Canoe

Love this store. Curated collection of beautiful and functional products. I've gotten a lot of gifts for people here, and the workers are always friendly and they wrap what you buy which I really appreciate. Support them!

What a nice place to visit! Very organized. They sales stuff mostly from Japan and Italy. 🤣 well obviously it’s gonna be a little bit pricy but why don’t just stop by and take a look? It’s nice place and you can always find something unique stuff to give your friends as a gift.

They have stunning wonderful design artwork there, and very nice stuff as well. What a sunny and beautiful day.

nice gifts. modern / contemporary a bit pricy but good quality. Lots of stuff from housewares, cosmetics, bags and stationary with a few books also. Staff are nice but the owner isn’t very personable and bit of a grumpy git. sometimes the incense is on full tilt. so be careful if thats not your thing.

Lovely items in well curated store. Have purchased several things over the last couple years and enjoy them all.

An extremely well curated boutique that is so special. This shop is a gem and has been for 17 years. I recently moved from Dallas so it's new to me but am so glad to know I can get my Santa Maria Novella products here.

12 out of 10. The buyers know exactly what they're doing: Opinel knives (!), Comme des Garcons zip wallets (IYKYK), Leuchtterm notebooks, the most beautiful local and Japanese blown glass, amazing hand garden tools, ceramics that make my eyes water, chairs I want to live in. It's too much. Universe, please send me a $1,000 gift certificate to this place, thank you.

I feel conflicted about leaving a negative review for this store because it honestly is super nice with really great selections. Very organized. I mean some of the best gifts I've ever seen around Portland. They have goods from Germany, Sweden, and Japan. The owner; however, I believe his name was Sean kind of gave off this my time is more important than yours and like another reviewer said "elitist attitude". When I approached him to ask a question it definitely felt like I was wasting his time. At first I thought he might have been "hangry" because he was about to go on his lunch, but then I saw many reviewers post with similar experiences that definitely confirmed my intuition about this place. After writing this review and reading other negative ones on Yelp, I would never give my money to a place that treats people like garbage. This owner probably thinks he has the best taste in the world and even if this was true money can't buy class. Edited: Thank you for the response, but I did not bring food to this store. I believe you have the wrong person.

Lovely store, lovely staff. Each item was more beautiful than the last. Highly recommend if you enjoy intentional design and everyday objects as art pieces

This store is pretty great if you are looking for a quality made thing though it will set you back. It is a bit towards the bougie side of things though, I won't lie - there were quite a few items I would love to own... best example was about $300 for this 'fruit bowl' that was formulated various sized wood balls structured together (I captured a photo)... I have never seen anything like it and genuinely, if your are like me and like to keep a pear, a few apples and an orange on hand but want them to last - this is not only amazing looking but perfect!! I did purchase a few smaller items. The first was a felt coaster which is so perfect! They have an array of different colors - my choice was a gorgeous burgundy and I loved being able to buy just one. I have coasters for guests which is a whole set but for my daily iced drink covered in condensation, this is so perfect. The card says they are made in Germany by a company called Parkhaus and how to care for and clean the coaster. The other item was a greeting card which I intend to frame. Vancouver Washington artist Claudia Moore makes the cards with foraged leaves and seeds. This is a great spot if you are looking for something unique as a gift or for your home. They also have some very nice cleaning solutions and bath products. There is a well thought, small selection of purses and bags.

Since I last reviewed Canoe, they've moved to a different (but close) downtown location, and into a larger storefront. It remains a great place to admire this and that, and in my last 2 visits (within the last 6-9 months), I've gravitated to Ito Bindery (Japan) paper and Beckel Canvas (Portland area) products. But there's so much more among Canoe's well curated and friendly aisles.

Neat decorative and Practical imported objects deskware house where bowels dishes and neat stuff for your crib.

After working in the gift industry with an emphasis on design for over 30 years; it was an extreme pleasure to discover this jewel box of the most pristinely curated shop. I am new to Portland from Dallas and was impressed with the quality and discerning eye of the owner. Not only is his taste level impeccable; I was immediately made to feel welcome. This is hands down the best of the best......

