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Alaya
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Accessories Women's Clothing, Accessories [Edit]
1256 9th Avenue(between Irving St & Lincoln Way)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 731-2681
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Kristine d. said: "I don't normally go out of my way to write reviews, but I was really surprised to see all the negative reviews on here mentioning poor customer service. I was just at this boutique this past weekend, and despite the fact that I…" read more »
30 reviews for Alaya
Review Highlights
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"More importantly they have great clothes, jewelry." In 8 reviews -
"The sales clerk (yes, blond,straight- haired) was extremely..." In 3 reviews -
"I bought two Michael Stars tees (not the cheapest, but..." In 3 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Rosalind S.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've eaten in this neighborhood tons of times but never really shopped here. I was waiting for some friends to meet up for dinner and decided to kill some time wandering around. I hit a few stores but this one had stuff more my age range. They have super cute clothes, cute coats by the entrance I may come back to look at again. I also noticed some really well made purses against a wall. The girl working there was super nice and didn't bother me too much since I was one of a few girls shopping in there.
I'll have to come back to check out more of their clothes when I have more time to shop! Oh, and I checked a few prices and there were totally reasonable! -
Review from Thand H.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stumbled upon to Alaya after having lunch around the neighborhood. When I walked in, the sales clerk greeted me with a friendly hello and said if I needed any help, to ask.
Whenever I shop in boutique stores, I get intimated because I always feel like the sales clerks are watching my every move. At Alaya, I felt relaxed to shop as I please. The sales clerk prepared a dressing room for me when I was ready to try out a couple of items I had picked out. When I needed a different size, the sales clerk was ready to assist. She even suggested different styles of items to try out that I would never have chosen for myself. I liked the items that the sales clerk suggested that I bought them. I wore the new clothes I bought to work and all my coworkers complimented me on the clothing. I love Alaya and would gladly go back again. Their items are stylish and the prices are reasonable. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/5/2012
The sales staff has improved greatly since my last review. They are much more friendly and engaged. Bravo!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/24/2010
I have such mixed feelings about this place. I've been shopping here for more than 10 years and have… Read more »
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Review from Dannielle S.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2012
I LOVE this store! The owner and staff are awesome!
I've been shopping here for over 7 years and am incredibly impressed with the range of clothing, from bohemian funky to professional, and lots in between. Their jewelery is fabulous and unique. It's one of the gems in San Francisco, and unlike the boutiques in Presidio Heights and Pacific Heights, it's AFFORDABLE!!The women who work there are "real", and they leave you in peace as you shop, yet they're happy to help you with sizes and suggestions when asked. The new owner, Makenzie (sp?), has a great eye for hip styles and unique pieces. I highly recommend this store to women of all ages!! -
Review from Amanda C.
Kapaa, HI
8/21/2011
Im new to the neighborhood and thought i would check out the place after catching lunch across the street. Some things were overpriced, i thought, but the girl with the tattoos started helping me and helped me find a really cute dress that was on sale. They also have a nice selection of jewelry and accessories INCLUDING Freida Kahlo socks!!
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Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2007
I love the clothes at Alaya. Pricey, but you can head to the sale rack in the back. If you need something in a hurry for a wedding, special party or some something just stop on in here and they'll rig you up.
The accessories are wonderful too, especially the bags. I get compliments all the time on the one I'm toting around town right now!Listed in: Inner, Outer and all around…
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Review from Rachael J.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2008
I wish I could give 0 stars to this place. I've gone in about 3 times...3 too many if you ask me. The first time I went in, I wasn't greeted whatsoever, and when I asked for a shoe in my size (I wear an 11, big foot here), the lady gave me the dirtiest look like "AS IF WE CARRY YOUR BOAT SIZES HERE." I even joked about how they never carry big sizes or they sell out fast, and she just stared at me blankly.
The last time I'll ever go in there was yesterday, greeted with the same coldness. I don't know how this place stays in business with the level of customer service they "provide." -
Review from tosha s.
