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Category: Shoe Stores [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, HawthorneMon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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I have been shopping at Imelda's for years now -- even way back when they were at a different Hawthorne location (right?).
Tends to be on the pricey side, but I am a firm believer that shoes are always a good thing to 'invest' in. Large selection of Frye's, James Campbell, Bivo (sp?), Dansko. Also carry lots of Hobo bags and accessories and other handbags, hats and some jewerly - although I am never really impressed with the jewerly selection.
They always have lots of great off-season shoes on sale also - which is a perk. One of my main issues with the store is they always have WAY too many people working. Seriously - one Sunday I was in there browsing and they had 10 sales-gals with maybe one customer in there. Kind of cramped and a bit annoying.
I would give Imelda's more stars, but the return policy is kind of pathetic. That being said, I understand they are a smaller local company and that we, as consumers, should be careful and selective before we buy.
I bought my first pair of Frye's (a cute multi tone pair of Mary Janes) a year ago on sale and I still love them! I have gone back numerous times and have since purchased Jeffrey Cambells, which I am now addicted to. I like that they are close and I can go in and always find somthing.
My only bad experience was when I bought two pairs of Kenneth Cole's (in two colors) and paid around $70 a piece. I went home, and found them, brand new online with Nordstroms on sale for $34.99. That's my fault, but I still keep coming back as they do pick out some great styles!
Imelda's what can I say. I wish I could love you, but you've changed. I visit Portland annually with my family and four years ago you were sweet, and special. Now, you're old news, and quite frankly lame. Your shoe selection used to be ahead of the trends, now I can't count how many Frye cow poke boots I see in there. The sale section..meh. If I wanted cute flats on SALE for $80.00 I would go buy them new at Nordstrom. Let's not start on the staff. I wouldn't say pushy, more so annoying. Please stop following me around like I'm going to jack you for your ugly shoes. The jewelry selection used to be phenomenal. Now, all you have is basically the same artists pieces...where's the variety? Imelda's you're like that old boyfriend who used to be so fun to go out with, and now all you do it sit at home. Disappointing.
cool shoes, yes. high prices, yes yes. snobby pushy sales people, yes yes yes.
These gals must work on commission because they are pushy. You barely have time to walk through the door before they try to take your credit card and charge the first pair of shoes you try on. Perhaps they need to hire older sales people who can handle sales more maturely.
It is a good thing that I live in a different state than Imelda's because otherwise my bank account and marriage would be in the dumps.
Imelda's will always be remembered as the place where I purchased my first pair of Frye boots. True Love Forever.
P.S. No sales tax! Holla!
Such a great local shop with lots of good options for men and women. The jewelry is also worth looking at, as are the handbags and hats for that matter. They definitely have a good buyer! I have had some less than ideal service at this shop, especially in the old days, but overall I think it's a great place for locally sold shoes.
Thanks to you, I'm a happy wearer of happy bright green leather wedge sandals. I have a lot of shoes (both a blessing and a pain) and this new pair is making me one step closer to becoming an "Imelda" myself !
You thought you were over your shoe obsession as soon as Sex and the City went off the air. And then you walked into Imelda's. Very swank and lots of selection, and I'm with Jane P., on hearting Hobo to death, and loving to look at bags ad naseum, and Imelda's doesn't disappoint.
Need some cute socks to go with those new shoes and bags? Hobo has them too.
the best selection of attractive, comfortable shoes i've ever seen. all the sexy heels are soft and flexible, not shoddy. thanks, guys!
LOVE the shoes here!! And the BAGS!!
A lot of the shoes are European, which means European sizes, yay! They had no problem pulling out several sizes for me to try on. And when they were out of my size, I found myself suddenly drawn to a similar styled shoe that they brought out to me. I love the wall of bags. But I LOVE the sale bag corner. Found myself hanging back there for at least 15 minutes.
Although some reviewers thought the salespeople were pushy. I found them really helpful and supportive when it came down to decision time for me. They were also knowledgeable about shoe and bag care, and about the shoe manufacturer.
You have to sign a separate receipt acknowledging the return policy. Not an issue with me. I've received nothing but compliments on my navy peep-toe wedges, and my Tano bag.
I love a good shoe store, what girl doesn't. However, I don't love a shoe store with attitude. Stopped in one weekend. Store was busy, but room to stroll about. Shoes are kept in boxes within customers reach. No signs warning you not to touch, but beware you will get attitude for touching.
If you don't want a customer to touch hide the shoes or put a sign up! Another novel idea... have plenty of staff to help you and kindly tell you they will get the shoes for you.
I love to window shop here but that's about it. The space is not being utilized effectively and the layout/arrangement sucks. There is no room to move when there's more than 5 shoppers in there. Hey Imelda, how about installing some built-ins around the perimeter of the store for the product, and use the center for trying on? Just a thought.