I feel conflicted about leaving a negative review for this store because it honestly is super nice with really great selections. Very organized. I mean some of the best gifts I've ever seen around Portland. They have goods from Germany, Sweden, and Japan. The owner; however, I believe his name was Sean kind of gave off this my time is more important than yours and like another reviewer said "elitist attitude". When I approached him to ask a question it definitely felt like I was wasting his time. At first I thought he might have been "hangry" because he was about to go on his lunch, but then I saw many reviewers post with similar experiences that definitely confirmed my intuition about this place. After writing this review and reading other ones, I would never give my money to a place that treats people like garbage. This owner probably thinks he has the best taste in the world and even if this was true money can't buy class.

Do not recommend. Pros: Cute stuff inside Cons: AWFUL customer service. Elitist attitude, rude and really unhelpful. My experience was in line with all the other negative yelp reviews (these cannot be deleted or removed by businesses). Walked into the store because it looked cute and my first experience was pleasant but it was all downhill from there. Went back to purchase something and Thomas could not tell me when it would arrive or how much it would even cost. They are also behind on technology and track your credit card information on paper in a "locked drawer". When I didn't hear back from the store as my purchase is time sensitive, I called to inquire and was met with an extremely rude and unhelpful owner, Sean. I really don't recommend shopping here unless you'd like your day ruined, based on other Yelp reviews - it's better to shop online at Canoe.

Beautiful store, well-curated, and the employees are warm and friendly. I'm always pleasantly surprised with the things I find here and it's a great place to pick out high quality gifts.

I love this store. It use to be on Alder but I prefer the one on SW 10th more! Right when I walked in the associate came up to me asking if I needed help to grab her. I ended up buying this backpack. They offered to look in the back for a brand new one rather than the one on display which I appreciated!!! It's so beautiful I absolutely love it!

Canoe has an amazing selection of household goods that most anyone would appreciate as a gift. So, if you're low on time, I think Canoe would have something awesome. Although these high quality items can be pricey, there is a nice selection of them so that you can choose based on what you'd like to spend. Their selection also expands across age ranges, with charming toy blocks to elegant glassware I really enjoyed browsing through the store, it felt like a highly curated selection of items that had both function and amazing design. Best of both worlds, I think. Canoe might've one of my favorite places discovered during this Portland trip!

Well curated variety of housewares, apparel related items, and other knick knacks. The store is well thought out, has a great clean and sophisticated vibe. We walked away with a pair of Italian scissors (kids, you don't run with scissors) that are simple and refined. I dig the selection of European and Japanese items. They've got a nice selection of Commes des Garcons wallets, as well as a sleek $60 slim RFID protected Norwegian made leather wallet (which is perfect for front pocket slim jeans). We came in here 5 min to closing, so we didn't get much time to peruse, but we'll definitely be back.

This store is so cute! I really loved it they are so many cute little things both modern and classic. I'm not so sure he would go here to buy many things for your actual home the store has a lot of great things to give as gifts. You can find a large range of items from inexpensive too expensive, from collectors like Ivanans two more every day items. I like that the things aren't all really expensive but the store it self looks pretty expensive. The staff were kind of quiet I didn't interact with them much but not sure if they were they didn't think it was going to buy anything. Either way my experience was great it was such a fun little store. Don't be afraid to walk in or intimidated because of how the store looks. It's great and there's so many treasures in there.

Helpful staff for searching out that artful gift however challenging. From cooking to audiophile stop by for surprising yourself. Creative choices abound

The best home accessories in Portland, hands down. It's located by the art museum. They have a ton of cool Japanese glassware, little gadgets, dishes, pens, books.... all top notch and amazing. The taste level here is insane. If you are looking for a sophisticated gift, you will find it here. It's so hard to find a gift store in the age of the internet so I'm so thankful Canoe is here and that it is so perfectly cool.

I love this store and the people who run/own it. They have consistent quality with a wide range of prices ($ to $$$$) depending on what you're trying to find. We went in searching for a wedding gift and left with several pieces. We were very happy with what we found and the recipients loved everything. Great place to pick up something for yourself or for your loved ones - also a great place to just browse.

