Red Umbrella Consignment

I’ve lived in Petaluma for nearly a decade now and I’ve gone in and out and purchased a few items here over time, but I remember why I’m not a huge fan– the staff and services. As others have stated, and clearly nothing has changed, many staff members are snobby and rude. There are some cute items and some decent deals. But… There is one particular middle aged woman who is downright dreadful to talk with. It’s like that scene from the movie Pretty Woman, in which the shop girls dismiss Julia Roberts as being less than them. I asked about consignment, after purchasing an item, and she went on to give me all the strict guidelines about consigning with them, as if there isn’t possible way I might have nice things.
I went home and methodically hung my items, as was insisted upon by the woman, and steamed ones that needed it. I folded all the other items neatly and put them in bags, along with some accessories and shoes. When I went to bring them in, my husband helped me. I didn’t bring all the hangers in, just two bags, since I knew there’d likely be paperwork to fill out first. I was admonished by that same lady and a younger staffer, that they’d be closing early and were not going to consign that day, despite coming within the specified times on their flyer and after having checked their website, as I was told to. They said that I’d have to come another day and that all things should be on hangers for their ease. I explained that I had and all the hung up items were in my car, just out front and these were simply items that were tricky to hang. I said that I’d be unable to come on another day since it was difficult with my work hours and they haughtily told me they could look at the two bags I’d brought in but wouldn’t look at all the things I’d carefully prepared to their specs. I felt like I was being scolded and given a guilt trip. They rushed through the few items in the bags, at points hardly looking. They found two things that they would take but said they had to have at least 3 items to start a service with me. So they gave them back without a thank you or even a smile. My husband who stood and looked at furniture nearby said he was surprised by their attitude. He said they were dismissive and clearly didn’t care to look at my things and hardly did look. He also was shocked that they wouldn’t look at my hung items, since it’s a business and there weren’t other customers in the shop whatsoever.
I get that they have to be selective to keep quality up, but they simply didn’t look. Their outlook and attitude was terrible. I have all my clothes neatly prepared now and in the car, so I will take them to a different shop for consideration. I hope that’s what I get– some consideration, in every sense. I think sadly, they may have lost not only a consigner but also a shopper, which is unfortunate. I will pass on my experience to friends and neighbors too.

This is one of the downtown Petaluma thrift stores that I have consistently found some piece of clothing that is unique and flattering.
The pricing, though, doesn’t make it convenient to do regular shopping here. If you do have the means, you can find a quality selection of modern, gently-​used women’s jeans, jackets, blouses, dresses, and shoes. It would be easy to assemble a great outfit from the kinds of clothing they carry. For men’s clothes, well, I did notice a single rack of men’s tops at the back of the store.
The right side wall displays charming outfit combinations of current items to buy. It is a clean, uncluttered store, so navigating the racks is easy. The customer service was neither domineering or aloof, and the saleswoman was polite and talkative. No qualms here!

Two stars are only for the fantastic red leather jacket that I got here for a song! But man, when I asked about consigning some of my things, I felt like I was being scolded. «we don’t accept this or that, be mindful of the times and days of the week we accept clothing, you’ll be in charge of your own account» etc. Why would I consign here when I can be in charge of my own account on eBay? Was treated very rudely and won’t return. It’s a shame because they seemed to have had a lot of great things and I would have definitely returned but not to be treated like a steerage passenger! There are too many great stores in Petaluma who treat me right.

Used designer clothes can be found here as well as furniture. I have found some used clothes here that were in good shape. I have not purchased any furniture or sold clothes here. The service is hit or miss, but I like stopping in to browse as it might be the day you find a great little number for a reasonable price.

Super cute, very good quality consignment store — great layout and service. I have stopped by twice and both times found something outstanding. From clothes to jackets to shoes and some cute jewelry. Definitely recommend adding it to your list when toodling through downtown Petaluma.

Needed a fancy dress, so I thought I’d try this store. I was surprised that there were several dresses under $ 30, and I was very happy with the one I got.

I love this place. DONT GO TO TARGET OR THE OUTLET MALLS! This place (and Zoe’s across the way) are just infinitely better. You’re recycling and getting higher quality clothes for a great deal! Really! Great service, awesome selection, nice location, too.

