Hatbox: A Modern Haberdashery

I love all things hats and scarves! I have a medical condition that requires that I always wear a hat or a scarf, so I am constantly dropping a lot of money on hats. My favorite hat brand is grace! Love them! However, the service at this store was abysmal. One rep was very kind and taking care of anyone who came in. The woman on the other hand, stood and stared rather rudely at me as I tried on hats and offered no help. I called to offer the feedback, and she clearly did not care. She clearly needs an attitude adjustment, and I will not be returning to this store until the service improves.

I brought in a mangled, battered, and unloved Fedora to Anthony and Jaron and boy howdy did they take care of me and the hat. If you need a new head covering or just some spiffing up to an old favorite, bring it here first!

I would of rated this place a five star the first minute I walked in. It is exactly what I expected it to be. I browsed around patiently looking at all the different types of hats looking for that exact one. I couldn’t tell who the employees were by the «dress code». I figured I wasn’t being helped because there was probably only one person helping everybody at once. So I browsed some more. Within minutes the store was empty, nobody purchased an item. I looked over and saw two people behind the register, they were eagerly helping other people when I arrived. Now that I’m the only one in the store, it is quiet. No hello, or can I help you or anything. Now I normally expect this at some retailers, but come on this is a HAT store. I literally walked to the register and stood there for what felt like 5 minutes being completely ignored, I had to cough and say «hello, I would like to buy a hat.»
I described what I wanted and the guy with a beard and quirky hat/​glasses muttered «over there» and then the mildy over weight fake blonde haired lady with the trendy hat asked what size I wore. «I don’t know, but I have a big head» she grabs the biggest one and it was way to large, she handed me another way to small. Well sir, we don’t have your size.
Okay ma’am no problem, do you have a hat like this in another color? Yes. I found my size. I was literally saying what they needed to say. Mind you I am not looking at 50 dollar hats. We are talking 300 dollar hats.
I ended up asking these sophisticated looking hat people «what type of hat should someone with a face shaped like mine wear?» She recommended one and It was good choice, I tried it on and said I want this one. Then I asked if she had it in a different color. She did, so I bought two!
I was happy because this was a mission accomplished. I live in longview, Tx and drove all the way to Austin just to go to this store (4 hours and 30 minutes).
I am in the middle of a 600 dollar purchase and the quirky guy with glasses kept interrupting my conversation with the lady. I asked about the other store they had in the area and she said it was the same store just a different look. I replied «oh, like another aesthetic.» I said thank you and I will see you guys again. When I opened the door to leave the weirdo guy with glasses said «aesthetic? and laughs and she annoyingly joins him. I found this off putting they would laugh at a customer who just spent 600 dollars in there store.
You guys tried and I know you are reading this. Just know I am a business owner myself. I hope you walk into my establishment one day and see how it feels.

Nick Hamner is awesome. An expert on hats and heads, plus he can smile.

Nick was amazing as he helped my husband buy a few hats. He lost all of his hats in our house fire and these were his first replacements!

So, I love hats. Call it a weakness. I’ve got maybe 20 of them, ranging from the $ 16 wide-​brim straw hat from Fiesta to the nearly $ 200 pre-​markdown bowler that I just got from this Hatbox. I think people in the 1930’s had the right idea about hats and that going around in ballcaps when you aren’t playing baseball looks douchey. So, it’s safe to say that I am the Hatbox’s natural audience.
And they’re always taken good care of me, especially at this location. On my most recent trip through to celebrate the 10^th day of my 42^nd birthday, I was pleased to find that fall and winter (basically, wool and felt) hats were 25% off and that there was a clearance table, something I haven’t seen there before. Cool.
I see things that I have wanted for ages and either couldn’t find or afford. The staff are all friendly and helpful, taking advantage of a slow day to give an overview and show us some individual choices. Sadly, the super cool tophats are all in the wrong size (sadness). I get a discount black straw fedora for cheap – they’re nice enough to steam it and turn the brim down – and agonize a little over the bowler. Sensing that I’m on the ropes, shift manager knocks off another ten bucks. Sold. The missus gets a smart applejack hat and a straw cowpoke hat. We’re feeling good.
But in general, at all locations, I’ve always found that Hatbox staff know and like hats. They’re happy to share their enthusiasm whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, a one-​timer needing something for an occasion or a haberdashian sartorialist looking to add to a collection. And when you combine a good product, knowledgeable sales people, and some solid deals, you get five stars outta me. Thanks for a good day, Hatbox.

