Madewell

I figured I would leave a review since I admire this brand so much. I’ve only been to this location, but I have to say I highly recommend this company’s products, which are very good quality and well worth the prices. The customer service is also top notch. The ladies are very friendly and helpful without being overwhelming and smothering, the latter unfortunately the case with a lot of clothing stores these days. They know exactly what they are talking about when it comes to finding the perfect jean, and they actually listen to what you want instead of telling you what you «should» want and buy. Not only that, but has anyone else noticed the store actually has a pleasant smell when you walk in? I don’t know if it’s the candles and incense they sell, but it really creates an atmosphere (in a good subtle way). Super random, I know.

There are two Madewell stores in the whole state of Minnesota, and I think this is the first store that opened in the state.
A lot of technology goes into the denim. Maybe that sounds a bit insane? Store associates at this store and the one at MOA seem to have a solid base of artistic and technological language to describe fabrics and trends. Cool, huh?
The employees at this store in particular are honest-​to-​god-​down-​to-​earth. (Unlike employees at Madewell stores in Southern California…)
Kathryn (manager?) seems to set the bar high. She is patient, helpful, and somehow manages to make sure every customer gets enough attention. I’ve heard her speak on the phone a few times, and she is able to strike a balance between customers in the store, asking co-​workers for help, and being sweet on the phone. She is also blunt if you ask her whether something looks good. If it doesn’t, she’ll say so. (I have overheard other customers having similar sorts of conversations with her!) And she will only recommend other items if that’s what you’re looking for. If not, she will just give you space to browse with a couple of check-​ins to see if you want help.
If you want to have something put on hold, she will hold it for more than a day or two, which is longer than most stores will offer.
All in all, Kathryn’s work style seems to be the gold standard here. I don’t go shopping often, but this kind of service in clothing retail seems rare.

I absolutely love Jcrew’s more casual and younger line Madewell.
The jeans are quality, they hold their structure and the store offerings complimentary hemming — at $ 125 per pair it’s a nice feature. Beyond the jeans, I’m always looking for dresses and skirts. They’re a little short but at my petite frame the perfect length for work. I find that most dresses are understated but have a modern flare to them.
Whenever I stop at Southdale I made sure to scan the sale section, I think it’s less picked over than the MOA location.