s has. as i was leaving i saw her measuring the straps between the toes which was a little upsetting to me. i ordered the exact same pair from teva’s website, and guess what? they fit me perfectly! as much as i love the selection of shoes imelda’s carries, as someone who works in customer service, i won’t be returning after this interaction.

So upon walking into this store I began to peruse the broad selection of shoes, and because they have all their boxes of different sizes out I did not realize that it was not ok to grab my size and try. After spending 10 – 15 minutes in the store I found a pair I wanted to try and grabbed my size from the stack. That is when one of sales girls rudely informed me that only sales people can pull shoes to try. She was unbelievably contemptuous and I was completely shocked. Soon after I asked for a size from another sales person who to her credit was knowledgeable and helpful. When I went to the counter to pay for the shoes I had selected, the rude sales girl was ringing someone else up. As I was waiting, I saw a pair of earrings that I wanted to buy. I took one off the rack and held it up to my ear so that my boyfriend could see how they looked. When I turned to get the second earring so that I could buy the pair, the entire earring rack was gone. I quickly discovered that the sales girl had moved the rack behind the counter so that I could not see or reach any of the earrings. I can only assume she thought I intended to steal them ?!? This is one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had. It would have been apparent to anyone that my boyfriend and I were both well dressed and affluent. The notion that I would steal anything, particularly a 40 dollar pair of earrings is shocking. I am someone who consciously spent the first half of the day buying from local artists because I believe in supporting small businesses and the local economy. This store has permanently lost my business.

What a great shoe shop! Great inventory and lots of different shoe brands. I was helped by a super friendly guy and he explained the care and the difference between lines and choices I had finally narrowed it down to. I have also needed to bring back shoes for the odd repair flaw, and they were super friendly about facilitating a quick repair. Worth the money for a great pair of shoes!

Great selection! Helpful staff. Awesome local store!
All these one-​star reviews are ridiculous, — from people wanting to return shoes AFTER wearing them. That’s never okay, people! Especially from a small, independent store.
I always find stuff I love at Imelda’s. Shoes for work or casual. This isn’t a fancy high-​heels place, — more for mary-​janes or boots. Good accessories, too. I wish there were more non-​leather options, but that’s footwear in general.

I can’t give five stars because I didn’t buy here. But oh, how I wanted to!*
The sales staff and atmosphere at this store are amazing. I walked in and checked my bag, and was greeted by a relaxed and kind employee who asked how she could help me. She helped me find my Frye’s and upon hearing that I’ve never owned them, she gave me the perfect sizing advice. She told me to walk around the store for a while and get used to them. I would’ve never known how they were supposed to fit without her help.
Their selection was awesome, they have sales, and the staff is low-​pressure, professional and very knowledgeable. I don’t understand the haters, but I know return policies are strict at small businesses, and all businesses when it comes to used shoes. Don’t go to Nordstrom, try Imelda’s.
*Imelda’s did not have the size/​color combination I wanted. Frye offers a student discount when you order online, and if I had to wait for shipping, I couldn’t say no to a 10% discount from Frye. I was straightforward with the staff about this and they tried to match the price but couldn’t due to Frye’s website’s lack of transparency. They were really kind when I left without buying.

I should have read the other reviews of Imelda’s before I shopped here. Their return policy is absurd. 7 day store credit only!!! So basically if I buy a par of shoes, moments later I can only return them for store credit and 7 days later I can’t return them at all. The service was okay I guess. They didn’t seen at all empathetic to the ludicrousness of the stores return policy but I guess they didn’t make it, so I can’t blame them. Also after looking around to exchange for my original purchase, they didn’t have much inventory to speak of. My advise is to use an online service or find a better retailer.

I’m not sure why there are so many negative reviews here on Unilocal,but our experiences here have been nothing but positive.
We visit Portland every 2 years and each time, we make it a point to come to Imelda’s and Louie’s. Each time we buy shoes.
The service here is on spot. We have never found the employees to be pushy or «circling around.» They are helpful and this last time, had it not been for them making suggestions, we would have walked out without find the exact type of shoe was looking for.
Which brings me to my hubby… he does not like buying new shoes and I normally have to push him into it. However, both times we have been to Imelda’s and Louie’s, he has purchased shoes without me even mentioning it.
They have a wide selection of shoes and we love coming here. We will return the next time we come to Portland.

