I can't believe anyone has anything bad to say about this place. Shopped here since I was a baby! ALWAYS find what I want/need. And some stuff I wasn't expecting to find! Always great prices too! I'm almost 25 now, still find what I need cause their juniors section isn't too teeny bopper or whatever. Good place to get chic/cute business casual kind of attire. My mom and I come here and both leave happy customers :) even my grandma and I. Good kids dept-toys clothes baby etc. men's too. And shoes-so many shoes they needed to bigger store! staff always friendly !!! Always!!!!! They'll send another size/style from another store for you- they'll call you when it's here the next day. They let me swap a jacket when the button popped off too. Pretty solid place. :) read more

Great to have this shopping option in the village. Shopping online is so impersonal and it's good to interact with people in the community.

First of all I find it very interesting that the review I lposted yesterday, vanished. The manager of the store is rude and mean, she has never smiled. I bought 93 yr old f-in law PJ's which I fed-ex to NJ. When opened they realized the security tag had been left on. He is dying and he phoned me to tell me about security tag. He needs more pajamas. Called the store was angry, was told the manager was out until 4:20. No return call so I drove over to store. One would think the manager would be falling all over me with apologies and kindness. Nope, she was more mean than usual. Everything I said she had a come back. Not once did she show an ounce of humanity. Just scolding face and meaningless excuses. read more

Went just recently the other day and i couldn't find what i need but the clothes were very cute. There was something that i was interested in but not in my size. I got helped from an older lady blondeish hair, she was extremely rude to me. I sought out help from this lady due to her following the store. I felt targeted but still wanted to purchase something. I have never seen her in here before, perhaps bc i don't come in here than often anymore. When asking if she had it in my size she said no, didn't even bother to look. It's like she knew it at the top of her head the inventory. Would not recommend will be calling corporate, i think her name was Bonnie or Connie read more

I was walking down the street in Montclair, Oakland, California, and I passed by McCaulou's Shoes. Then I remembered that my partner needs a pair of court shoes for playing pickle ball. So, I thought I would check, and see what they have. When I looked in the store, and I didn't see anyone. So, I walked back about halfway into the store, to see if I could find someone to help me. I looked to the left, and I saw someone with a beige cap on, kind of hunched over, like he was on his phone. Long story short, I told him I was looking for Court shoes for my partner who is playing Pickleball. He walked me to a display that had a sign that said "New Balance", and said these are for athletics and turned around and walked back to the same spot I found him a moment before--hunched over. This is not a big box store, and I expected more help. When I went outside, to take a picture of the storefront, I saw a sign that said they were hiring. read more

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I needed some odds and ends and found several of the items on my list here. Good selection of things like mens hard soled slippers, casual shirts and most importantly a couple of kitchen dish towels I desperately needed. Sales associates were around but let us browse at our leisure and were ready to help us with check out as soon as we were ready. For the casual items needed this is a good local place to go. The shoe store is right next door as well which is convenient. read more

Buyer Beware. I had shopped the store in December and was excited to have a local department store to support instead of bigger Corporations or Amazon for gifts. However, I received a gift of a jacket I wasn't going to use and they would accept the return because they said there was a stain on it. It was a very light mark that I hadn't noticed and can only assume was there when it was purchased because I never even tried it on! Such a frustrating experience when I was so hopeful about shopping here more frequently. :( read more

Absolutely love this store and the next-door shoe store. We got all our summer camp and back-to-school needs met in one convenient visit. It's like a small department store without a trip to the suburbs. It's much more fun to buy clothes here than from Amazon. Many familiar brands and good prices. Not sure why others are complaining about the service; it has been great during our visits. read more

I love McCaulou's so much, it's my favorite store ever, whenever I go in there I get so excited to shop for my clothing and jewelry. The clothes are really nice, and they also have very good quality, and the jewelry is just so beautiful, i have a lot of jewelry from here, it's also very peaceful inside the store, and the employees are very nice and friendly, they're also very fun to talk with, I love this store, the clothes and jewelry, the atmosphere, and the employees. McCaulou's will forever be my favorite store . read more

