I occasionally browse in this store and sometimes have purchased items (usually the cheapest of the cheap since that's all I can really afford); they have fun and eclectic merchandise. While the goods are nice, you are essentially paying for the owner's overseas travel to acquire much of it--everything is insanely overpriced, from silver and gold jewelry, fun home decor items, to clothing and accessories. My main issue with the shop is the service (or lack thereof). Their staff rarely acknowledge customers when entering or even while browsing--in fact, the owner acts the same way. On several occasions I've stood at the register while the woman there has spent minutes chatting it up with a favorite regular customer, completely ignoring me and others in line. The main attention a customer seems to receive here is being followed around the store by staff, like you are a common thief. This has happened to me on many occasions. I did email the owner about this and she was extremely apologetic, explaining that they are victims of shop-lifting and so they need to monitor what is going on in the store. Obviously, I am whining about service and cost, but I continue to visit the shop on occasion. I do recommend it for its kitschy merchandise and occasionally being able to find something fun and unique for yourself or as a gift--like I said, it is nice to browse--but I do not recommend it if you are on any kind of budget or expect any type of friendly service. So, buyer beware. read more

Yesterday, feeling pretty blue about nick ashford's passing i wandered into nomad... wow what a lift.. i purchased a few items that will certainly take the chill off the coming weather.. the staff was so nice and helpful..fyi its a very dog friendly store.. read more

I love this little boutique and its eclectic mix of milagros, ethnic jewelry, folk art and textiles. Items are gathered from local artisans in Latin America, Iran, India, Africa, Asia and Mexico to name a few. Nice mix of new and antique items. The only items I never fuss over are the clothing, which are not that unusual of a find at another spot for less (i.e. they sell Free People). Fun boutique to browse and gather up chotskies for yourself or as gifts. read more

I found the staff to be friendly. I liked the store and its unique wares. I felt that the prices were steep for most of the kitschy stuff. I purchased a necklace and though it was pricey, I've been happy with the quality of the necklace. read more

i would make love to this store, but it would never have me as i don't make enough money for it's posh taste. aside from the gorgeous and wicked expensive clothing, this is totally your local Dia de los Muertos one stop shop. Meringue powder, sugar skull molds, mini altars, paper mache, all sorts of amazing and gorgeous skellington goodness resides within here. they even offer yearly classes on making your own paper mache skeleton, and you can damn well guess where i will be next october. i just love this store. i don't know of any other places where i can buy sugar skull fixings, frida khalo and johnny cash shrines, cook books, free people clothing, and gorgeous artwork. read more

Everytime I walk into Nomad i want to pin a sign on me that says"I Am Not A Shoplifter". I am comforted to know that it is not just me who feels watched and eyeballed when I am browsing. As a boutique manager for many years I understand that shoplifting can be a huge problem, but there are ways to prevent it without turning off your customers. That said. I love their displays. I envy their colorful oilcloth and paper flowers, and all the knick knacks and paddywhacks too. I drool everytime I come in. Their clothing is really pricey, but some are worth it since they are handmade, or made by small independent designers. I can't afford it, but I still look. They have their best selection around the holidays. read more

This is a great place to pick up unique gifts for others or for yourself. All of the trinkets remind me of what I used to find in Old Town San Diego, and bring back fond memories of living in So. Cal. They have nice things in a variety of price ranges, so you don't necessarily have to spend a lot to find something great. They also have really cute stuff during the "winter holiday season". I haven't checked out the clothes much, but did purchase a kick-ass pair of convertible mittens here that served me well throughout the winter. Staff is always nice and helpful. read more

If I was a millionaire I would buy everything here, or just go to Mexico and buy everything there. This store rules. Nanette Lepore dresses and Free People ensembles...good stuff. Furniture, figurines, recycled pocketbooks from gum wrappers, Great wares. Nice staff. Mucho dinero. read more

Love it! They are worldly, unique and colorful. From charming, funky and peasant Esq. clothing to glistening jewels and home decor. It's a fun place to poke into. Yes, I agree, it is a little pricey, but def worth checking out. read more

