I should have been such an easy mark for Gazelle today. I was so primed to buy. I was looking for something casual and flowy to wear to a warm-weather event, and I was willing to pay a bit more than I normally would have since it’s a special occasion. The merchandise was beautiful and seemed high quality. They had plenty of distinctive-looking stuff, exactly the aesthetic I was seeking. And yes, I’m in the«over-50 crowd» that another reviewer observed is this store’s target audience. So they really could have made a little profit off of me, and gained a new loyal customer. I was more than eager to let them do so. But they didn’t make a dime. Why? Because of the snooty, couldn’t-care-less, why-are-you-even-bothering-me attitude of the staff. I looked through the racks for a good 15 minutes and nobody said a word to me. Complete indifference. There was only one other customer in the store. Ugh. There are so many really great boutiques in Portland that I didn’t want to patronize one that treats its potential customers so shabbily, no matter how appealing the merchandise. Maybe I happened to visit on «Let’s Ignore the Customers Day» — I might consider going back if I happen to be in the neighborhood and maybe friendlier staff will be on hand. Today, unfortunately, was not that day.
Andrea L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Portland, OR
This place has beautiful things — no doubt. So many of the kinds of clothes I adore and wish I could afford. But I used my general litmus test… can I leave with something coool for $ 12? The answer is sadly no. Maybe not so sad or I might have bought something! They have very lovely jewlery throughout the store — some so sweet and delicate. Socks, scarves and gorgeous clothes. Brilliant fabrics. It’s just too darned spendy for me. The staff was busy working/training and didn’t really pay me any mind. They could be a little more welcoming. I didn’t notice much in the way of larger sizes. Although some of these clothes are stretchy and sometimes do fit a couple sizes… the«Onesize» thing is mostly BS and we all know it. I wish I could afford to shop here — even the sale prices were too expensive. But again — beautiful and quality things.
Sam L.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Los Angeles, CA
Hmmm. I’d have to agree with some of the other posts. Very expensive clothes, flowy tunics for the over 50 crowd. The two most recent times I’ve been in Gazelle I’ve felt the retail clerk watching me like a hawk rather than approaching me with a hello or warmth. I’m drawn in, yet leave disappointed. Odd selection of stuff. I much prefer the sister store ‘Full Circle’(used) clothing two doors east.
Sue G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Portland, OR
Gazelle has beautiful, comfortable clothes that are very high quality, they last forever. I bought a skirt and blouse 12 years ago that I still wear often. The fabrics, textures, patterns and colors are lovely and unique. Gazelle sells many accessories too: scarves, jewelry, etc. The prices are a bit higher because the clothes are well-made — that is worth paying for. I always check the sale rack, and I visit the sister store(resale) Full Circle, which is two doors down.
Lulu P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Portland, OR
I don’t buy much at Gazelle because I don’t really do the flowy clothing thing, but I do understand that it fills a needed niche for women who are over 50 and find that the fashion world no longer caters to them or their bodies. So to the poster who says it’s weird, there’s about a hundred places that cater to your demographic. One day you’ll understand why Gazelle exists. High quality, natural fiber clothing and much better quality than Chico’s!
A.J. H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Francisco, CA
This is a fun store and there is nothing«cheesy» about it! I can’t believe the grudging comments left by other reviewers. Whenever I’m in the area, I stop in to see what’s on the racks and I rarely leave without one or two items. The service is attentive but not cloying and there is a real neighborhood feel about the place.
Christine c.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Portland, OR
i like gazelle natural fiber clothing. about half of it is cheesy, old hippie lady stuff, but i do find some wonderful things in there. they have some basic skirts, sweaters and tops made from natural fibers but are still stylish — eco-chic. and for the eco-savvy man in your life, there are awesome woven, silk and bamboo shirts. the prices tend to be on the high side, which is why i gave only 3 stars. but a definite plus is that you can bring your old threads to the Full Circle resale shop 2 doors down, and use your trade money at gazelle.
Kate B.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Portland, OR
I think this place is weird. Apparently they have been in business for decades and I honestly don’t understand why. The merchandise is uninspired and frankly, pretty lame. I live in the neighborhood so I’ve been in a few times(because I want to support local businesses) but there has never been anything I’ve been willing to waste my money on. Really you can go to any«imports» store and find the same stuff. If you like Chico’s clothing store you may like this place. ‘Nuff said.