CA
10/31/2010
I also have found the store remarkably stuffy and unfriendly for ages but I've stopped in occasionally on my walks anyway. Interesting to read the same take from other shoppers...Less of a problem now since their clothes used to be enticing and their window displays gorgeous. Used to have beautiful if pricey stuff tho I rarely spent $ there cuz of the vibe.
But in the last couple years it all looks dowdy and boring anyway. Skipped down the block to Crossroads on Irving where I found a Marc Jacobs coat for $70! Now THAT place is packed with riches, lol -
Review from Jocelyn B.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2008
I was really excited about the knock-out dress in the window but was quickly deterred by the negative attitude by the sales associate. She was unhelpful and unfriendly.
Sadly I was also bum out of luck with the dress in my size but was ready to give Alaya one more chance before I left with a cute pair of jeans. The sales lady was helping someone else so I ducked into a free room and tried on the jeans.
I came out of the room wearing the jeans to show my friend and after I stepped back INSIDE the room and was in the process of removing the jeans, the sales woman actually POKED her head in the room and informed me that she was "saving that room before I jumped in ahead of someone else."
I was totally horrified. Any plans I had of buying those jeans totally dissipated and I was out of there faster than you can say "inappropriate sales staff." Alaya, you have cute clothes but your staff leaves a LOT to be desired. -
Review from Dani D.
4/4/2010
I somehow left my apartment for Golden Gate park without a scarf... doh!
By the time I left the park, it had started to get chilly... well really it was freezing (typical SF sundown weather). I stopped in here for a scarf and managed to find a beautiful print scarf for a reasonable price. Since it is patterned and goes against my normal scarves of solid colors in mostly neutral tones, I've gotten a lot of compliments on it, and I've only had it for a week!
I found the sales staff to be friendly and helpful. I did not have the blonde associate but a nice middle-aged woman with gray, curly short hair. She was super helpful and pointed out there was a mirror closer to the door with more natural lighting when she saw I was having trouble deciding between scarves. She also offered an opinion on which one she thought matched my coloring best and it wasn't the most expensive one.
This place has some stylish, interesting, non-cookie cutter pieces. I'd go back next time I'm in the neighborhood. -
Review from Katie C.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2008
"Let's see... Where to shop, where to shop?"
If you consider yourself a hip gal who happens to live in the 9th & Irving neighborhood but you don't want to make the effort to either drive all the way to another 'hood or hop on the N to hit up Westfield & Union Square, then check out Alaya! It's right next door to Park Chow and BIstro 9 and provides a great escape for checking out some of the latest girlie girl duds.
My girlfriend and I swung by for the first time on a Saturday afternoon, lured in by the cutesy window display, and were absolutely blown away at the selection of oh-so-chic tops, dresses, coats, handbags, earrings, hats, and the like. I was persuaded enough to buy a trendy hat and was almost tempted to buy myself a new handbag, but my inner voice put the kibosh on making any further purchases for that day.
I can't wait to come back and see the new styles come in as the seasons change. Such a great addition to the 9th & Irving shopping area. -
Review from Teal H.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2008
As a plus-size woman, there is nothing here for me but accessories. However, any time I need anything for my tiny little mom I stop in. They have hip, interesting clothes, and many stand-out pieces in addition to some great basics. My mom might not be the exact demographic they're shooting for, but she is an extremely young-looking (and ACTING ::eye-roll::) sixty-ish-year-old.
Bonus points for the accessories, which range from inexpensive but elegant jewelry to wonderful bags, including my newest addiction, Orla Kiely. I can always find myself a little something while I shop for my Mama-san. -
Review from A L.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2008
I was lured in by the cute stuff in the window. But frankly, most of the cute stuff in the shop was shown in the window. There were a couple things that were cute, but a lot of the clothes were catered to an older generation of shoppers. They did have some cute bags and their jewelry selection was also better than their clothes selection.
Of note, for any chesty women out there - probably won't be able to find anything here as most items were in small and the largest size I saw was a 10. Really 2.5 stars -
Review from Cindy M.
