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Roopam Sarees
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Accessories Shopping Jewelry Women's Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry [Edit]
1044 University Ave(at San Pablo Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 848-2642
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 10:30 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
About This Business:
At Chico's, it's all about making women look and feel fabulous--all the time. We've helped millions of customers look chic for over 25 years with a… read more »
18 reviews for Roopam Sarees
18 reviews in English
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Review from kimberly h.
Hayward, CA
1/30/2012
My mother-in-law recommended that we come to Roopam Sarees in Berkeley for my bridal lengha. I have to say that I couldn't be happier. In just the first few pulls, the owner picked out some of the most exquisite lenghas for me to try on. This man is so delightful and he makes the entire experience enjoyable. The ladies who work there are quiet, but hard working, attentive but not hovering.
Out of the 3 lenghas the owner pulled, 2 we purchased - they are GORGEOUS! There were a couple inquiries made about my lenghas during and after I tried them on. Other girls loved it too and wanted it for themselves! In fact, my Fiance over heard that one of the customers requested a special order to have a sari made like my lengha. AND another bride wanted to try on my bridal lengha. Uncle was very respectful and told the bride that they are to be purchased by me, so she cannot try it on.
You know you've made the right choice when other girls are envying what you got.
My bridal lengha was given to us at a great price, you have to bargain! For $1,700 I got the lengha, bangles, anklets, and jewelry set. Great color, embroidery, workmanship and sparkle!
My other lengha is vibrant and youthful, great quality - $875. Top is a turquoise color and the skirt is mainly fuchsia. My Fiance could not stop staring, he found the lengha to look so beautiful on me. My mother-in-law bought this lengha for me, the gifts for my family (2 kameez, 4 sarees, groom's shoes, and a couple other items) for the grand total of $1800.
I cannot wait to get married now. Roopam Sarees offers some affordable and exquisite collections. I don't know if the owner purposefully laid out "the red carpet" for us, but I sure feel as though he did. 5 stars from me. We've only been there a couple times before, and we will surely continue to be repeat customers. -
Review from LMecca R.
San Leandro, CA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
GOT WHAT I NEEDED.. at first sight I wasn't impressed but then the owner approached and showed me some things and made me an offer I couldn't refuse on what I wanted..
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Review from Deepti G.
Mountain View, CA
11/20/2010
They are very rude and not willing to even look at you. We went in today and the woman just said "I'm busy" and walked away when we asked her for a bridal lehenga. We were shocked.
Then we asked the lady at the counter for some help and she also said hold on, we're busy. She called out to a couple other people, who all said they were busy. The lady at the counter then just started doing something else.
Don't go here!!!
Go to Sagar Exclusive in Hayward or in Sunnyvale instead!! -
Review from Priti P.
San Jose, CA
9/12/2010
Ah, I have completely forgot about this place until I was looking for some indian clothing stores around my area, and then Roopam Sari's pops up on my feed. I realized that with the advent of yelp!, I haven't reviewed my experiences here not so long ago!
I haven't been to Roopam in so long... tell me you wanna know the reason why! For all listed below in the 1-2 star range( rude customer service, arrogant owner and son, and just a total disrespect for people in general... and then... the topper!
About 2 years ago, my cousin was getting married, so we decided to hit up main st. Berkeley for out outfits. We park in the parking lot right next to Roopam, which states customers only, so we don't care because we always hit up ALL the stores on the block, Sari Palace, Roopam, Chandani, and the music shops too. However, that day, we decided to start with Chandani and ended at Roopam since we parked there. We do all our shopping, end at Roopam as planned, and we go to try put out clothes away... into a car that was not there any more. Yes, ladies and gents, our car was TOWED. So we walk back into Roopam and ask them, and they blame the cuban restaurant next to them, saying he always tows their customers cars. We walk into the restaurant and the guy tells us Roopam always tows and blames him. So, who do we believe?
We get the tow order, and lo and behold, its the owner's son's name (I can't even remember the pricks name it's been so long)... but yeah, it was really shady of them to tow someone's car just like that. And we had spent like $400 there on a couple of sari's. When we confronted Roopam Sari's, they still completely denied everything, even when we pointed out their son's name signed on the tow order. Whatever. Take responsibility man!