Prepare to be delighted and have your curiosity spike every time you walk into this amazing little shop. Canoe is hands down one of the best stores in Portland, if not the best. The selection is brilliantly curated and well explained, with endless attention to detail, quality, and design. The owners are truly wonderful, often in the store and always willing to give great suggestions and help select anything from gifts to home furnishings, office supplies and jewelry. The sales associates are also super lovely, especially Michelle. If you are looking for a gift for someone special, or to add some functional and well designed pieces to your home and life that you will treasure and use for a lifetime, this is the place to go. You can find something great at every price point. Now that others have caught on to the trend of "designed" home goods in Portland, there are several copycat stores that project a similar vibe but on closer inspection carry a lot of the same crap. However, there is only one Canoe.

It's safe to say this was my family's go-to place for gifts. Both my Tivoli radios, Comme de Garcons wallet, and half of the stuff in my office came from Canoe. But I will never step foot in this store again. Here's why: the problem with Canoe isn't the stuff they sell (it's all beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented), the problem with Canoe is the people who work there. I have experienced rudeness from their owner and/or staff members almost every time I've shopped there. And, when I overheard one of the owners (Sean?) treating another customer like garbage, I couldn't believe my ears. There is no need to yell or berate someone over a misunderstanding, especially when others are present. It was incredibly unprofessional and made me feel uncomfortable. And it's their loss because there are plenty of great shops in town with good customer service (EWF Modern, Tilde, Jonathan Adler) I will frequent instead. There's no reason to support businesses who believe common courtesy and social graces don't apply to them.

Fabulous first visit to Canoe!! Dashed in here close to closing time and found so many gems! I purchased several tiny hand blown vases and they wrapped every one for me ! Will definitely visit here next time I am in Portland! Thank you for such great customer service!!

This is such a fun store to browse, and a great place to shop for special gifts! They curate a great selection of unique and quality made household items, and the best part is that they have a short description of each and every item so you can really get to know the product and/or maker. I can easily spend half an hour in here browsing even if I only wind up buying one thing (as the prices are justifiably on the high end), but the window shopping is half the fun!

In this economy customer service is of utmost importance. A salesperson has no way of discerning what my income bracket may be based on my clothing and, I may add, I may not buy something TODAY, but if you don't interact with me, I will most assuredly not buy something AT ALL. With this caveat out of the way, let me explain: On Saturday, Valentine's Day, the family was in fine form & we came to the West End to have a look around. I had been wanting to investigate Canoe for several months now & this was my opportunity. I will say right off the bat the 3 Musk-A-Teers were along, tho' were amazingly patient. They spent the entire visit paying attention to the pampered Pug lounging on some sort of Mid-Century chair. The dog got a lot more attention than we did. As Stuart observed, "They SO don't want your breeder ass in there, touching all their stuff." Well, yeah, he's absolutely correct. The boys did not handle any of the goods. I think just being a family was enough to turn off the guy who was swishing around in the store. Everything was presented in a way to make things seem so damn precious. Sure, they are well designed, but it's a high-end house ware store, not couture fabrics, or rare antiques. Everything in this store can be procured elsewhere, and probably somewhere where the sales"help" actually does...you know, HELP you. I like many of their wares, and am truly saddened that we were so blatantly ignored. Oh, and BTW, we were the only customers in the shop at the time. We were actually considering some purchases, but left due to the vibe. Canoe? No thanks, we are not so desperate to be up THIS creek without the proverbial utensil.. As for the owner, paddle your own damn canoe.

I went to Conoe today and there was a sign on the door closed. The lights were on and one of the owners' walked out and delivered a package to someone in a car. I asked if they were opening for the holidays and he said "we have been closed since March." He was very sippy and rude. NOT GOING THERE FOR ANY SHOPPING!!!