I have yet to experience the poor customer service so many reviews speak of. Audrey assisted me today and she was an absolute doll. I purchased 3 pairs of quality thongs and a beautiful pair of slippers. I spent under $50 for the 4 items, such a deal. I come from time to time and it's a nice store, albeit the clothing is more middle America and not fashion forward they do have quality items. Take into account this store is in Oakland not LA or New York so you can't expect edgy style, which is fine. read more

Great selection. Stumbled onto this place and found original childrens' gifts and a large variety of clothes for everyone. Then they had free gift wrapping. Awesome! read more

There are so few places to shop in Oakland, this is a real gem. The clerks are always really courteous and the ambience is calm and soothing, which makes shopping much more bearable. I always find something interesting to buy here and the prices are great. This is an especially fun place to shop for kid's clothes. They have a wide variety to choose from and the prices are always rincredibly affordable. As an added plus, they also provide free gift wrapping services for any purchase over $15. I also like to keep an eye out for the cosmetic bonus giveaways. Because this store is off the beaten track, it is much easier to get my bonus here than at a Macy's or Nordstrom when they have their promotions. Shop local! Shop here! read more

I have been shopping at this store since I was in college because of the location and available items. Went in to the shoe store on Saturday which has moved to a smaller location and the original shoe store is clearing out all of its merchandise. The sales associate in the clearance store seemed to be clueless as she wasn't eager to help nor did she seem to have much information when asked questions. I went next door to the new store, where I wasn't greeted by any of the three employees but one did comment on how cute she thought that my daughters Halloween costume was. Two of the associate's quickly went to the back, leaving one person on the floor which wasn't a big deal as I was the only customer in the store. I found a pair of shoes I had been attempting to order online but they were sold out so I was super excited to see these available. However, I left without purchasing them because the associate never even acknowledge me let alone asked if I needed help. When I sought her out to ask why the store was moving locations, she commented that they opened a new shoe store. That was evident since we were IN the new store, I again asked why they opted to move and she mentioned that the store would be a boutique but didn't say much more. She also never looked me in the face, or stopped what she was doing during this interaction. Although, I was holding the floor model of the shoe I wanted to purchase and indicated to her that I hadn't been able to find it previously she NEVER asked if I needed help and proceeded to complete inventory without blinking an eye. The other two associates never came back out to offer assistance so I left without making a purchase. This store has a convenient location and I've had great luck with purchases there, but the piss poor customer service was unacceptable. Not sure if the associate assumed that I wasn't going to make a purchase and perhaps that's why she neglected to help me (would hate to say that it was a race issue) but I've spent a LOT of money over the years which likely won't continue. read more

Racist as hell bruh. The staff body-shame and threatened to call the police after we politely asked for a refund multiple times. Shit is overpriced and the only people they treat well are old white women. While I was changing a worker unlocked my dressing room without asking while I was in nothing but a bra. She raised her voice and told me I couldn't have that many items after I just saw someone else do it. She didn't even knock. Going back to the body shaming I was checking out a shirt for an exchange after they said I couldn't get a refund and they told me these exact words, "this won't fit your body." Disgusting people. read more

For those of you who hate shopping as I do. This is a very easy department store to deal with. Everything is neatly stocked, No piles of anything to go through. The prices are exceptional. $ 59.00 for a Tommy Bahama pull over jacket. In many cool colors. (Think Mother) Handbags, wallets, jewelry, all at fair prices. The men's department is what shines here at the Montclair store. Although the Teen department is a sure bet for finding a gift for that "hard to please teen" Gift wrapping is free, but only if you spend $15.00. Otherwise it's $3.00 for a box. Parking is easy, and free, in their parking lot, located three steps from the store entrance. The employees don't bother you, and all act like they're" squeezing a dime", if you know what I mean. The entertainment value on that alone, is priceless. read more

I enjoy mocking this place just as much as everyone else, but I've always found the service, especially at the cosmetic counters, to be very helpful and pleasant. Surprised to see the bad reviews for the saleswoman. With regard to the stolen Clinique gift bag, I can't think of any store that would give a replacement gift bag, whether you had a receipt or not. SMH read more