If you’d asked me yesterday, I’d have given Hatbox a glowing review. I purchased my first hat from them three years ago, and have since browsed through there several times, never seeing anything that caught my eye, but always impressed by the breadth of their selection and the friendliness and knowledge of the sales staff. I had nothing but good things to say about my experience, and would have happily recommended them to my friends interested in starting their own hat adventure.
But. BUT.
Then came today. I purchased a hat from Hatbox yesterday, then decided upon further reflection during the evening that I didn’t really NEED it, and decided to return it today– only to discover that Hatbox has a store credit only «return policy,» which is, effectively, the same as «We don’t accept returns.»
Now, let’s be clear. I’d expect this sort of thing from, say, a second hand store, where the prices are low and you’re taking your chances with the longevity of the items you’re about to purchase. But from a store where I’m paying a premium for brand new merchandise? Merchandise that I’m returning unworn less than 24 hours from when I purchased it? Nope nope nope.
I admit I didn’t check the return policy before purchasing, but only because I couldn’t fathom a store like Hatbox not having one. That, and store clerks are usually courteous enough to mention BEFORE purchase when their return policy is one that might give buyers pause. Now I’m out almost $ 40 for a hat that I don’t want, and that I’m certainly not returning just so I can get a worthless slip of paper that might as well have, «Haha, we got your money, no takebacksies!» written on it.
As you can tell, return policies are one of the few things upon which I judge stores as a consumer. If I’m paying for quality, I expect quality service in return, and that includes the right to return that item – in the condition I purchased it in– and get my cash back if I decide that, for whatever reason, it’s not quite what I was hoping for.
I’m incredibly disappointed in Hatbox now, and will not be purchasing anything from there in the future. Nor will I recommend it to any friends, in the event they too should commit the terrible crime of changing their minds after purchase.

Okay well first off I went in here on accident. I misread the cumbersome logo as «HATE BOX» and all I got was a bunch of hats, absolutely ZERO hate. So I guess that’s a plus for someone looking for hats.
The store sells hats and advertises itself as selling hats, so it’s hard to give them anything but a neutral review.

I am shopping for a hat for my wedding. So i went to this store to see what they had. I found the service to be excellent. They were slow, the only other customer than me left when i got there, so that helped. I cant remember the guy’s name but I’m pretty sure its the guy in the picture here, and he said he was the son of the owner. He took the time to show me what i was looking for, tell me about the companies that made the hats and everything. He wasn’t pushy, he even took me back into the «fine hats» area and let me try some of those on (this was after i had already mentioned my price range, so he knew they were not in my budget). but it was cool to be able to try on the expensive hats, though i’d never see a point in buying one. in the end i left without a hat, because i like to shop around and see all my options, and he gave no objection or tried to push a sale. i told him that i had a bowler that had its crown all smashed in, and he informed me they could re-​shape and fit it for me! lastly i did see a had in the color i liked but not the style, and he said he could even reshape that to make it look the way i wanted. (from fedora to porkpie).
TL:DR — Wasn’t pushy, let me have fun trying on hats that i couldn’t afford, can reshape hats, great selection, fair prices.

My husband is bald and hat stores are a regular thing for us. Hatbox is a terrific shop with a large assortment of styles and brands. I felt the prices were decent and there was a table full of sale hats if you’re looking for a bargain.
I was particularly impressed by the customer service as the woman working there took the time to suggest several hats and was not shy about giving her opinion when asked. We ended up with a hat that he would never have picked on his own, but it looked amazing and fit better than any of the hats he chose.
He walked out feeling like a million bucks and isn’t that all you can ask for?

It was first time getting a hat, never Been much of a cap guy but always wanted to do a hat. So a little nervous going in cause I do have a big head. Ryder and Nick both helped me, they explained what the hats were made of where they are from, the fit a hat makes, both were so knowledgeable on the hats, they even told me the ones I thought looked good not to get it cause it wasn’t a good fit. I got my first hat and very happy and would go back again and send anyone else there. Thank you Ryder and Nick for a great experience.

Had a girls trip & decided to peep in. Fell in live with a few hats, but could only commit to one. I’ve regretting not buying the other one & will be back to buy the other next time I’m in town.
Super cute hats, reasonable prices & nice customer service.

I rescued an awesome vintage Irish walking hat from Goodwill but it was flattened. I took it to Hatbox and they spruced it up beautifully for less than $ 10. You guys are awesome, thanks!

I’m going to make this short and sweet. We spent $ 500 on a derby hat and the experience was awful. Lauri was rude and her staff consistently miscommunicated and mischeduled me. I have sat on this review for months now and instead of the «he said, she said» dialog, I’ll just say this: If you are going to the Kentucky Derby, DO NOT spend $ 500 on a hat. The fascinator that I bought for $ 45 on Esty got more attention than my expensive hat from this store. I recommend buying a $ 100 or less hat from anywhere and going to Michaels or Hobby Lobby and embellishing it yourself. This is basically what Lauri did for an up charge of $ 65. This is what all the local derby people told me they do. No one cares your hat is from Italy and is hand woven. My derby dress got more compliments than the hat. Oh, and spending $ 500 for a hat and still having to spend another $ 35 for a hat box in which to travel with is ludicrous. Again, customer service shouldn’t be that difficult.
UPDATE: This email was sent to me from Lauri, the owner. She either mistakenly CC’d me or she purposefully did it to show her true colors. I did reply to ask if she meant to do this and she didn’t respond. This is the type of professionalism you can expect. For the record, yes I changed my dress 4 weeks out but we only had to change the COLOR of the hat as I bought the exact same hat and she had it in stock. Yes, I made the subject of an email «your most difficult customer» to lighten the mood since we had already had a contentious phone call. And apparently she tried to say something about what my husband does for a living (because that matters why?) but didn’t finish her sentence. Apparently how much you make and your wealth dictates whether or not one can shop at her store. This is completely UNEDITED from her email to me this afternoon:
«I guess she didn’t choose to mention how many times she changed her mind, her dress and even called herself our «most difficult customer ever.
But she had to trash my store… lots of people care about quality just obviously not her. Michaels! Bashaw! She is attention driven obviously,
real wealth and taste never seek attention … simple. I’ll find out what her husband
Who are the «This is what all the local derby people told me they do» that told her we shop at Michaels for supplies… this woman needs a wake upcall Geez, stay away from custom anything or learn the craft and adhere to a process. »