We haven't been back there since. I rather hit up Sari Palace. They are way nicer and have a better selection. -
Review from Teri C.
3/6/2007
I'm headed to an Indian wedding next month and I'm going to wear a sari. After my first attempt at sari shopping, I was nervous. http://www.yelp.com/bi... All these beautiful outfits were beyond anyone's budget, especially for one day only.
Luckily, my SIL heard I was in search of such clothes and sent me via Berkeley way. And we are so thankful for it. Looking along University Avenue, there were numerous stores to choose from. The first one we walked into was a bit overwhelming. There were so many other girls in there shopping and we looked like a bunch of idiots standing there in the middle with no idea which way to go. We decided to head out and try another store - Roopam Sarees. We found an available saleswoman and told her what we were looking for. She pulled a couple of different saris out and I tried them on. Their prices were much more affordable and were so much more authentic that what we had previously looked at.
I only made it to sari #2 before a decision was made. The color, design and fit were much more of what we had in mind and it was exciting! We even found a nice scarf to go with the BF's outfit too!
I only wish we had gone shopping with someone who was Indian, that way they could have helped us bargain with the prices a bit more. Secondly, I wish the saleswoman would have helped me put the whole outfit on in its entirety. Yes, I know it's a huge ordeal, but it would have solidified the sale earlier. (Yeah, we still bought it, but still!)Listed in: Crossing over the Bridge...to…, Indian Experiences
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Review from Egan B.
12/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm surprised to see so many negative reviews on service here.
I had a great experience. I was fitted properly, and even given recommendations on what would be the best kurti for my price range. Found a great item for a really reasonable price. -
Review from Aranyani A.
Sacramento, CA
12/11/2010
I am having an Indian wedding in June, and so we decided to go to Roopam to get our bridesmaid sarees in December.
As soon as we got there, the service was wonderful. We had so many options in many different price ranges, and the store clerks picked out and arranged as many as we wanted to see.
After about half an hour, I decided to try on a wedding saree, and loved it. The owner gave me a wonderful price, and then my fiance decided to try on a wedding suit.
By the end of it all,
the bridesmaids paid around $150 for everything including tailoring.
And my fiance and I are now wearing indian wedding garments as well.
The whole experience was positive.
He is getting our wedding attire custom made in India!
GO HERE if you want a good selection and sweet people. -
Review from Sai S.
Berkeley, CA
6/13/2010
I have yet to write a review for a clothing store, but this place is SO bad that I just have to.
1) Customer service
Could be the worst of any store I have ever been to. Not just a Indian clothing store, but any store. And I have traveled to 21 countries.
There is who I believe to be the owner's son. He has a haircut that was cool 5 years ago and tries to dress hip. Can't miss him. He is so smug and arrogant I could not believe it. It's like, dude, you are 20 something, and your J-O-B is selling clothes. This is the type of guy who is he was a janitor --- and let's face it, being a clothes salesman at Daddy's shop is just about the same class level --- would think he's the man.
The owner, with a goatee that is trying to be Amitabh Bachachan like with his facial hair and glasses, is also an arrogant loser.
2) Selection
Nothing special here. Walk, oh, 50 feet left or right and you have stores with better selection.
3) Prices
Rip OFF. People who have no idea about Indian clothes may be happy that their "$500 price rag was marked down to $100!! OMG, 80% off!!" Guess what bro, he marked that up 10x to begin with, something he bought for $50 (I know, ive been to the wholesalers) he just suckered you into.
4) Staff
The irony is, there is one staff member that is female and very nice. But the owner and son combo was rude TO HER --- dude, she works for you!
Overall, this store could be one of the dirtiest, lousiest stores in any category on the planet. I felt liked I needed a shower after I left with the behavior of the people making me sick and the price gouging of innocent customers making me even more sick!! -
Review from Melanie K.
New York, NY
8/8/2006
The best place in the world to buy Indian clothes = India.
Then best place in the Bay Area to buy Indian clothes = Roopam Sarees in Berkeley.