Everything I want, nothing I need. Well, that's not true. I do feel like I seriously need to have some of the cool shit in this store, but do I really? In the true sense of the word? Well I sure as hell want it. And bad, at that. Canoe sells a mix of design-forward wares for your office, home and camping. Yes, camping, since they started carrying Snow Peak gear (which, if you haven't heard, is pretty cool). They don't sell canoes. Or anything really close to that, but high-design kitchenware? Sure. Crazy cool desk gear like tape dispensers? Yup. Glasses, flatware, laptop cases, notepads, pens, watches, jewelry... every accessory you could need (errr... want real bad) for your fancy lifestyle. I've purchased a few things at this store and, had I dollars coming out my backside, would purchase much more. I've been lusting after a knife block and the Pendleton-style laptop cases are hipsteriffic. I could probably spend a couple grand here easy. The only problem is that I'd get home and not want to use anything... I'd just stare at it and show it off to my friends. "See these coasters? I read about them on a design blog and now I own them! Cool huh? Please don't put your drink on them... I'm trying to keep them nice." Seriously though I'm only half kidding. I'm dead serious about wanting pretty much everything in this store.

I'd like to say that the reason I got my B-day prezzie from Capt Hook an entire month early was for good behavior or for amazing services rendered but I'm pretty certain it's because lovely artifacts in this altar to timeless design just want to pop home with you. Yup, that's the story I'm sticking to. You see, those adorable cast-iron Japanese bird bottle openers started yammering in my ears as soon as I strolled by chirping that any lucky in-law or friend would just lurrrve to have them popping tops for them. And the über-ergonomic, ultra sexy stainless steel precision scissors from Japan with their comfy squishy rubberized handle insides kept on snicketing sweet nothings to me, "Snippity snip snip. Snipsnipsnip!" Don't even get me started on the seductive susurrations of that adorable Missoni-esque alpaca stuffed animal working its wiles on me! Apparently the staff also speak the same language as those sleek, tricksy design starlets cuz they were squealing & giggling just as uncontrollably as I was. But the pièce de résistance has to be my elegant, beauuuuutiful, functional B-day prezzie http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/HuzBWKmYa9rN4DkA0SealA?select=-Qp2Ytmhi3gjXz7D2WWCiQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/HuzBWKmYa9rN4DkA0SealA?select=-2pHJ3sCkdP3w21-p1-UsQ Now I can oooh & aaah while warding off those shadowy monsters cuz gentle warm light from a ceramic votive nightlight in the shape of sea coral is highly effective against under-the-bed-monsters. It's a scientific fact. I guess that means Capt Hook gets extra chocolate stout cake with ice cream on top when I blow out those candles. Hopefully before the smoke detector reaches critical mass....http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s7a90RZv0M4/SIg30r4sshI/AAAAAAAABE8/5IY_9tQODTg/s400/HappyBirthdayCakeFire.jpg

Like other few people, I was disappointed too about this place, Yes they have a lot of different items, a great variation of things, mostly things nobody really needs, but there are cool objects and also very unusual kind of stuff and gear. And I was expecting everything to be extremely expensive, but I was surprised to see they also carry things that have quite a reasonable price, and not everything is pricey. I have found small things here that I love, like a cute, graceful comb made of real turtle shell and similar unnecessary stuff that sometime you need to lift your spirit. However I have to agree with the fact that I would not come back, because the pretentiousness of the staff and their rudeness and poor customer service skills is a real turn off, who wants to be greeted in that unfriendly arrogant way? It is funny how they cannot understand that it does not attract but repels clients and so business.....too bad

+: There is always a good handful of objects that I desire. -: I don't believe I've ever been acknowledged in this store. !: I really want to purchase some of these desired objects but refuse to support Canoe. Thank goodness their inventory is available elsewhere online. ?: I don't understand how someone maintains a serious face while handing out Haribo gummy bears after a customer's purchase...c'mon.

This store is not for everyone. And definitely not for me. The price is unjustified even if everything is local. The markup is pretty outrageous. The older lady with the silver pixie cut gave me a bad vibe because I brought a coffee drink inside while I shopped (I know, how could I!). She had someone make sure to watch me take it outside. I didn't come back in after that. Note to your staff: Make sure your "No drinks inside" sign communicates clearly so that people ACTUALLY see it and don't treat them like criminals if they happen to not see the sign and bring their drink in. Having your employees escort customers out like that will deter them from ever coming back or recommend this business to anyone in the future. Common sense, right?