I had a fantastic experience at Hatbox today! A few months ago, my dad and I went to visit on a coworker’s recommendation. Emma was there, and let us try on the hats and talked to us about them and what services they could provide. On a whim, I asked her about straw boaters– she said they only got them in during the summer, but she’d call me when they did.
Cue to today. I had at this point assumed that they had forgotten about me. But lo, I got a call– once again from Emma– that informed me that not only were the boaters in, but they had one set aside in my size. This was a VERY small order, as well, so that they were able to set one aside was in itself appreciated, but that they did follow through and call me for it was even better!
My sister and I rushed over and I got the hat, which Emma then helped expand to fit my rather large head. She gave me tips about how to keep it expanded in the right shape, and talked to me about a cool device for head measuring (can’t recall the name) that they had on display. She even remembered some information about me from my last visit.
I could not be more pleased with my service from Emma and the rest of this establishment. If you’re looking for a hat– and who isn’t– this should definitely be the first place you look. I’ll be back soon to get some repairs done to my fez and get a good box for my top hat!

I adore Hatbox. so. damn. much.
My boyfriend and I are frequent customers and have never failed to have an amazing experience. The staff is top notch, helpful and knowledgeable. Even the first couple times I went in there, the staff members remembered me, and my boyfriend.
They’re always so sweet to let you try on alllll the hats, as much as you want. I went to go «visit» a hat in the finer hat room that I’d been gazing at for months, and they let me wear it around the store for like 45 minutes while my boyfriend tried on hats, even though we both knew I couldn’t afford it that day. (I went back and got it a few weeks later though!)
Between the two of us, we have 5 Fedoras, a fancy bowler (designed by one of kate middleton’s haberdasher’s!), and a panama hat all from Hatbox and plenty more to come in the future!
Even if you don’t think you’re a «hat person» — just give it a shot. They’ll convice you otherwise.

The people who work here are always friendly and patient, especially with my teenage son, who seems to want to try on almost every hat before making a decision. They have a great selection, and you can find some great deals in the clearance section.

American girls are lame. They don’t wear hats, they whine «I can’t wear hats, my forehead isn’t big enough,» or whatever it is they say. I don’t listen, because I look AMAZING in hats and was on a search for a fascinator for an Irish wedding.
Not just any fascinator, a pink one that matched my dress.
I searched high and low, went into every accessory store in Austin, most places didn’t even know what a fascinator was (I pitied these people) and others just shook their head at me in disappointment.
Then I went into Hatbox on 6^th St, they too shook their head at me, the only fascinator they had was a $ 300 black one in the window. Black? I cannot wear a black fascinator to a wedding with a white and pink dress! Especially not for $ 300!
But wait! There’s another Hatbox! In the Domain! The manager gave me directions and off I went.
As soon as I walked in I asked the manager if she had any fascinators, she was my last and only hope. She said they only had the black one in the window. I sighed. Then she got a lightbulb, «wait!» she said, «there is one more in the back!»
Alas, IT WAS PINK AND AMAZING. My face lit up. I grabbed it and tried it on, pulled out my phone with a picture of my dress, IT MATCHED PERFECTLY.
The manager explained to me that they usually have more of a variety of fascinators but derby season had just ended and other (I’m sure awesome) girls had bought most of their fascinators.
I didn’t care, I had found THE ONE! My wedding outfit was complete! Thank you Hatbox, my head would be naked without you.

You may not know, but this is one of the few local businesses in the Domain. They have a great selection of summer hats. Also, they are very particular about quality, and told me they recently sent a shipment back because the hats weren’t well made! I can respect that. :)
I found a nice wide-​brimmed hat with a cute bow on the side. They have some beautiful hats made out of ribbon, too. Another cute thing is they sell the ribbon wraps for fedoras, so you can update your look without buying a completely new hat.

I was trying to escape the Domain after an errand as quickly as possible, when I spied Hatbox. Wait, what? I thought to myself. I actually did a double-​take. Many a time have I stopped in the 6^th St location and lusted after their lovely hats. Surely it’s not the same, is it? Yes indeed, a new location for the northies!
The staff here is just as friendly and helpful as the original location, even joking around with us while we browsed. We probably spent close to an hour in here trying things on. I also discovered that they have a hat reshaping service. For $ 12 they’ll fix up any of your hats that have gotten a bit abused, like, say, in a recent move. (Yeah, I’ll be taking advantage of this service soon.) Oh yes, I will be expanding my hat collection quite a bit in the future…