You are all missing the point! McCaulou's is a treasure from days gone by. Does no one appreciate having a small family run business anymore. Yes, at times staffing is slim, but have you shopped in Macy's at all? Macy's has set the standard for unhelpful, rude and sparse sales staff. I agree, there is no better place for a baby gift or mother-in-law gift and basic well priced clothing. There is a parking lot attendant on weekends at the Montclair store, unfortunately the store has no choice, as there are always plenty of self serving individuals who would take advantage of "free parking" without patronizing the store. I'm grateful to have a small family owned businesses near me and will patronize them whenever I can. read more

The Grey Haired lady in the cosmetic dept goes out her her way to be rude and unhelpful! Never smiles or greets the customer! A complete downer!! read more

I don't like this place the clothes are overpriced. He the buyer puts nice things with not so cute things together. i think a reason a lot of people go here is because it is the only department store, and no one wants to drive anywhere far (like san Leandro or Emeryville are far faraway???) Only nice thing that is in there is upstairs there is a Clinque, Landcome, cosmetic section. But a lot of times there is no one to help you if you want to buy something. They have a lot of Cal shirts and sweaters, and during Christmas they have Santa come and take pictures with the kids. read more

I will NEVER shop here again. I never give bad reviews but my mom and I went in Christmas Eve on our quick last minute jaunt through Montclair. What rude people. They were closing earlier than their hours said. Which I would have thought as understandable but they could not have been more rude about it. Each one of the associates only remarked about how we only had 10 minutes. Not a 'hi' or anything. Like I said, it was understandable they wanted to leave early but we felt so uncomfortable. At that point, they should have just closed early then and not let us in- I would have been fine with that. We quickly grabbed a couple things and then they only said after the countless seconds we were there- 'head to the back so they can ring you up' ok- we weren't done and there were a couple others in the store yet but fine, I guess we'll head to the back. Only to be immediately forced to the front again to be rung up. Fine. The cashier was sweet but then again with the old mean one the second we were handed the receipt. She opened the front door and said 'oh perfect timing, bye bye' as she swung her arms out the door. She was so rude. If it wasn't for the final straw, the older woman, I would have been fine with the pressure out but it was an unbelievable experience. I thought they would be happy with the business. Apparently not. My family and I will NEVER be back. read more

I love this little department store chain. It's been around since I was a kid, and it's a great asset to any small town/city. The Montclair location could up its service game..... the shoe department is better than the other departments. But, overall, I love that these little department stores are around and have survived despite amazon, etc. The prices are always fair. Great place to get shoes, cosmetics and gifts. I'd love it if more people supported their local small stores like this one! read more

I've had multiple bad experiences here! Not coming back any time soon! I had been here a few times before actually making my first purchase and it was cute! I like the vintage feel, and they had adorable Christmas sweaters! The things look nice, and are priced very low, but are VERY POOR quality. My first purchase was a pair of cute fluffy pajama pants (Christmas themed) and I was super happy with them for the first few days. But after I suppose, a week they had ripped in the crotch area! I hadn't been doing anything crazy in them and the definitely weren't too small! I ended up sewing them up myself, and keeping them, only wearing them occasionally. Then a month or so later, I received a sweater I had pointed out as a gift from my sister. After wearing it for BARELY five minutes, I noticed a hole in the wrist area! A few days later we planned to return it. Once we got there we were greeted by a lady who seemed to be in an okay mood (surprise!). And we asked to return the sweater! Since I'm fairly small, I got a kids size sweater, 16 I think so we were directed to the kids department. So we went over the and asked the lady at the counter to return the sweater, and she had to go get the manager (this was taking a long time!!). Once she walked over, it was already obvious that she was NOT in a good mood. At all. As a customer, we should be treated with decent service! The lady accused me of ripping the tag off and causing the hole (which I didn't!). And was so rude!And we didn't get our money back! Such a waste!! Do not buy from here!! It's truly a shame, I love their shoe store a few blocks away!! read more

I have heard that this was the best place to buy kids' shoes since moving to the East Bay a couple years ago. Today I finally brought my 4-year-old in with the intention of buying him rain boots, sneakers, and Crocs. The staff was so unhelpful and uninformed that after half an hour, we gave up and left empty-handed. I've been looking for an alternative to Village Shoes in Elmwood since they sell a limited few brands, but the staff there is so superior to McCaulou's that it is worth picking from a smaller selection. read more

If you like old lady clothes, sweaters that light when you shake someone's hands, or rude customer service go to McCaulous!

