I came into the shop and immediately noticed the young salesgirl looking very uncomfortable as a man was aggressively leaning over the counter. As I shopped I could hear him saying really inappropriate and sexual things to her. This continued for a few minutes before I asked her for help trying on some things in hopes he would leave, I wasn't going to leave her alone with him again. Finally he did leave; this girl was shaking when she hugged and thanked me for "saving her" and continued to tell me he did this often to her and all the other employees (all female). When I suggested she speak to the owners her reply was sad and shocking, "They know and won't do anything because he is the son of the owners friends." The owners pay these girls minimum wage and EXPECT THEM TO ACCEPT SEXUAL HARASSMENT as part of their job!!! LADIES DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE!! The owners have no respect for women if they'll knowingly put their staff in dangerous, degrading situations. Side note to the owners: I called the store and left my number to discuss why you think this is acceptable... STILL WAITING ON THAT CALL. Your actions are illegal not to mention disgusting. Get it together, incase you haven't heard #timesup. read more

Every time I come up to Arcata to visit my daughter, I've made it a point to visit Hot Knots. I love the brands of clothing that they carry , especially Hard Tail, and even though I live in a big city, small boutiques are more appealing to me. I love Fashion and the personal attention and helpfulness that most small shops provide their customers...usually. However, my last trip to Hot Knots several months ago will be my last. Here's why. Despite the fact that I have never walked out of there without making a purchase....except for my last visit which I'll get to in a moment... they are always rude and indifferent to me. If I ask a question about a particular item or request any kind of assistance at all, they act as if I'm annoying them. On my last visit, the salesgirl behind the counter was having a conversation with two other customers, a young man and a young woman, about how ridiculous it is when women over 40 try to dress beyond their age. The two young customers and the salesgirl were very rudely opinionated about this subject even though I was standing just a few feet away sifting through a rack of tops and could hear everything. They all agreed that older women - 40 and above - had no business wearing the sexy/younger type of clothing that was sold in Hot Knots and that they were just making fools of themselves by "having problems accepting their age". Wow. As I said I was standing just a few feet away and there was no one else in the shop besides me. I'm 50 and they were all clearly aware, especially the salesgirl, that I was standing there. Not once while I was in the shop did the salesgirl acknowledge me. I had about 3 or 4 items in my hand that I had intended to purchase, but had heard enough of their conversation and decided Hot Knots obviously doesn't care for or respect my business, so I placed the items on the counter in front of the salesgirl and walked out. She didn't even flinch. I go to Arcata quite often to visit my daughter and always shop in the Arcata Square, but I won't go into Hot Knots ever again. I'm sure there are other businesses that appreciate and deserve my money. read more

How ridiculous for anyone to say that Hot Knots is NOT expensive. Years ago I heard an employee tell a friend that its pretty bad that she can not afford clothes from the store she works at full time. So drop the cool attitude about how much money you have compared to the rest of us mortals. They can be expensive because they carry the best brands, from Weston Wear (my favorite for design) to Calvin Klein. Hot Knots is sorely needed in this hippie town. Five stars to Anna's comments on hippies, and the need to have a fashionable store. I've been coming here for a decade, and I look at buying quality clothing as an investment. The staff are lovely, helpful women. However, I respect separate experiences and definitely respect and appreciate all helpful reviews. If that was your experience, perhaps they will change. Personally I love the ladies at Hot Knots. I highly recommend investing in one good pair of jeans, my eye catching black trench coat is 6 years old and cost $100, and a few classic tops (I've had a graphic artist stamp a few basic, solid color tops.) If you want to feel glamorous, their lingerie makes me feel French. Stay clear of socks there, because you can buy the same for much less at Target. That's all I'll say about pricing. However their clothes are durable, so you get what you pay for. Use the staff. They hire people who know so much about clothes. Years ago a woman who no longer works there, put clothes out for me. She was never wrong. They will tell you how to accessorize, what looks best (they picked out a dress for my best friend's wedding that got massive compliments), and how to wash certain articles properly. I love this store. If Hot Knots left Arcata, I'd have to travel a long way, and I'd never find its variety in one shop (except Anthroplogie). Plus Internet shopping is tricky. I do see more hippie-type clothing there lately. Please know that not everyone in Humboldt wants to dress down. Arcata needs a little style. *The lovely lady under me (Anna) has a great review. read more