Fraudulent sales practices.
I purchased shoes Friday which were highly recommended by the sales person over the pair I wanted. I wore them around the store for a minute before I left the store, then tried them on this morning on hard wood floors for 10 seconds. I did not like the way they looked at all and decided I wanted pair I had initially picked out. Was told I could exchange them in unworn condition. Immediately took them back the following Sunday morning after storing in their box in my closet.
Sales people would not exchange and said they were worn because there was a speck of dirt on the bottom and a tiny rubber tread was bent smaller than the size of a flea. I have spent thousands in this store and this is what a get? What a bunch of jerks. Don’t waste your money shopping here. These people are fraudulent.
I will be reporting them to BBB and filing against them in small claims. This store and their staff’s attitude toward customer service makes me sick. I never leave bad reviews, this is a first btw…

I’d read the less-​than-​impressed reviews. Most were focused on customer service and return policies. It was time to see for myself. On Small Business Saturday I came in looking to participate in Little Boxes and see what the store was all about. I’ve been searching for nice boots since last winter and appreciate that I&L’s has a Chinook Book coupon. It was incredibly busy, so I was hoping to scope out the store and return on a less crowded day to do some more serious shopping. For now, it seemed, I would just buy some socks to take advantage of the 10% off and raffle entry during LB.
I stood in line for 10 minutes or so while their employees seemed to be particularly slow about ringing up customers. When I reached the front of the line, I noticed a small sign taped to the cash register indicating no card purchases under $ 10. «Could I pay an additional fee to use a card?» I inquired, hoping to just purchase my $ 6 socks and be done with it. Nope… I would have to find something else to purchase along with my socks. Well… this was disappointing and there wasn’t anything else I wanted to purchase at this point. I left without my socks and with newfound frustration for I&L’s credit card policy. I can’t see myself going back to hunt for boots here. Actually, I can’t see myself going back at all.

Just no. Don’t shop here. If you can’t appreciate that your customers are the people that drive your business then get out of business Imelda’s.

I am a frequent shopper at Imelda’s but just recently purchased a pair of Vans for my husband at Louie’s and was in awe of how awesome the selection for men’s shoes was so I wanted to specifically mention their men’s shoes on Unilocal.Great styles!
I *love* shopping at Imelda’s and Louie’s! They have such a great selection of unique, elegant, attractive styles for both women and men. I find the staff attentive, knowledgeable, funny and friendly. They are always respectful of my time and space, yet they offer great advice and show me several options to make sure I find the best pair.
Imelda’s & Louie’s is my favorite shoe store in Portland — rarely do I shop for shoes anywhere else.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM THIS STORE!
Their return policy is absolutely outrageous, second only to their terrible customer service.
Do you like the comfortable atmosphere of shopping freely? Knowing that you can buy something and change your mind or knowing that you’ll have good customer service if something unfortunate happens to you?
Imagine if your purchased item doesn’t fit perfectly when you get it home or maybe it breaks due to nothing abnormal at all. You will not find yourself taken care of at Imelda’s. You will find a stressful and extremely disappointing circumstance. You will be completely stuck and the joy of purchasing a new pair of shoes will be obliterated by having been taken advantage of tremendously by your «local business.» I bought a pair of boots at Imelda’s/Louie’s that broke the next day, literally ripped at the seam and I still cannot get more than a store credit. They can’t replace the shoe as they do not have another in that size and they won’t give me my money back.
This place is despicable and I’ve heard the same from so many others. Why would you spend your money here? You want to support a local business? I get that, I like to do the same when I can. Support your community? Sure! The problem at Louie’s/Imelda’s is that they’re not supporting the community trying to support them.
GO TO NORDSTROM WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE AND RETURN AS FREELY AS THE WIND BLOWS!
GO TO A BUSINESS THAT HAS KIND AND KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES PERSONS WILLING TO HELP YOU!
Me & mine will not be back and I will do everything in my power to have as negative an effect on your business as I possibly can. I’m not even remotely surprised to see that they’re second location downtown quickly folded and went out of business, looking forward to that big space on Hawthorne opening up soon!