I love this store! I'm esp fond of the talisman's from around the globe, and unique handmade jewelry. everything is well crafted, nothing poor quality here, which of course means you pay. A good amount of their items are reasonably priced , but the clothing in particular is high priced. It's definitely worth stopping in here to browse and to say hi to the store dog, Dr. Watson. If you can afford the clothes, you're off to a good shopping experience for sure. But even if not, you might find a charm or knick knack that intrigues you and isn't terribly costly. read more

Fun, funky, ethnic, this store is right up my alley; however I don't think in all the 8 years that I've shopped here that I've purchased anything. Nothing seemed worth the price. Love the selection, but not enough to bring anything home. read more

One of my most loved shops in town! Always something cool to look at - filled with handmade Mexican, Indian and ehtnic crafts, furniture, jewelry, interesting knick-knacks. I've purchased candles, tee shirts, glasses, paper flowers and recently have been eyeing this beautiful beaded necklace!The staff is always friendly and oh yes, I really dig a lot of their clothing lines (small design labels) Mostly, I like how this place has a lot of personality and is different. read more

I'm moving out of my apartment and into Nomad. I am like a kid in a candy store in this joint. I skip the clothes---the sheer volume of Free People items is a bit perplexing to me, but the other goods make up for it. The jewelry is to die for (not that I can afford much of it, but hey a girl can dream). Everywhere you look there is something for your eyes to play with--so many colors, so many trinkets, so much stuff I want but don't need. read more

I love to browse here. The clothing is fun, trendy, Boho style, but way overpriced. If I buy anything, it's got to be on sale. They also carry a good selection of scarves and shawls. Sales staff is helpful. read more

I love these kinds of stores that carry an eclectic variety of household and personal goods. There were lots of Indian and Mexican colors and fabrics that were expensive but beautiful. I really like the women's clothing they sold. They were made of organic fabrics and came in many varieties. The t shirts came in lots of different styles and just a few earthy colors. I thought the place was a bit expensive, but if I had the money I would love to buy some clothes from there. You should go check it out. read more

dear nomad store, someday, when i have either (a) married myself a rich person or (b) inherited millions from a distant and unknown relative, i will be able to afford the items in your store. until then, i will continue to wander about in a daze drooling over your beautiful frida kahlo and day of the dead inspired merchandise, and then buy a postcard for 50 cents and leave. xo read more

Nomad is my go-to clothing story in Cambridge - I usually only buy when they have sales, which is fairly frequently, because the clothing can be somewhat expensive, but the quality of most of the pieces is great. Especially for basics (camisoles, tanks and tees) - I have Last Tango shirts from here that are going strong at 3 years old. Also, the Free People stuff can be really nice, but you have to check on the quality of items from this brand, as it varies widely. Velvet is a good, reasonably priced brand that makes versatile dresses, coats and sweater dresses. Basically, if you are looking for simple dresses or shirts in jersey, cotton, wool, or 50-50 blends, Nomad has the best styles. Pieces from here will stand you in much better stead long-term than anything from Jasmine Sola, the Tannery, Urban Outfitters, or mall chains. The clothes are well-curated for women in their 20s (as well as for eco-chicks in their 40s and 50s who love the feel of hemp against their skin after morning yoga). If something looks cute but a little weird on the hanger, try it on - I have been surprised many times by the look of garments here, which makes me think that the buyer really thinks about fit rather than curb appeal. I have also bought some great pieces of jewelry here and there are lots of cool housewares (such as handmade blankets and mats) for gifts. The interior is pretty and the service is friendly and attentive. Julia is especially nice. read more

Nomad has such a great selection of beautiful and unique things. This is what boutiques should be - an expression of the owner's perspectives, a place where high quality items trump name brands, and where style is prioritized over trends. Nomad is all of this and more. I've gotten so many gorgeous pieces for my wardrobe, bedroom, and kitchen here! Lovely things that always get compliments. Some things are expensive and others are quite affordable. Don't be fooled by these false reviews about customer service. I live around the corner and come here all the time. I only buy things when I'm in love and never feel pressured to make purchases. The owner is a doll - energetic, fun, sweet, and super helpful. All of her employees are great. Go in and find out for yourself! This place is a local gem. read more