When I moved to Petaluma a few months ago I thought this place was a gem. Then I realized that the clothing was not that great (just great presentation). They were very snobby and I did not like the attitude.
I tried to give. Few of my clothe. A lot of them made in France. They barely looked at them and said no thanks.
Yes, I was a bit offended but more than that I did not like the tone they used, like this is not good enough for us! The funny thing is a couple of the clothing were from Red Umbrella! Hee Hee!
So I won’t be going there anymore but right across the street, Zoe has great great clothing and they are much nicer!

Beautiful store! Always great finds. Friendly staff. Highly recommend. Gem in Petaluma

OH yeah, a new discovery… what a great store. I didn’t get any snobby attitude here at all. (Believe me, it would have been returned if so) I got the coolest jacket for $ 24! So cute. I love how they do all the window displays and the wall hangings. So neat. I will return.

Shopping around Petaluma is an interesting experience, to say the least. The level of snobbery and general unwelcoming attitude runs rampant in many of the boutiques, and Red Umbrella is no exception.
I stopped in because it looked cute on the outside and I’m a sucker for consignment shops, but as I continued to peruse the racks I didn’t see too much to be excited about. There were some ok tops from Free People, the occasional blouse that would catch my eye, but other than a couple of shirts I managed to dig out, and a necklace I ultimately passed on, I didn’t see too much that wowed me here.
But what really grinds my gears was the treatment I received (as did other customers) by the uppity women behind the counter, who seem to have rubbed a number of reviewers the wrong way. I had my shirts in my hands and wanted to use the floor length mirror by the fitting rooms to check out how one of the shirts might look if I had it on, when the older woman suddenly said, «Did you need a fitting room?» I was a bit surprised by her unwelcoming tone, but smiled and said I was just using the mirror.
As I walked past her to look at the jewelry around the counter, she unsmilingly said, «I can take those if you’re not going to buy them.» Irritated at this point, I said that I was going to buy them and ignored her continued staring. Under my breath I asked why she would even think I wasn’t going to buy them anyway — did I look that poor, or was it because I look like I’m still in high school and posed a loss prevention threat?
I heard her stop another woman who apparently strayed too close for comfort near the fitting rooms and ask her coldly if she needed a room, as though she was watching everyone who was walking around with clothes in their hands as though it was something we weren’t allowed to do. When I finally went up to the counter to pay, she wordlessly reached for the clothing without saying she could help me, without asking if I found everything alright, and in general acting completely uncomfortable with me being in her store.
The younger woman, who wasn’t much better or more welcoming, at least smiled and asked me if I needed a bag at the end. But her minimal attempt at niceties couldn’t salvage a dismal shopping experience. I have no desire to return.

I have never shopped at this store, but rather we consign my girlfriends used designer clothes here. As well as some handmade items that I design, and build. This is a great consignment store, with many awesome one of a kind home furnishings. As well as a huge variety of designer women’s clothes. They have every thing from shoes and purses, designer jeans, and designer women’s apparel that changes seasonally. The store is well organized, so it doesn’t seem difficult to find something good. I have read some other reviews stating that the ladies who work there are rude, and follow people around, or that shoppers had the feeling of being watched excessively. As someone who consigns here, and I do not shop here I can not confirm or deny these allegations. But if they are true, I am some what relieved that our consigned items are safely guarded… Both of the ladies who have helped me when I go in to drop things off are VERY helpful, polite, professional, and respectful. And I have seen the way they treat other customers, and I have never encountered them badgering customers etc. as accused!