Lafayette, CA
Updated - 11/24/2009
I stopped in here yesterday, and was inspired to update my review. The sales clerk was someone I hadn't encountered before, a woman with straight blonde hair, and she could not have been nicer. She was greeting everyone with a smile, helping pick out clothes and generally being very helpful and sweet. I bought two Michael Stars tees (not the cheapest, but given how often I wear them, worth every penny) and left happy.
I think we should give this place another chance, as things seem to be improving.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/11/2009
I'd like to write a better review, because it's great to have a neighborhood store with a good… Read more »
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Review from Kris L.
5/9/2010
I've walked by this store more times than I could remember but have never gone in. One morning I was walking by with my mom and a shirt in the window caught her eye. As her birthday was coming up, I took it as a hint that she wanted that shirt. So, A and I went back a couple days later to get the shirt. There were two women working there and another woman customer that came in a little after we got there. We weren't greeted or anything. We just walked around the little store on our own until I found the shirt I wanted. Then I stood at the counter waiting to pay for at least 5 minutes before one of the women working there finally came up to me to ask if I was ready. The other woman was helping the other customer (who seemed like a regular since they were pretty chatty and talking about other items in her wardrobe at home).
Prices are pretty standard for a small boutique. The clothes there aren't really my style and the customer service wasn't really there for me. But my mom liked the shirt she got and was happy that I "got" her hint. -
Review from Edward J.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2011
Have bought some cute things at store. I live in the neighbor hood. I was more concerned with the reviews of the younger women ,They are so smug. I am 65, wear a 8-10 and look a lot younger than my age. Remember, if you are lucky you will live past 30, girls. Get a life. LSJ, S.F. Ca..
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Review from Julie B.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2010
I've been coming here for years and I almost always find something I want (mostly tops). They have some kinda funky, cool stuff and also plain things like T's. Yeah, there are some old-ladyish items, but I just pass them by. Their jewelry is cool too. As for the saleswomen, I could care less if they don't greet me (I'm there to shop, not to make friends). I think maybe the blond one is just shy.
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Review from Kristin J.
New York, NY
10/10/2011
I have bought stuff there but usually avoid the place as the owner is VERY bitchy and their stuff tends toward soccer-mom style. Actually maybe I should say soccer-grandmom style. There's a market for that obviously but in that neighborhood?? Seems a bit out of place.
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Review from juls m.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2009
I give this one star because each time I have stopped by this store (a total of 4 times) the staff has never once greeted me. I wish I could give it '0' stars. A simple "hello" will suffice, but I got nothing. Each time I am lured in by something shiny in the window and think to myself that maybe this time it will be different. Nope... this store is a smugfest and I am pretty sure that I was ignored because I am young and was in jeans and a tee-shirt. The women who were receiving all of the customer service were of a 'certain' age and were more polished in their dress, but come on I was just out for a casual little stroll. I don't care if they sell cute accessories, so does Paragraph and it is a couple doors down. What did you say? Paragraph doesn't really have a good selection of handbags, well go to Therapy. Problem solved.
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Review from SFMom O.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2008
Wonderful, down-to-earth, local clothing boutique. This is my go-to place for up-to-date, cute, mid-range clothing. There's a nice mix of affordable, moderate, and expensive pieces....plus stuff for older and younger ladies so there really is something for everyone here. I especially love their selection of dresses (day and evening) and jackets. The young ladies who work there are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful without being pushy. They have both basics (tees from Michael Stars) and trendier pieces and outerwear. Their jewelry is just OK...some of it's a little frumpy. It's in an awesome neighborhood -- within 1 block you've got gyros, seafood, Mexican food, Park Chow, sushi, coffee, etc. Parking can be tough on weekends and around dinnertime on weekdays.
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Review from Yiming R.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2008
I got a very cute red jacket with a Peter Pan collar here after brunch one day at Park Chow. I really like the jacket, although my two complaints are that one of the buttons fell off shortly after buying the jacket and the red lining stained a few white and light shirts of mine. I may be a profuse sweater, but I think a jacket lining that doesn't bleed isn't too much to ask.
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Review from J Z.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2010
I jumped on Yelp to check Alaya's hrs and was surprised to read the poor reviews re: customer service.