I love, love this store. What a gorgeous, array of beautiful items from around the world... especially the jewelry! I can't believe some of the negative reviews. I went in with a friend, I am white and they are a person of color. We found staff perfectly friendly. No one rushed to offer help, and I actually prefer it that way! I don't like to be pestered in stores. If I need help, I'll ask for it. We wandered around the store and never felt that we were being eyed suspiciously (like I often feel in Barneys, for example). We even went into the basement and browsed around alone for quite a few minutes, unbothered. It was a really relaxed, welcoming environment. The owner was very friendly, and chatted with my young (as in not looking like she was going to spend lots of $) friend for a while. And why give a shop a low rating because it's expensive?? They travel the world to find unique items, that's why it's not a lot of redundant crap that you find at every other import store. (BTW, there's a huge range of items priced from a few dollars to lot$ of dollars). If you can get it somewhere else cheaper YAY for you. But that has pretty much nothing to do with rating this store. read more

I cannot say enough about Nomads they recently helped me locate a part for a oaxacan wooden cat that someone had given me and was missing a tail. They knew I had not purchased this item from their store. Not only did one of the employees Liz help me out they did not even charge me for the piece that they located. Which by the way looks great. This was not just a matter of one visit there were several months of phone calls, visits to the store. She did not give up and came through for me. This type of service now a days is unheard of I am glad to see there is still great customer service somewhere. read more

Nomad offers all the unique quality stuff for all occasions and I often visit the store after work to buy a gift or check out the clothing section for myself. My shopping experience at Nomad has always been fun and satisfying knowing that many of the items that they carry are bought directly from Artisans or Aid to Artisan groups from different countries. So be supportive and shop at Nomad again. read more

I have been a collector of Mexican folk art & West African colonial figures for years and this place has never let me down and as a new parent I'm loving the cool kids stuff. Fair prices & fun vibe. read more

I found Nomad while visiting a friend years ago. I loved everything in their store. Textiles, jewelry, furniture and paper goods--all selected with a "great eye." There was a time when one could find comparable items in other places: Indian fabrics, Day of the Dead items, fun cards, but many of those stores have closed. I was on a mission to find Day of the Dead items for a friend of mine who lives in the Republic of Georgia. I had been in NYC and elsewhere and could find NOTHING. When in MA, I made a special trip to find the store and was delighted to find the same fantastic inventory. Not only was I able to purchase items, the staff was incredibly helpful in every way, and even printed out directions out of Cambridge to my destination. I would buy everything in the store. Everything is beautiful and the atmosphere of the store is friendly. read more

I don't know what it is about shopping in Cambridge. I have been to so many stores here where the people working seem to have no concept of customer service. I'd had a less than awesome experience at Nomad before but they have beautiful things in the store and as I'm doing an art project for kids this weekend that involves Mexican art, I took a deep breath and dived in. As usual, three salespeople are at the counter, paying no attention to me. I wait at the counter for one of them to figure out I'm trying to buy something. Finally, one of them turns to me and, dripping with sarcasm says "what can I do for you??" With as little attitude as possible I answer, "I'd like to buy something?" which should be obvious since I'm holding items in my hand. She then asks me to check the price for her, determine whether my items are large or small and debates out loud whether she should discount one item that is falling apart. I tell her based on the price, that I want two items, not three. She rollls her eyes. I hand her a $20. Yes, it's a very small transaction. Then she goes into a closet to get change and asks one of her co-workers to hand the change to me. I guess it was too much for her to step one foot away from the closet. I stand there waiting for my receipt. "Uh, can I have a receipt?" More eye rolling. The receipt was actually written out; she just hadn't given it to me. Finally, one of the older ladies asks if I want a bag? Yes, that would be nice!! I have shopped all over the world and lived in NYC for 20 years but Cambridge shopkeepers are the absolute worst. I don't know if they're all PhD candidates, or hungover, or depressed or what. What happened to "May I help you?" "Can I take those for you?" "Let me check the price!" "Would you like your receipt?" "Would you like a bag?" Basics, people!! Strangely, most people just put up with this and the stores keep going. Believe me, I have a lot of money to burn but the experience of shopping in Cambridge is so miserable I'll save my money for when I'm travelling. read more

this is the most favorite clothing store in boston. they are not similar kinds store here ,,,(more in sf and san diego) mexican colorful decor and childrens clothes are pretty. so as adult designer clothes. but it is so so so expencive. i think overpriced. so its like clothing museum to me,never buy anything. read more