If I have a house that sells the things that I don't need but I know I will use it later, this is it. Amazing crafts and products on sale. From salts to blankets to board games. They have all the knick-knacks that you can easily think of someone will need at their house. Hey, how about that coral tea candle lamp? That will surely give a glow like there is no tomorrow! The Pendleton blankets are displayed with pride but with no signs. Do you have some reader friends? No? Or even friends? Well, they have some books that might catches one's interest. Or a good coffee table book if nobody that you really know likes to read. Colorful covers that will catch your attention. This is the shop if you are giving someone something from a budget of a pencil to something that will blow their minds within a reasonable price yet it is kitschy cool. Adorable and fun.

Canoe is like a really sexy, classy and sophisticated girl... that is uninterested in you in an obvious way. I really want to like her, but am so turned off by the way she treats me. I have been in here three or four times. I have definitively felt like I was being stared at like a shoplifter, and have never really felt welcome. I love everything in here, but the only time I have spoken to a person is when I have purchased something. It feels like a museum, and it really makes me rush past the huge amount of interesting books they have available. Canoe does gift wrap, and a new, younger girl at the counter seemed friendlier than any interaction I have had before. Come on Canoe.. A wink? A smile? Please give me any excuse to fall for you.

If I wasn't in a mode of pairing things down, I would have dropped some serious coin in this store. Nearly everything in here is practical, and I appreciate that. Housewares that are innovative, modern and handy. Like the silicone travel squeeze bottles that I'm still kicking myself over not buying. Or the Fisher Space pen (never finicky). Or the most amazing hand cream that I've tried in my life. Why oh why didn't I buy them? Great place to find gifts--for yourself or others. Nothing in here is cheap, but there's a reason for that: everything here is awesome.

All that comes to mind when I think of this place is the word silly. There were certainly beautiful objects in here. Craftsmanship is obviously valued. But there were a few things that seemed so overpriced as to be astounding. I don't understand how a mug can be $40. I get it - someone made it by hand. But $40 for one mug? So I can buy I set for a mere $160? I guess I'm just not rich enough to see how this is reasonable. I found the way they price things as if they are objects in a museum to be both hilarious and pretentious at the same time. Made me giggle. Not once did anyone ask me if I needed help or how my day was. Absolutely not one hint of acknowledgment was made of either my or my daughter's existence. There were maybe two other customers and at least two employees. It boggles my mind that a place like this could stay in business. I guess there is a plethora of folks in Portland who feel privileged to pay too much money for wee little objects sold to them by snobby employees, who probably make what it cost to buy that mug in about three or four hours. It's just silly. Two stars given because I did think they had good taste*

What an awesome store! It was recommended to me as a local place where I could find a bath mat. In true Portland fashion, they had one that was imported from Japan and made from cypress to help thin the forest. I also found a notebook for a promotion gift to give a friend. I could have stayed longer to look at everything - it is all so lovely! If you need some quality lovely items for your home, this is your place!

Such a great shop!! My brothers birthday is coming up and his wonderful gal pal sent me a list of items he might be wanting, and canoe had a few of them. We walked in and were not greeted Immediately , but the employee (the only one in the store) was helping someone else and made sure as soon as she had a spare chance to give us a smile and a wave. Not being greeted right away is not a pet peeve of mine, but apparently this seems to be a trend here. Walking through though, they have so many amazing finds. I bought a birthday present and left with info on wedding registrations. What a fun store to be able to register at! I guess they are still getting it together for registries to be online, but they have them set up in the store already. A perfect addition to Portland with man lines that you can not find elsewhere (Heath Ceramics) and the prices are great. I will definitely be back (I'm eying their felt coasters and place mats, so may colors to choose from).

This is one of the most unique and expertly curated stores I've ever been too. While they boast a wide selection of housewares, personal accessories, and grooming items, there is nothing overwhelming or disconnected about the shopping experience here. All the items' designs are described on white note cards. It's refreshing to know where your items are produced and to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into producing them. Their leather goods are affordable and luxurious and they have beautiful gifts including glass bowls, perfumes, and kitchen items that cater to multiple price points. Do check out their perfume selection which is incredible!