I love this store! The shop is located in a perfect location along Kentucky, you should definitely stop by when in downtown Petaluma! The space and selection is fantastic! They have everything from designer jeans, to adorable jewelry, and really beautiful furniture pieces. I have consigned with the Red umbrella for the past few years and have been nothing but amazed at the quality of service the owners provide. The selection of clothing they have is huge, and all the clothes are a mixture fun, modern, vintage and trendy! I always find a great pair of shoes, a cute shirt, or a fun purse, even when I wasn’t planning on shopping! Head on in, you won’t regret it! :)

This store is super cute. I consign my clothing there pretty regularly and have found it to be a pleasant experience. Hint: bring in items that are less than 2 years old, in season, and (obviously) dry cleaned and/​or freshly cleaned. I fold all of my items and they always seem to appreciate that.
Each time I go into the shop, I leave with at least one item. But then again, that’s why I consign… guilt free shopping (I purchased a Free People shirt that one of the nice ladies helped me find). In addition, I’m a huge fan of their furniture. It’s what originally drew me into the shop. Since then, my husband and I have consigned two bedroom pieces.
As for their customer service – no complaints here. Only con is that it’s a bit far away from home… but that’s not their problem.

Pro: Good selection of items, affordable enough.
Con: Snobby, make you feel like a thief when you’re not salesladies.
I was happy to find some great clothes at this store. The prices weren’t cheap, but not bad. Unfortunately, the way the two ladies acted toward me, you would’ve thought I was a dope feign stashing merchandise in my purse in a Gucci store. But of course, I wasn’t. I’m an employed mom, who was shopping with her kid on her day off in a consignment shop. But that is not important. What is important is that the employees treat their customers with respect (unless they do something to deserve otherwise). I was watched like a hawk and after having a few items in my hands about 30 seconds into being in the store, they refused to let me hold them even though I told them I did not need a dressing room.
*An interesting thing I noticed while waiting to pay was that they treated an older male with the utmost respect. They told me to step aside while they helped him at the counter when I was already waiting to pay. They were super chatty and smiley with him and totally eye-​narrowing and cold with me. Why?
So please, salesladies, if you’re reading this and the other reviews, I suggest you be warm to your customers, make them feel welcome and like you want them to enjoy their shopping experience. Then we’ll tell our friends and we’ll come back!
UPDATE: Owner contacted me and Unilocal and acknowledged my concerns. Thanks! I look forward to going back soon to give it another try.

Awesome place to shop for the ladies. they have some really cool stuff for a nice price. The retro stuff is cool… only wish they had mens stuff for sale… and the employees are nice.

Super awesome!
We found a bunch of really nice items and the price was great too.

Love this place! I have to agree with some of the earlier comments, though… I’m almost hesitant to spread the word because I want it to be mine, all mine.
Loads of cute stuff. Fairly hip, a little on the quirky side. Sizes 0 – 16. Pleasant atmosphere, not too snooty. And the sales people are hands-​off, which I’m fine with. In fact, I prefer it that way — just let me at those clothes and stay out of my way. I will definitely be a regular here…

So, this store is cute to shop at. However, I cannot bring myself to buy from a consignment store that I swear charges close to the same price for new clothes as they do for the used version. But they do have nice stuff. There’s your 3 stars.
As a consigner, I don’t like this place. There are laid back, cool consignment stores that rock, and then there are ones like these. There are a few cons: they have specific buying days and times. I find this silly and annoying. They can be pretty snobby with the stuff they take. The woman actually asked me if one of my items was old or new. I’m thinking, shouldn’t you want it if it’s in good condition and something in style? It makes you wonder if they really know how to pick clothes… they should just know the trends/​their demographic and choose accordingly. For people who consign, there are places that make you feel like not selling any of your stuff one day is no big deal and other places that are kind of rude or snobby about it. They are snobby.
If you want to shop, I encourage it! If you want to consign, just be prepared.

Interesting store. I came in with my groupon (yay! groupon!) and milled about for a while. I left with a necklace, and a sweater — which I both adore.
The clothes are hit or miss, I was told that they take really nice things that are less than 2 years old. Which from looking around the store I found that to be about 75% true. Mostly because I own several of the items that they had IN the store, and I know them to be older because I’ve had them in my closet much longer than that — still they are good, staple pieces.
The other hit and miss is the pricing. The sweather I bought is something that would have sold at a botique for about $ 100. I know that because of the label. I paid $ 23 — score! But there were items with brands from Kohls (many still had the original price tag) that I knew had been clearance stuff a few months ago, and had sold for $ 2 – 3 bucks each, and now were $ 16 – 25?
Much like most consignement stores, I will continue to come in and poke around and shop… but just remember to be mindful of what you are buying, you may be able to find it new elsewhere for less.