What's there not to like about old school McCaulous, from having lancome cosmetics to gym socks- I know its rather OLD SCHOOL but who said you are going on a shopping spree!? most McCaulous that I know or have been to are conveniently located and I know not to EXPECT much- I.E. one of those "department stores" you only go to in case of emergency. "Drats I forgot to put a camisole under my blouse for work" MCCAULOUS SAVED THE DAY! read more

Second experience being publicly humiliated while attempting to make an exchange. Horrible policies and culture. Going back to Nordstrom, although I was trying to support local. read more

McCaulou's Montclair was always the go to store for me for my daughter and my basics. Same with many other parents from our local public school, Montclair Elementary. Nice sales people in the store. Clean, easy, free parking, gift wrap. Yes, atmosphere a bit of a time warp feeling, but I like that throw back. However, it irritates me greatly that McCaulou's, being the largest store in Montclair and Madison is theirs too! will not support local public schools. The Montclair Merchants Association has always been there supporting the local public schools. For the 4th year David McCaulou said NO to Montclair Elementary for a donation to our annual fund raiser. Is a $50 gift certificate going to break you David? Hello David McCaulou but we are your customers. Everyone in the Montclair area has purchased something from you. You are the only game in town. Please give a little something back. It would go along way to improve the store's reputation in our close knit community. Everyone at our school of 460 neighborhood children is aware of which merchants do and don't support the most local public school to your Montclair store. We urge parents to shop the Village stores especially those that help the school with a donation. read more

Today is the very last time I am shopping at McCaulou's! I have been shopping at McCaulou's in Montclair for years, and have found nice things here among some very out of style clothes. It has been a challenge trying to block out the terrible old-time music that they blare, but I made an effort to ignore it. Today I attempted to return a handbag that I bought here that was defective and the lining tore in a couple of days. I didn't have a receipt, so I expected to get store credit, not cash. The store manager refused in a very rude fashion to give me credit, and demanded that I go into my credit card account and show proof that I bought the item in the last 30 days. I left very angry and told the manager that she had alienated a good, long-time and that I would not be back to shop in the store. read more

I love this small "department store." I've found some great buys there in the women's section. I love the cozy feel of the place including the friendliness of the clerks and have received great service. Unlike Macy's and other larger, more "modern", more corporatized stores, it makes you feel welcome. Yes, some of the clothing styles are conventional and not avant garde but get off your cell phone and look around and you may find, as I have, some attractive pieces with great style, often at a reduced price. The atmosphere is unrushed and relaxed which, for me, is another real plus. read more

I purchased shoes on 10/18/13 got home and found coupon in my trash box for $10 off in emails. I when back to redeem the $10. Asked in shoe department, that sales person said no even after returning shoes to re-purchase with coupon. In customer service after speaking with manager, another no. Was disappointment with treatment. Other stores have accepted coupons, price adjustments etc... with items on sale within 7 days. I had good service in the past but this episode has stopped me from spending my money at the store. read more

When I was getting ready for a TV interview for Last Wishes Plan, I went to McCaulou's (Montclair) to do a make-up makeover and buy some new make-up. The Lancombe artist was awesome -- she knew exactly what I needed for TV, an outdoor shot, etc. What a great resource to have in Montclair Village! read more

This store is tailored to the fashionably unconscious. I really wanted support local businesses. So, I purchased a pair of Hue leggings. When I tried to return them a week later because of the odd fit (unworn with my receipt and tags still on), the mgr and clerk insisted they couldn't take them back because I discarded a cardboard cover they typically use to display them. They told me to call corporate (the store in Lafayette). The Lafayette store (more polite manager) told me I could return them there. However, they couldn't force the Montclair store to return them because they were just another store not headquarters. Noticing that I was upset, the Montclair manager finally returned them. Such an unnecessary experience. Will not shop here again. read more

I love McCaulous (Montclair), it's a nice size, has a decent collection, and has a great old school department store feel to it.