After visiting over 10 sari shops in the last month, hoping to find just the right lengha (skirt and blouse) for an event, I landed here and found them to have the largest and most up-to-date selection of women's sarees, lenghas, and salwars for all occasions. The owners and their families were extremely attentful and sincerely wanted to make sure I found the right outfit at a cost I could afford (which I learned you can bargain down for a lot). Then, after choosing a few outfits to try on, allow the aunties in the room to help pin you/wrap you so you can see how it will look after alterations. If you need matching jewelry, just let them know and they will pick out everything for you and do an amazing job at it too. Gosh, I felt like I was in India all over again. (sigh). -
Review from Barbara L.
Asheville, NC
12/28/2010
I've dealt with Roopam as a wholesale purchaser. While they have a high minimum, once I hit it I get a good deal from them.
Roopam specializes in cheaper sarees. I've been to the other shops in the area as well as to Chicago. If you're looking for every day sarees, it's a good place. I buy for the belly dance trade, so cheap, supple and plain is what I seek.
As for service, when I'm dealing with someone born and raised in a foreign country I expect the service to be different. Possibly the complainers have failed to bargain. Bargaining is traditional in India and likely the vendor looses respect for the client when he fails to do so. In any event, if I get the product I want for the price I need, I ignore the fine points. -
Review from Manj P.
Emeryville, CA
2/1/2009
If you want to spend a few hours dealing with a bunch of arrogant and rude folks this is not the place for you. They treat their customers like shit and literally ask you to leave the place if they think you are not inclined towards buying their stuff. What's worse is now they have also stopped helping you try the sari. Probably the quality of service has gone down from when I last went there but the ladies out there were reluctant to help you with wearing the sarees. I would never go here ever again. To all those folks who have some self respect don't shop at this place.
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Review from J A.
Mountain View, CA
6/30/2008
I came here to look for a saree for a wedding I'm going to. This place has a huge selection and the price is very affordable. You can also bargain with the salespeople. They are all very helpful and nice. I would recommend coming here to look for something!
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Review from Melissa Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2008
I had an uncut sari from India and needed someone to handsew the blouse piece that comes attached. The folks here don't do that type of work but they found me someone who could do it in under 48 hours. Hooray!
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Review from Whitney R.
El Sobrante, CA
11/26/2007
I went here with my dance class to get some kurtis and bangles for a bhangra performance. The staff was very nice and had a very good selection. They were patient with our questions and with our complicated method of paying. Excellent service and good prices!
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Review from Ashik U.
Fremont, CA
4/3/2007
Last Friday I took my wife here to buy few sarees. The shop is as good as the behavior of the people serving there. My wife liked their saree collection although their saloar collection is not so good. I recommend anyone buying from here as I find me driving 35 miles to reach them worth.
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Review from Merlin M.
Berkeley, CA
2/22/2011
I have found the owners of this business to be very helpful, good neighbors in the University Ave neighborhood where their store is located.
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Review from Amber A.
Oakland, CA
9/1/2007
actually 4.5. i needed a salwar kameez for an event-----and since i am plus sized i was filled with trepidation that i wouldn't find anything suitable. based on the recs of my fellow yelpers, this is the place i picked.
i immediately saw that the customers were rthnically diverse, and the prices were more than reasonable. the first saleslady i spoke to didnt know much english, but she immediately got another lady to help me. saleslady #2 was patient, sweet, and very kind to go through the racks and and also pull stuff out of the backroom for me to try on. with her help i found something very nice to wear-----yeah!
i was pleased with my purchase--------thank you nice saleslady #2. -
Review from Melisa T.
Oakland, CA
11/13/2009
I came here recently and the lady at the counter completely ignored me. She was putting some bangles together and didn't even look up. So finally I said hello and asked to look at some bangles. She continued to ignore me and I asked again. Her response was I'M BUSY. I asked if there was someone else that could help me and she said WE ARE ALL BUSY and shook her head. I'M THE ONLY CUSTOMER IN THE STORE!!!! At this point, it was obvious she didn't want to help me intentionally. It disgusts me that someone of color would treat someone else of color with such disrespect for no reason. I'm a customer and that was so uncalled for. I will never shop here and the people that do are supporting a rude and ignorant business. There are tons of other shops on this street that sell Indian clothes. They are much nicer! Plus this isn't the first time it's happened. Someone else also yelped about the rude lack of service!