In addition, one day I stopped in, and the clerk didn't greet me in any way, but instead rudely insisted that I place my medium-sized handbag behind the counter while I browsed. She said it was store policy. It was absurd - there is no way I could have stolen a pair of shoes and stuffed them into my purse.
Needless to say, her rudeness did not inspire me to make a purchase.
However they do have some unique shoes, so just go when the place is empty and bring a teensy weensy purse.
Now, I almost feel like I should give Imelda's fewer stars because of the damage that they do to my wallet, but that would just be unfair because their store in AMAZING. I have gotten many of my favorite shoes there, and with new shoes, has to come new outfits to wear with said shoes. My mustard yellow and turquoise peep toe kenneth cole heels get more compliments then I have ever received from a pair of shoes. My frye boots that were sold out at Nordstroms for 6 months that they HELD for me as soon as they got them in! I could go on and on. The best experience I ever had though was a shopping trip where I didn't even purchase anything.
New Years Eve 2008: My boyfriends sister was in town from Brooklyn, New York and with her love for shoes, we had to go back to Imeldas (It is on her list every time she comes to town). I was in the search for a pair of cute and festive new years shoes so I figured it would be the perfect stop. I was willing to spend money and was in the mood for shoes. The sales girl gave us a cheery greeting, even though the store was entirely packed too full already. I tried on close to 10 shoes. Now I'm a nice shopper, I took the shoes out of the boxes carefully and made sure I put them back in the boxes just as I had gotten them out. I've worked retail...I know how it goes. We both narrowed it down to a couple pairs of shoes but I was being indecisive. I asked for opinions and the sales girls were more than happy to answer my endless questions (I must sound like a really annoying shopper). I ended up placing a pair of shoes on hold that I hemmed and hawed about all day (silver sequenced maryjanes with black patent leather and a 4 inch heel). I decided I wasn't going to get them and called to let them know. No one has ever been so happy and willing to help me NOT buy a shoe.
My boyfriend also purchased his first pair of Frye boots at Imeldas and I can honestly say...that's a big deal. Great store and I can't imagine any better shoe store in Portland. One of these days I need to look more closely at their jewelry as it looks beautiful, but for now, I will just adore their shoes.
A locally owned shoe stores that carries high end shoes...what's not to love, right? I went in one day on a mission to buy a pair of Frye boots. These aren't just boots, they're $400 boots. I walked in and immediately spotted the boots of my dreams. I walked up and was going through sizes when one of the "sales" people asked if I would put my coffee on the counter while I shopped. There was no "hello" or "may I help you find a size?". I put my coffee on the counter and returned to looking for my size. Five minutes later, I still had not recieved any attention from the staff except the coffee comment. I picked up my coffee and headed out. On the way out the door she says "Thanks for coming in!".
I am sure if they knew I was ready to drop $400 I wouldn't have been able to get them off of me. Needless, to say I will be getting the boots through Nordstroms where I am allowed to shop with my coffee and without the attitude.
Imelda's is HELL. The sales staff are SO EAGER TO SERVE YOU because the managment are on their asses all the time. The owner is mean to her staff and pushy, and everyone who works there seems frightened or miserable or totally brainwashed.
The prices are pretty high, and you can't get a moment's peace because everyone wants to HELP you (or they'll get the cattle prod, I assume.) And even though the shoes are stacked on the floor, it's highly discouraged to grab them yourself. A salesgirl will leap on you if you try, but it's not her fault... the management is watching, waiting, holding that cattle prod...
But, of course, the shoes are absolutely delicious. Expensive and impractical, sometimes, but tasty as hell. Along with the astonishing variety of designer torture shoes, they have Danskos, Earth shoes, and other comfort brands. Their sale shoes are a lot more reasonably-priced, and their selection of jewelry and handbags is very nice.
Still, I'd rather go to Nordstrom, where you can get a lot of the same stuff for the same price, and the staff aren't being threatened into providing obsessively pushy service. Some people have had good experiences here, but a lot of folks are really turned off by the atmospehere. Also, their return policy is HARSH. Shop elsewhere.
I've never actually purchased shoes here, but have done plenty of browsing due to their extensive and desirable selection to adorn your feet with. Specializing in quality and stylish footwear for both women and men, they have plenty to choose from--and expect to pay for it!
Nevertheless, there is also a sale section in the back. Staff are generally doting and helpful, too.
Though there are cute shoes here, it's not worth enduring the self absorbed clerks who barely acknowledge you. I don't like it there.
Dripping with B.A. Bad Attitude.
The selection at Imelda's is great and the staff is usually friendly. However there are a few things to warn you about:
1. Prices can be expensive, so be prepared - you will want one of everything
2. The boxes that are stacked up, are not to be touched by customers. I haven't had a bad experience, but have heard plenty of people who have.