I was wary of this place, an urban, ethnic, world boutique. I immediatley assumed hippies, stinky incense, overpriced imports. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. While there may still be overpriced imports and very expensive clothes, everything is tastefully and carefully curated. The eye-candy alone is worth stopping by this shop, brightly colored mexican-inspired oil-cloths, mexican art pieces, homewares abound. Then there is the clothing. They carry a number of awesome brands, freepeople, L.A. Made, cydwood shoes, awesome plastic Melisse shoes from Brazil that are not so easy to find. There are lots of unsusual pieces, sort of hip country, global wanderer. Its fun to peruse, and while expensive the last time I was in there all the summer stuff was heavily marked down. Finally, the jewelry is beautiful and drool-worthy. There's a hammered delicate gold ring with a tiny flat square-set diamond I have been stalking for months. This is just a great place to browse if nothing else, to be inspired by all the unusual items, colors, and textures. read more

Shopped at Nomad today and got no negative vibes from the staff. Wandered around, picked things up and put them down, no problem. No one followed me, in fact, the sales people never came out from behind the counter. Great selection. While some items were pricey, many were not. read more

I have known and loved this store for a long time. I have always like the relaxed atmosphere, the staff laid-back, they just let you look around, are extremely helpful when you ask for help or information. There are always some treasures to discover. So few places left like this. I find the clothing pricey, but there are sales. If you love Mexican folk art, you will be happy. read more

I am a living nomad myself, but finally settled down in Somerville. And I love tribal world-feeling stuff around me. They make you feel as if you traveled. This shop is the place you feel as if you traveled. Absolutely cute clothes and small something. I normally could only afford when they are on sale but it is such a cute little shop with Dr. Watson. This is a go to place for my friends birthday gifts even not on sale. read more

Favorite store in Cambridge! My go-to place for gift buying (including gifts for myself). I have been going to Nomad for years and it never lets me down. Nomad has a wonderful, diverse selection of items. You can find anything from a fun, unusual birthday card to an extraordinary piece of jewelry for a big gift. There's a big range in prices, which I like, but quality always seems high. The shop is very well curated by the amazing owner. And I always find the staff attentive and warm. read more

Amazing little store with gifts, clothing, jewelry, and home decor from around the world. I walk in there an seriously want everything. They have lots of Mexicana and Bohemian stuff, very funky, also very overpriced. Nice place to find gifts. read more

I've been on the search for perfect earrings to wear at my wedding and was seeking something a little different and definitely made from ethically-sourced materials. The selection at Nomad is outstanding- there were so many things that fit my vision. In the end, Emily, the super knowledgeable saleswoman, helped me find something and encouraged me to try it on that I had initially by-passed. But, she was totally right and I walked out with perfect wedding earrings! The only reason for four stars instead of five is because most jewelry there that I fell in love with is well-beyond my price range... but on the bright side, they seem to try to find discounts if you're a teacher or support the Cambridge Public Library. read more

I don't quite get it...this store is like a high end boutique missing the high end service-or I should say ANY service. The employees have never been nice in all the years I have gone there, but it's so lovely, I always give it another chance. But no longer! I went into the store recently and with my husband and there was just one other customer in the store...I didn't get a hello or even a nod, but we did get the glare of suspicion...maybe people steal from them often? But that wasn't the bad part...being ignored while we waited to check out was the highlight. At Nomad it took 3 people to check out the person in front of me (that was ONE person helping the customer, and 2 people just staring). I understand maybe they only have one register, but no one bothered to start wrapping my purchase or ask me if I wanted to buy the item, as I stood there awkwardly wondering if I would even get a hello. I decided it wasn't worth it and I put the item back, and as I walked out, I got a really half hearted "oh, we'll be with you in a moment." No thanks. Beautiful store. Terrible service. I agree with the other reviews that I have read that they clearly focus on the customers they think are going to drop a lot of money. I wonder why they would think that is good business? read more