Not my everyday clothing store, but when I want an outfit for a special occasion, this is where I shop. The clothing selection is quite vast with a variety of styles that match the diversity that makes up a women's body. There is no one style or shape that flatters every figure so I appreciate that the clothes they curate represent a diversity in both shapes and sizes. The level of personal service is superb. While I shop here for special occasions, a friend of mine shops here frequently and often I go with her to provide the critical eye. She knows that I will be honest because I want her to look her absolute best. We always work with Sarah who is absolutely delightful. She knows my friend's preferred style and always has a rack of clothes waiting for her to try on. It often includes pieces that are out of her comfort zone and surprisingly, some of them work. Which is why it's important to give new things a try, whether that's clothing, food, places, sports - anything! The Mercantile carries a diverse selection of jeans - not just super skinny - and lots of beautiful cashmere wraps and sweaters. They always stock Herno down coats which truly are the best in terms of warmth and style. Silk blouses, supportive leggings, fashionable jackets, classic sheath dresses, flowing tunics and capris in the summer plus accessories. Hats, scarves, belts, handbags and wallets. Plus beautiful jewelry, most sourced from local artists and artists known on a national level. The boutique is large, well organized, with plenty of room to see everything. Make sure to take a few laps around so you don't miss anything! Located downtown the Mercantile is one of the few high end women's clothing stores remaining and I hope they are here for years to come. I do find it interesting to see so many one star reviews as I have been here dozens of times and have received nothing less than exemplary customer service. Shout out to Sarah for being the best personal shopper and always helping us find the perfect pieces of clothing to add to our wardrobe! read more

See all

Portland may not be Paris, but whether you're a Parisienne or a Portlandienne...you will find your chic at Mercantile. I love this boutique so much because it elevates the PNW aesthetic to refinement. The service is exceptional, the merch cannot be found elsewhere in the city and I love that it's a local (not chain) woman-owned business. Mercantile has been a part of Portland for as long as I can remember and it's always been en vogue...such a gem! read more

Yes, there are brands that can cost a bit of money. But the clothing is first rate, of quality, and well thought out. I always enjoy this store and their sales are wonderful. The staff is always friendly and I only had one experience a few years ago of all my time going there which has got to be over a decade now of feeling a salesperson was being pushy. I have found wonderful things in this store. Highly recommend. read more

I have shopped at the mercantile in Portland OR both in person and on line for several years . This store not only has amazing women's wear it has the best customer service I have ever experienced from a clothing store Recently I ordered a jacket that I had to exchange for a different size. Not only they responded promptly they also offered to ship to me a couple of different sizes to choose from.The credit and shipments were done flawlessly. I highly recommend this store Helena B read more

Come to Portland for work often and decided to stay for the weekend with intention of shopping and taking advantage of tax free. So stopped in to browse after seeing the store while staying across the street at Woodlark. Checked out the brands they carry through the window (Vince, ATM, Rag and Bone, Mother, Frame etc.)which are all brands that I love and purchase frequently. There was a specific sweater that caught my eye and I was planning to purchase for dinner that evening. There were probably five different sales associates working and none of them were friendly, welcoming or asked if they could assist. Not sure they even said hello. They make you feel like you are not worthy to shop in their store or presence (even though I was wearing 3 different brands that they carry in store). And it wasn't because they were busy...there weren't any other clients in store. Lucky for me, probably saved several thousand dollars. And really...the attitude isn't justified. It's not like there aren't other stores that carry the exact same merchandise. You aren't that special. Nordstrom has the same stuff and better service! read more

I rarely post reviews, but felt so strongly I wrote this on google and now on here. It was honestly the worst experience I've ever had. This sales woman cornered my parter and I and bombarded us with questions. The lady asked if we needed any help and my parter(female) said she wanted to find a femme suit to wear to a wedding. The lady kept asking if she would rather wear a skirt, why she wanted to even wear a suit, if she only wanted it to wear it to dance. She wasn't being kind or helpful. Like...it's Portland and 2019 women can wear suits. The worst part was that her questions were insulting and she had us cornered so we couldn't escape. We were so defeated by this experience and would tell any gender non-conforming or LGBTQ person that they aren't going to be welcomed here. read more