Overall: good, hip spot to fulfill your shoe fetish
Imelda's shoes is the source for men and women. The shoes are well made, colorful, and beautifully designed. Some very unique, risky shoes can be found here, along with sexy office friendly footwear. Imelda's also carries Acme bags, perfect messenger bags for professionals with laptops to schelp in style.
One down side to Imelda's can be the service. Not always, but more than once, staff has been slow to help and wary to leave you alone with the box.
Whenever men ask where to buy shoes, I send them to Imelda's (the men's section is called Louie's, but the door says Imelda's) or Johnny Sole.
i was struggling to find a pair of summer flats to adorn, going to every shoe store in sf with no success. then on my recent trip to portland, my friend takes me here, and i find a cute pair of yellow flats within 5 minutes of browsing. i really like shoe stores like this where the boxes are stacked on the floor, allowing you to instantly find your own size and try them on. my sales person was really nice to me, however the woman behind the counter who i believe was the manager was a bit of a snob. i'm fine with some attitude if i can walk out of the place with a nice pair of shoes. i can see why others would be turned off though. for the snobbery they lose one star.
If you love, or even just like, shoes do four feet a favor and take a look at their selection. Full of fun and interesting shoes that range from bizarre (but cute) to outrageously fantastic. Prices are high, but good shoes cost a fair amount of money--that's just the way the world works.
Also, the store is big enough to gaze longingly at shoes for longer than you should without having salespeople stifle you.
arugh the shoes here are too cute. its like my dream shoe store.
this place is fab because you can get good teacher shoes that won't hurt your feet and arent ugly.
i wish i could find a place like this in san francisco!
I shall stay silent no longer!
Listen I worked at Imelda's for about a year and a half and if some other hostile former employee (who didn't identify herself as such...kinda tacky) is going to give her biased opinion, then I shall give mine (unbiased, thankyou).
I understand some people's beef with Imelda's. Sometimes sizes are limited, the return policy is fairly strict (quite standard at small boutiques), the store can get full, and somehow (?) people find employees to be either overzealous or not attentive enough.
Well, again, it's a small store. Sizes are going to run out. It just happens. You got to be plannin' ahead! If they can reorder them for you, they will.
Also, the return policy is straightforward. Employees tell you about it, yet customers are somehow suprised when they can't return shoes that have been worn because they bought the wrong size or they're uncomfortable. Take more time to try on your shoes and walk around, peeps! The store can't really do anything with a pair of worn shoes. Would you like to buy a pair of second-hand shoes that were returned? Naw. Right?
And yeah, the store is full. Full of hot shoes priced below retail for you to buy!
And in regards to customer service, I guess you can't please everyone. The crew there is trained to know about shoes so they can help you find what you want. If you don't want help, I guess, just be curt and let them know? If you do, there are typically at least 3 people working on the floor.
Yes, they check bags. People steal things. And there has to be some consistency or else people get all offended. Maybe it sucks, but it kinda must be done.
I haven't worked there for a while and am still convinced they have the best selection of affordable shoes in the city. And bags and jewelry.
Is this overkill? Can't help it, I'm being sincere.
I just like Imelda's. They're good, sassy people! Don't you like a bit of sass?
If you're a sucker for Fornarina, and other European inspired designers, proceed with caution! I never leave this store w/o wanting to purchase at least 5 pairs of shoes! Some would argue that the prices are steep, but I can reassure you that you're investing in a well crafted shoe that is bound to turn heads. Be sure to cruise to the sale racks - I always find some great steals here. Also, one of the best "Hobo" bag brand selections I've seen in PDX yet!
Will yelp for shoes.
Great styles. I like that this store has their stock out so you can help yourself and know if they have your size or not. No wasting time. Get it and done. I did think the prices were slightly higher, and the sales people are too friendly.
was this place per chance named for Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines, known for her extensive shoe collection? http://en.wikipedia.or....
my mother sometimes refers to me as Imelda in her honor (your guess why), so you could imagine how i felt when i happened by this store for the first time. i was like, "dude, mama's home". love their selection, they have the most faryl robin's i've ever seen in one place, and they usually have a lot on sale. and they have socks and tights to keep your tootsies warm and dry during the rainy months (which are many up there in the pac NW!).
never got any "tude" from any salesperson, and never got yelled at for touching the boxes, so maybe you other yelpers just got the same bad salesperson the times you've been? dunno. all i know is that every time i visit pdx, i make a special trip to Imelda's. then i shoot over to Powell's books and the Fresh Pot cafe next door w/ free WIFI!
When I first saw Imelda's I started giggling compulsively at the implications of the name, luckily that was quickly replaced with compulsive spending on the ridiculous shoe selection once I went inside.
Neighborhood: Pearl District
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Category: Women's Clothing
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Category: Shoe Stores
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