'How many things have you purchased this year that will become valued possessions? ' - Canoe If you have to think about this, then it is time for you to make a trek to see Sean at Canoe. My most cherished items include: a blue bunny cookie jar (be very jealous-it is a limited edition) and several Edith Heath vases. Actually, Sean (co-owner) was sweet enough to send my ex another one when the big man accidentally broke the bunny's ears. I was dying to fill my new Carolina home with the beautiful stream-lined goods which will fit with my mid-century modern home. Maybe the condom holder in the guest bedroom. Scandalous! Definitely a bird house. Some gorgeous bowls for my pantry. Clean containers for the new bathroom. And the books... Don't worry- I am sure I can still manage to find places for all of these items in an even better Seattle home! Sean is willing to share design and business tips, take you to his favorite chocolate and sushi spot, and wrap your gifts in the same gorgeous aesthetic of the shop.

Love it. The store is very well-appointed. Any onlooker would be crazy to not be enticed by the design and selection. And it's right across from Tasty n Alder. If you're not into design or things with style AND function, don't look at this place.

This is the type of home store that I want my place to look like - if I could be a minimalist. That's still a work in progress... There are pricey items but also tons of small, reasonably priced housewares, desk supplies, kitchen items... I loved all the Heath ceramics and the PostalCo notebooks. Tons of gift ideas. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Portland, especially if you have a place to decorate!

One of those stores that has great stuff (it's great for gift buying) but I've learned to only buy online from their website. If you know what I mean.

Oh canoe... How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... I want a large loft apartment just so that I can have a giant paper lantern like yours. I'm jealous every time I see it. You always, ALWAYS have at least one thing that I want to own, but usually many more. As a graphic designer who appreciates anything designed simply (but well) and remaining gorgeous, you are the perfect place for me to lust over carefully selected items. Kitchen accessories, fancy cases to hold things, bird feeders, Field Notes booklets, a cool and perhaps unnecessary paperweight that you saw on some design blog - any random jumble of things are guaranteed to be worthy of attention here. If you need an original gift to give, look no further. My one single (tiny) qualm - I wish you had MORE things!

This is one of my favorite shops in Portland. Their items are always very unique and they offer a variety of things in different price-ranges. Anytime I'm looking for a gift, Canoe is my first stop. I especially enjoy that most of their items are accompanied by a story-how the item was made, where it was made, the materials used, etc. The owner is really friendly and is always helpful and chatty. They are never overbearing and you can feel comfortable just walking around and browsing. Another bonus-they gift wrap for free. I bought most of my Christmas presents here and walked out with a bag full of wrapped gifts ready to put under the tree. The store is clean, easy to shop, and interesting. Definitely stop in!

Helpful staff. Beautiful items that capture the imagination and are functional. Great place for thoughtfull gifts and home decor. They carry a veriety of flatware that is designed, rather than just produced out of necessity, which I appreceate. I do wish that more of their items where local, but that oes not seem to be there niche.

Pay no attention to those thumbs downers. Canoe selects objects with due respect and consideration for function first and beauty almost first (because beauty is functional). This is NOT the Museum Store and staff are NOT cold, just considerate enough to let one browse uninterrupted. Ask and they will help. Every item available is chosen with love. Portland is better for them.

If you appreciate clean, elegant modern design, get thee to Canoe as soon as possible. It looks like it was lifted off the pages of Dwell magazine and dropped into downtown Portland, and I mean that in a good way. It is rare that I visiting a store to be a deeply satisfying aesthetic experience, but such was the case with Canoe. They offer a wonderful selection of accessories for the home, including all kinds of things that you didn't know existed, probably don't really need, but will have to have once you see them. I bought a Heath bud vase and it is now one of my favorite objects in my home.

This store was so much fun! My guy and I were wandering, killing time. We walked in here expecting outrageously expensive pretentiousness. We found instead some expensive peices and some very reasonable things we loved. Many things went on a mental list for Christmas shopping. The staff was mostly useless, but we were greeted when we walked in the door. Otherwise they just hung around the cash wrap. They have a little bit of everything from jewelry to Pendleton blankets to mustache combs! And travel chopsticks made from recycled broken baseball bats! Clean store, well laid out, plenty of shopping room- even when it got busy, and lots of neat finds. I will be back!