I had what can only be described as the worst customer service in my entire life. The sales people were extremely rude. It was truly shocking! I will never ever give this place any money. Horrible beyond belief! UPDATE: Now they are lying about my shopping experience with their comment. That tells you all you need to know about this horrible store! I'll be telling everyone I know not to shop there! read more

I was walking past the store heading towards somewhere else when my eye caught the window displays and writing - Citizens Of Humanity, Mother... they had me at MOTHER. I turned myself right around and went in. I'm so glad I did! First they staff, contrary to other reviews, welcomed me warmly. Bear in mind, I'm not the most good looking gal on the block so it's not like I look like I'm rich which means the staff are just pure niceness and courtesy. I tried on lots of good stuff, found that Mercantile carries most of the brands I already love, and I walked out with my newly purchased, sexy Citizens of Humanity jeans. Hooray! I'll be back soon to try on and buy more, more, oh yes more. read more

Wow. Funny how people's views differ so much. This store is pricey. It's one of the few super high end stores in Portland. So I kinda would expect an attitude. But to my surprise,They had none. I had me 3 year old son With me who was running his hands all over the cashmeres and silks. They were very nice about it. They didn't approach me while shopping (which I love) but when I needed help I asked a girl and she was super friendly, told me my son was cute and made me feel comfortable. She also gave me a Mother's Day discount with my purchase. Over all a good experience and for those reviewers who feel like they were ignored. Maybe you shouldn't be so passive aggressive. Just say hi read more

Wow it's like Beverly Hills in Portland. I was given a present from this place and took it back. I got some jeans, took them home, wore them around the house and decided they weren't for me. I tried to take them back and was asked, "Did you wash these?!" I said no. Ultimately they didn't believe me and wouldn't take them back! What?! Of course I didn't wash them! Then they wouldn't help me when I looked around for other options to spend my credit. Ugh. This place is snob central. Gross!!!! Of course I like to support local businesses but not when I can go next door to Nordstroms and receive excellent and friendly service. NEVER going back. read more

Beautiful clothing, locally owned and operated store. A lot of great stock. Helpful, friendly staff that give you space (thank you). Quality items at expectedly high prices, not over priced for the quality and brand names, just higher than my wallet will generally allow. A nice shopping experience. read more

Great brands and styles are curated here constantly! I love popping in here just for browsing. When I'm on the real hunt the ladies here also know the shop inside and out. Let them know what you're on the find for and they can certainly offer up their suggestions! They also offer up alteration services in the store and will also alter garments purchased at other retailers. Prices are dependent upon the amount of altering a garment needs. I have yet to use this service. But when you're selling mid to high end garments you can be sure the staff are top notch professionals! read more

This is a real joke of a place. I walked in and there were no other customers in the store, just me and what appeared to be 8 other working women. I did a lap around the store and could not believe the mess of displays. Bags on the floor. Piles of tank tops on tables. This is a store selling designer clothing where I didn't see anything under $100. And for that? One would expect someone to say hello, welcome you in, ask if you need any help, and at the very minimum, keep it organized and welcoming for browsing. I ended up grabbing a few pair of pants to try on, walked around holding them in my hand, still no one talking to me. I walked up to the register desk and that's when I was asked how I was. I proceeded to try on the pants and I don't even know why because I was so irritated with the mess and lack of acknowledgment at this point that I knew I would not support this business. I don't get this place. Waste of being here. Everything in here can be found at Nordstrom and at least there's a level set expectation and delivery there. I will not be back and I would definitely not recommend a visit to anyone. Sad because I was thinking this could be a good spot to frequent post Coivd and back to work. read more

Fine for higher end basics, but oh please with the attitude, Mercantile. Pathetic. The woman who helped me was friendly, but had no clue what was in their store. I wasn't even acknowledged by the other five people on the floor. Misguided snobbery from unstylish and stuffy salespeople. If you're forced to shop in Portland, just go to Nordstroms. read more