Terrible return support/​policy.
My men’s Frye shoes split apart 3 – 4 inches between upper and sole after a couple of months normal city walking and Imelda’s Hawthorn staff would not give me the time of day — even with receipt etc. Ps I have had the Unilocal Ap for several years and this is my first review of at establishment– just feel compelled to share the bad service I experienced at Imelda’s.

Worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. They shamed me, not believing I didn’t wear a shoe I bought 2 days ago outside. I’ve never been treated that poorly. Two managers teaming up on me! I felt like bursting out in tears in the store. The zipper was busted and they refused to let me exchange for a different shoe.

The shoes look great, but the customer service is overwhelming. There are too many people on the floor causing the shopping experience to be pressured. I felt uncomfortable looking at the shoes, because I kept having to dodge sales associates from greeting me from one section to the next. I left trying nothing on, but was interested in a few items.

This is my favorite place to buy shoes in Portland. I used to go to the Pearl District location before they closed it (*sniff*). They curate what they buy so well, all you have to do is save up a little cash, walk in and you’ll walk out with something stylish, comfortable and well made.
The other reason I strongly recommend them is their superb customer service. After years of buying shoes here, I had *one* pair of Born shoes that had a manufacturing issue crop up six months after I bought them. Imelda’s made sure the issue was addressed (and much thanks to Born also for handling this so well) and I was back walking around comfortably in no time. Class act. They are always my first stop for footwear.

I bought a pair of hunter boots here last year, and they leaked. I brought them in and the manager said it was my feet sweating. I disagreed as my socks became completely wet in rain after only an hour or so. The manager kept them overnight and submerged them in water with tissue paper. Disproving my claim. But the leak was in the sole and let water in when I walk. They weren’t helpful. I felt shamed, and they wouldn’t exchange them. So now I’m stuck with $ 140 worth of worthless shoes. Shoes I will never wear. I will never shop here again. Its been a year and I’m still furious.

I have to say I love this store. The shoes and jewelry are so adorable. I never feel pressured when I’ve gone in here but the staff are very helpful and friendly. Whenever I walk Hawthorne I always make sure I peek my head it to see what’s new. The sales rack is also something I’d recommend checking out. You can find some really great deals.

Echoing everybody else: good, unique, broad selection, but not many sizes of each. Hyper-​attentive staff (good? bad? Both). 7 day exchange policy. No refunds. My purchase left me feeling kind of icky.
I understand the «small business» nature of things regarding returns, prices, etc., but other places do it better. I don’t mind spending more at a local shop, but I don’t want to feel like I’m at a car dealership when I’m looking at shoes.

If there where a song to sum out how I feel about Imelda’s, it would be Lauryn Hill’s «The ex factor».
As much as I desperately want us to work out, we just don’t. Every time I go to Imelda’s, I get hurt. Either financially or emotionally.
In the past it was financially. I have around 7 pairs of Imelda’s shoes in my closet, and I love love love them. But it hurts when I can go on line to Nordstrom or Zappo’s and find the same shoes already discounted for less. Does Imelda’s just keep shoes around for ever?
The customer service has always ALWAYS been terrible. It’s almost a running joke-​everyone I know that has shopped here says that same thing: pushy sales people. Learn a lesson!
The emotional hurt. well I might have been exaggerating a little bit.
But give me a break on your bag policy. I had just bought a very cute expensive dress next door at Mink (which is a AMAZING STORE) and walked into Imelda’s with a tiny bag and my small Coach purse. It felt like as soon as I walked in the #1 priority was getting me to hand over my tiny bag (My purse was bigger than my bag). It seems odd to me that before even asking me what I needed, it’s GIVE ME THAT BAG, SHOPLIFTER!
I had no problem asking why I should hand over my bag to her, when they don’t trust me with their shoes. The two girls just sort of started at me. Yeah yeah, it’s store policy. I told her it thought it was very tacky, and I left. Store policy be damned. Imelda’s has every right to confiscate each bag, treat potential customers like criminals, have terrible customer service, and charge too much for shoes I can get elsewhere for cheaper. Hey, that’s your thing, and I guess it’s working because somehow you are still in business.
I however, will never ever spend another dime here, and I suggest that savvy shoppers take their money where it’s appreciated. I suppose if I see something on the website I like, I can just order it from any of the other retailer.
As Miss Lauryn Hill sang «you let go, and I’ll let go too».