I love this place and would give it 5 stars, but seriously - 70% of their merchandise online (if not more) is continuously out of stock. I'm glad they do so well but I've stopped buying gifts from them anymore b/c I spend so much time searching everything only to be disappointed b/c they're out of something.

Every time I have been in this store I have received such friendly service (even the times I have dragged my two little kids in) which was such a sweet relief. I have purchased Heath Ceramics from Canoe as well as other small gifts and items for my home.

I love wandering around Canoe. Their theme, if you will, is design: products that were designed so well that they can hardly be improved upon. For some items, this means they are constructed or made in the same way as they have been for decades, if not centuries! For example, they carry Botot, a toothpaste first made for Louis XIV in 1755. They carry home goods, hygiene items, classic children's toys, office supply items, the list goes on. This is a store to check out when you're shopping for someone who is hard to please; you're bound to find something unique. For each item there is an card that gives the product's design year and country of origin, as well as an informative description. If there is a downside to this place, it's that only so many products meet their high standards, so the merchandise doesn't change that much from one visit to the next. Overall, though, it's definitely a place you should check out.

A breath of fresh air! I loved that everything had a story. It is obvious from the moment you walk in this store there is something special about it. The owners truly put their heart & souls into every item....Impeccable taste! Everyone was so kind & helpful. I cannot wait to go back! Beauty with function, hand selected, & for every budget! Loved every inch of this beautiful store!

Until today, this was my favorite store in Portland. I have bought dozens of their products and routinely recommend the place to friends. My girlfriend and I returned here today to buy Christmas gifts. She was immediately drawn to an assortment of wooden serving boards. As each board is unique, she carefully picked out the one she liked best and had it wrapped. Immediately thereafter, an employee set out several others. One of them caught her eye as particularly beautiful. After much deliberation, she apologetically asked an employee if she could have this one instead. Admittedly, this was an annoying request, especially on a busy day. We expected an, "I'm sorry, but our policy is that we do not re-wrap gifts" type of response. This would have been utterly reasonable and we wouldn't have given it another thought. Instead, when the employee let the manager know of our request, he sneered and said, "That's ridiculous," going on about it for all the store to hear. We felt humiliated and more than a little awkward, but decided to make our purchases nevertheless. As the manager rang us up, he proceeded to lecture us on how he needed to "protect" his employees from unnecessary work - a fine sentiment if you're a union boss sticking it to the corporate fat cats, but less so to the guy buying your $30 cast iron bottle opener. His demeanor was dripping with disdain, like we were horrible people. After a tense exchange, he eventually apologized. This was appreciated, but as I handed over my $120, I couldn't help but think that there must be cheaper ways to be treated like shit.

Condescending rudeness never works well with customers. The moment I entered the store the guy darted over like a True Blood vampire and swooped my coffee out of my hand - no eye contact - no "excuse me but we don't allow food or drink in the store" - just an " I'll take your coffee and put it up on the counter". (He was really lucky it was not my first cup of the day.) It was so abrupt and cold - I felt like a 5 year old caught carrying a dripping ice cream cone through the Met. I murmured this to my friends who had begun to browse. I felt like leaving immediately but I decided to be patient and walk around with them while they shopped. If the man had have politely alerted me to their policy and kindly said " I can take care of it for you while you shop" all would have been fine. Delivery is everything. That would have been the end of it except that when my friends were making their purchases and I went to retrieve my coffee I noticed another customer standing next to me with a coke. I then took issue and asked why it was ok for her to walk around with a coke whilst I get my coffee removed? the guy was indignant and quickly livid - True Blood vampire time again. "We can't police everybody and it clearly says NO FOOD OR DRINK on the door! We have extremely expensive stuff in here and - Blah! Blah! Hoity- Toity Blah" Well obviously it does not CLEARLY say no food or drink on the door as I did not see it. Hey guy - You need another sign inside for those of us who missed the subtle, chest level one on the outside door. I will admit, I lost my cool and raised my voice before I left - but this guy - who I think is the owner is a complete jerk. Their retail etiquette needs a major upgrade.