I am standing in the store right now writing this review, I've been here for 15 minutes and no one has helped me. Maybe it's because I don't look five star. Maybe they think that my diamond earrings are fake and don't have money to pay. The women were even looking at me up-and-down as I'm wearing my black leggings and wearing a backpack. Sorry, not sorry, I will not be back. They did not even say hello and the associates walked past me multiple times. read more

Snobby af. It's funny to me that the employees think they can judge how much you're worth to them expenditure wise based on what you're wearing. It's also funny af that these employees can't even afford the stuff they try to sell. I spent over $30,000 there over 2 years but haven't been for awhile. Everyone is new there now. read more

In town for a few days, looked for boutiques near where we were staying and found Mercantile. It was the third place i went in and the only one i found stuff i wanted to buy in! A woman, Erin, saw me looking and offered her help. I am usually a little stand offish with salespeople but she won me over! She was not pushy, was honest and helpful! I ended up buying quite a few th read more

I've been shopping at this great place for more than 25 years. Alas, went in to try to find a dressy dress to wear to a wedding, which ought to have been easy, and found that the Merc has pretty well abandoned "dressy" and is now mostly about separates and sportswear. My sweet and knowledgeable sales person told me I ought to have come to the trunk show(s) to get first crack at dresses. This seems like an extreme measure since I don't have time for things like trunk shows. The staff as usual is great. But why oh why no dressy clothes? read more

Nicely curated selection of ready-to-wear women's clothing, and excellent service from Annie. After checking out the sale section, I got a great deal on a Rag & Bone tank and a Vince handbag. Loads of denim, too, though I don't need any more jeans... read more

I love the warm, sincere staff; they genuinely care if you find what you are looking for and are there to help. I like the color palette they choose - nothing too bright or overwhelming - lots of gray, white, navy, black and a bit of pattern or pop color where it makes sense. The store is local, but offers a bit of that dept. store flavor and selection, but your dollars stay here in the community. I love their selection of jeans, too. It is on the pricey side, but the service is excellent and the quality is nice. read more

Besides the store being well-laid out, spacious it has a wide range of elegant, understated clothes and adept sales staff. Erina Akerson helped me find the perfect raincoat for my wide travels. I am returning when visiting friends and family in Portland. I live in Sausalito, Ca and love the tax free opportunity yet would not buy if there weren't clothes that I could fall in love with. Mercantile is big enough to find clothes I like -- not a small boutique yet not a large store like Nordstroms....I highly recommend it for the selection, quality and staff read more

Love this store! I was only able to run in for a moment but didn't even know where to start looking, it was that great! For you girls out there that like things organized, this is it! All color coded and neatly displayed, super cute jewelry, scarves and shoes for great prices! I will be back with many family and friends! Well worth the drive from West Linn :) read more

Love this place. Stumbled upon it and loved the selection. Vince, Eileen Fisher, Lafayette 148 New York and higher end stuff like Akris. I tried a few things on, and the salesperson was terrific. read more

Walked into mercantile on a whim. Worked with Megan and was back twice while in portland. I have lived in London, New York and L.A. and this was the best "all under one roof" shopping experience ever. Les Copains can be hard to find, lots of akris and Herno. Loved it! read more

I don't know why everyone is saying its a store more for their mom or older people. They carry a ton of Rag & Bone, JBrand, Vince, theory and more! This is a trending store with all the best brands. The store is split up into two sections. The contemporary side (young and fun) and the European designer side (older sophisticated). There's something for everyone here!!! MY FAVE STORE EVER!!! If you want to look good and not spend a lot, this is the place. Great sales and friendly helpful sales associates!!! read more

THE place to shop for fashion in Portland. The best brands and exemplary service. Mercantile has my unreserved recommendation.