I love this store. Always my go to when I have an event coming up and want something new! Family owned and operated, right on the downtown plaza, highly recommend read more

I always try to shop at boutiques because the experience always seem to be more personable and the styles are more my taste compared to big chain stores. The entire time I was shopping, the two employees were eating behind the counter and said absolutely nothing to me until I moved towards the entrance of the store where one told me to have a good day. Unfortunately I wasn't quite done shopping but at that point I just figured I'd rather check out the boutiques in old town in Eureka where employees are happy to help and at Timber, I found the exact dress I was interested in at Hot Knots but cheaper! Definitely needs costumer service improvement read more

I recently came in to buy a present for a friend and had the best experience thanks to Sarah! She was so welcoming and helpful. She made my stop which I was dreading, fun and easy. Definitely check this awesome local store out! read more

Customer service sucked. First time and last time in this store. It felt like a zombie was running the register.

Hands down, my favorite clothing store in Humboldt County. The girls that work here a super friendly and helpful and it's nice to be able to buy clothes locally that I would otherwise be purchasing online. read more

Please put out a sign or have the employees inform customers that items on sale cannot be returned. I went by the store today and sadly found out that the very expensive pair of jeans I just bought two days ago cannot be returned due to this unannounced policy. The receipt claims that returns can be made for store credit within 10 days and no where does it state that sale items cannot be returned at all. So frustrating!! I guess I'll be selling them on ebay. :( read more

I don't think customer service is a goal of any kind with the staff of this place. I feel bad for the owner, who is paying clerks by the hour to socialize with their friends and drive away business. I've been in a few times, attracted by the fresh funky clothes in the windows, and bought some very cute accessories. Usually, I try to ignore the rudeness of the sales staff. However, this week I've decided never to go back in. I was about to buy a $150 sweater this week but the clerk studiously ignored my friend and me the entire time we were shopping. I realized I don't want to feed a business like that. read more

free people in humboldt county. sigh, i adore you for this hot knots. the atmosphere of the store is just as lovely as their clothing.

Every time I go in not one of the sales people look up to say hi or offer their help to me. Sometimes I like what they have but it's really hit or miss with their stuff. Great location though read more

The clothes are beautiful and I am always so tempted to spend a fortune there, but the deal breaker for me is that I find the staff to be rude and snobbish, which is strange for Arcata. read more

First of all the staff is amazing and so is the owner. If your not looking for cute stylish clothes that fit all shapes and sizes you shouldn't be In there !!! I am in there about twice a week all these people complaining about prices should be a target or kmart. This is a very unique clothing boutique with great help and I always feel like a queen when I leave. The owner who is a sweet pea herself is very good at hiring women who know how to make women love what there buying. There not looking to just get a sale they actually care. I do have a couple favorites but all in al it's just what arcata needs. They sell quality nice, designer, name brand clothing. If your looking for boots or cute toms there the spot. And there sox,(sickest collection) knitty kitty, or the best yoga clothes ever you have found your place. There's always haters on yelp. People need take a moment and support local kick ass businesses like hot knots. My favorite thing recently I purchased is a leather bag and tom booties. Got to give a shout out to Paige who works there full time And is sweet as a button so are all the other sweeties that work there. I'm not close with any of them but they are all so sweet and helpful and it feels good to be recognized! Ps: it's my favorite store! They have something for everyone. And there bras and braleets are beautiful. Sorry I will quit ranting but if you need a cute dress or a sexy outfit fir the night. That's the Place to be. See you soon girls. Xoxo. Katie read more