I do like to support local stores, even though they cannot compete with online stores where there are more choices, and faster service. My encounter today and in the past at Montclair McCaulou's have always been uncomfortable. Today was no different. I went in to exchange OR get a refund for a pair of socks my husband bought for me from the children's section! The woman was so unfriendly. I tried to be friendly and disarm her... Cold cold cold. She grabbed a pair of socks for me and took it to the counter, and appeared to be setting it up for a purchase. I said excuse me, but I haven't seen this pair. She responded so rudely, I'm just looking at the information on this pair, not getting for you. Here take a look. The body language, the lack of any warmth, and the inexplicable vibes make you feel like you don't belong in the store. For the record, in the past, the cosmetic department was extremely kind, pleasant and welcoming. read more

Oakland Store Service I want to thank Robyn for her excellent service this morning. I was in the store this morning with my 91 year old mother, my father just passed away this past week and besides the quiet, calm atmosphere that McCaulou's offers we were not only greeted by Robyn but received her patient and caring service. She was exremely helpful to me and my mother who needed special attention trying to find the perfect bra, even requesting to be measured,which Robyn did so patiently and recommended selections and styles. Certainly an employee that fits the McCaulous character of service and commitment to customer service. Ania read more

I have been a loyal customer of McCaulous for 20 years, and so has my wife. After my experience today, no more. I bought of pair of jeans that I tried on at the store. When I got home I tried them on again, and realized that I had made a sizing error. Today I tried to return them. I never wore them other than to try them on. I had the tags, receipt and bag. My big error was cutting the tags off. I went to customer service and showed them all: jeans, tags, receipts, bag. The person standing at the counter would not talk to me, and asked me to ring the bell. I waited. Someone came from the back, and looked at all and said, you have to return them to the department where you bought them. Okay. I went upstairs to the counter where I paid for them. The woman looked at everything, and said, you have to go to that counter over there (Women's). Okay. I went over there. The woman there looked at everything and said she had to call someone, which she did. I waited for some time when someone 'came from downstairs.' I said, 'I have been downstairs.' She said 'I was in the back.' (which presumably was where clerk #2 was). This one looked at everything and said, 'we can't take them back because you cut the tags off.' I said:, 'I spoke or showed this to the previous four people and no one mentioned this. Also, there is no return policy posted or explained.' (This is something I could easily have avoided had I known). I also asked why the tags could not be re-attached. Each piece of the tags were present. She made no offer of explanation, for the lack of information from the prior 4 clerks; or the lack of 'informed consent' about the return policy either posted or pronounced when the item was purchased, or for her inability to restore the tags to their rightful place. (Not rocket science.) She mumbled something about not being able to re-sell, but clearly was not trained to deal with this situation, though it was also clear that the other clerks were not permitted to deal with the situation, and she was the best they offered. I was left with the distinct feeling that the policy of the store is to make the sell (we were sold hard in the first instance), and to refuse anything thereafter. The whole series of transactions lacked respect, straightforwardness, to say nothing of common sense. I regret losing this as a resource, but so be it. Not worth it. I will rely on REI hence forward. read more

Cool little department store in a small neighborhood.

Coming from an employee here, DO NOT SHOP HERE. This store treats customers like children. The manager has a nasty attitude, and the systems are old. They have to physically type everything into the cash register, rather than scan like every other store in 2019. They are cheap and customer service is not their speciality. Only the manager knows how to do returns which takes 10 extra minutes out of customers days while they have to wait for the manager to come to the cash register and physically type everything in. they have no patience with customers asking questions. I worked here over summer before returning to graduate school, and the manager and supervisor are not accommodating for their employees needs. They lied and told me that I had $100 credit to spend as an employee. Naturally, I spent around $80 just because I had the credit and I figured why not. A month later they send me a bill in the mail for the $80 and accumulated interest. When I told them I used credit, they told me that didn't exist and that stores don't just give out free money. Needless to say, I had to pay the money and was not happy. will not be returning here whether it is to work or to shop. Montclair needs another department store, because this one is not doing it for us. read more

Reminds me of the department stores in my hometown back east, way back in the 70's-same sorta feel- they stock everything one needs and its worth paying the small difference in price just to keep these guys going strong. Excellent sales prices! read more

This is one of the more inferior clothing stores I have experienced. I recently purchased items from the cosmetic counter and was met with a clerk who showed rudeness, impatience and acted as though she hated her job. I won't be back. This store has recently downsized and hopefully it will downsize to zero. Good bye !!!! read more