I live in the Inner Sunset and shop at Alaya ~ bi-monthly for clothing and gifts. I have always been greeted warmly upon entering, and I am not a "regular."
I really love their clothing - everything from Michael Stars and Tulip to more unique pieces.There are a wide range of gorgeous styles that would likely suit women in their 20s-60s.
During my visit earlier this week, two sales women (blonde straight hair 20-something and silver wavy hair 40-something) were very friendly, helpful, patient, warm.
Also, they do the most GORGEOUS, Gorgeous GORGEOUS! gift wrapping!! I also love that you can buy pretty little tchotchkes too, like little buddhas, journals, jewelry, cute socks to your main gift to make it extra special. I think this is a gem of a shop, and really love having it in the 'hood. -
Review from M A.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2010
Do not shop here. Having spent years in the retail and hospitality buisiness, this owner hasn't a clue. Unfriendly, judgemental and hostile attitude of staff or owner negates any cuteness in clothes that can be obtained elsewhere in a friendlier environment. Total turnoff and will not return.
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Review from CAKE E.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2006
Yeah, there's definitely not just a mommy, but a hip granster feel to some of their styles. I gathered this impression and then noticed that all the women coming through the door looked 50+. But just when I started to feel out of place I found a very cute coat. Plus the salesgirl was very personable. Stop in and have a look-see. It's nice to know that not all grandmas fancy the shiny metallic sweatsuit look.
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Review from Emily S.
Redwood City, CA
1/5/2008
It was earrings that I saw here that made me want to get my ears pierced! Their jewelry, while not numerous in quantity, is more reasonably priced than the clothes. However, it baffles me how a few of the staff members can work in such a cute little store, and still be so...well..."brusque".
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Review from Antoinette S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/15/2010
I have to agree with the other Yelper who revisited Ayala and found it much warmer. The sales clerk (yes, blond,straight- haired) was extremely helpful and friendly. She found me Michael Stars' (also my favorite shirt) long-sleeved tees with a sheen in my size in gorgeous colors. How lucky we are to have such a chic shop in the Inner Sunset 'hood! The clothes that they carry are beautiful, feminine, classic, and well-made. I FREAKING love living in this city!
Listed in: Born to Shop
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2008
I have to agree with several reviews of this store. I found a very cute dress and sweater. But, the… Read more »
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Review from Food F.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2009
this boutique has a decent variety that in my opinion can draw in 20 somethings to much older. True, there isn't much greetings when one enters but is that so bad? I work in retail where greeting customers is a must and most people are put off by it. You can't win, either you are rude for not greeting, or you are pushy when greeting. I personally like that I can just walk in without the sales greeting pitch. I think some of us are conditioned to that big corporate conduct b/s. What matters is if the staff is helpful when you ask for their assistance, to which they are. More importantly they have great clothes, jewelry. bags and ambiance.
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Review from Rachel B.
Pleasant Hill, CA
3/6/2007
Nothing in this shop was unique or special enough to put up with the high price tags and stuck-up staff.
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Review from Connie P.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2008
They closed a bit too early for me to stop by on weekends, so I was excited to finally have a chance to see this boutique today on a weekday at noon.
Thoughts:
All of their clothes are color coordinated (each shelf disaplyed a different color theme and all of their clothes on that rack were arranged by shade) so the interior was very pleasing to the eye. There was a small sale selection, but they didn't have anything that I would consider a good deal. Even their tank tops were at least $18 on sale. I liked the color theme they had on each mannequin -- it really gave an idea of what would go well with this sweater, what purse to wear when you're wearing this shirt, etc. I did see some sweaters and jackets that I liked, but all of them topped $100.The sales lady gave adequate customer service.
So Alaya has a nice selection of outerwear and sweaters, but they were really expensive. Even their plain v-neck tshirts were $36. Service was mediocre. But I loved their display and design, especially the half-door, so I give it 3 stars. -
Review from chirsty s.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2011
I have shopped here a couple times. i dont live far. I too can find the staff stuffy sometimes but today was very different. Love the young brown haired girl...loved her vibe. The clothes are well priced and if you search you can find some nice things. The clothes have changed over the years but its still a nice shop.