I had two experiences in here recently and the experience with Kristen was actually a five star. I am only providing a four star because of the other employees. I am a former Nordstrom pacesetter and manager, so I understand retail and creating a welcome environment. Kristen worked so hard and was so kind to my elderly mother and I was very appreciative of her efforts. I would work with her any day. The other employees were stand offish and cold - and barely acknowledged my existence. When I came back in to pick up the alterations the following day, two employees could not be bothered to look up from their phone as they stood behind the counter, one could barely look up from the jewelry she was inventorying to acknowledge my presence. Apparently, whose ever job was assigned to greet people, did actually greet me and did assist me. I watched a customer wander around totally unassisted for the several minutes I was in there and another employee in that area ignored her. I have no idea why there were five (unmotivated) employees in the store, when they only stand around and cannot be bothered to acknowledge and assist their customers and come out from behind the counter. As a customer shopping, this would have made me very uncomfortable. Next door at Zelda's Allison greeted me with a smile and across the street is a darling shop where I had a similar delightful encounter. When Nordstrom has similar merchandize, the Mercantile certainly should bring it on - it has beautiful clothes and if the environment was more welcoming I would shop her more frequently as I need professional clothes for the office and court. read more

Went into Mercantile during snowpocalypse 2014. Many cute things and I would have loved to try on ten different items, however not one of 5 employees even acknowledged me. I looked at every single piece of clothing in that store while they gushed and made coffee for others. Could not believe it! Will never return. Left that store with $1000.00 cash in my wallet. Sad really. read more

Ah, The Mercantile. I love it. I remember walking in with my mom for the first time when I was four. That is when my Burberry obsession was born :) Anyway, the clothes are fantastic. It looks like somewhere your mother would shop, sure, but I'm in high school, and I love it. Fun, cute dresses in spring. That one perfect fancier dress you need for an event. Vince tanks (my loves! price wise, a bit ridiculous, but they are so comfy!!). And amazing sales people. Example of their absolute amazingness?: I went there looking for a homecoming dress after hating everything I'd seen at Nordstrom, Saks, and other boutiques around Portland. They only had one that would 'work' for that sort of a thing. I was really hesitant because it wasn't my style, but I tried it on with some encouragement from my mom and the saleswomen who were helping me. As soon as I tried it on, I loved it. It fit like it was made for me. The length was perfect. It was (and still is) amazing. The saleswomen had me running around the store to the other salespeople to show them how well it fit. They really know their stuff (especially the owner!) and are so nice and helpful. Price wise, it can be a bit spendy, but I have gotten dresses under $200 (a bit up, but not a bad price for a dress). And I couldn't say enough about this store. Don't hesitate because it looks a bit 'old-ladyish' when you walk in. Love it!! Oh, by the way, head to the left when you walk in. Some fantastic, cute stuff!! read more

I have been a customer at Mercantile for over 10 years. Their attention to customers is spot on. If I'm browsing, no problem - I get to stroll and look to my heart's content - if I need help, there are always lovely staff members ready to assist. The selection is great and they carry names that can be hard to find in Portland. Their store decor and dressing rooms are comfortable and beautifully designed. An awesome shopping experience! read more

I love this store..customer service is the best..great fashion and lots to choose from..something for everyone old or young

Was just there today and loved it - it's hard to find brands like M Missoni, DVF, Rag and bone, California Tailor etc - hadnt been in there before but loved it and will be back. Salespeople and owner were very friendly :) Thanks from Bitsie! read more

I have bought many high priced items at this store and was happy to do so as I was happy with my items. I have taken friends in here since I had had a good experience each time I had been there. As long as I was paying the high prices, things were fine. That is until I had a return. I was given a $200 sweater as a gift and discovered after a short period of use that the collar was separating. I took it in to have it replaced and discovered that my favorite salesperson no longer was so warm and kind. She definitely gave me the feeling that I was trying to get away with something. My friend who was with me even said to her that she should be offering to replace it, which she offered to do if I paid for the higher priced replacement. In the end she said their alterations department would repair it for me. When I went in to pick it up, they even charged me $10 for the work. The worst part of this was that a month before I had bought a$1000 dress for a wedding! I will no longer shop here. read more

so this place is not for me. it looks like the kinda place where a mom shops - except my mom has cuter clothes than me. maybe an older aunt that recently came into money. or something like that. they carry great, classic brands like burberry and lacoste and the prices certainly match the labels. the service is a little tough, but they did help me with what i was looking for. read more