Brave Collective Boutique — Local services in Bend

This store states they are a "modern day mercantile for everyone" with fashion that is "inviting and accessible," but nothing could be farther from the truth. I unfortunately had one of the worst shopping experiences here today. I was discriminated against in multiple ways by one of the sales associates and felt very uncomfortable.

I was given a gift certificate for Christmas and finally made it in to find some new clothes. This was the first time I had been able to go out shopping after having my 4th baby, and it's been a really hard year financially, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to get some nice things I normally wouldn't be able to get for myself.

Staff were initially helpful as I tried on clothes, but when I went to check out it got unpleasant. Once the blonde sales associate discovered I was using a gift certificate, her whole attitude towards me changed. One of the items I had chosen was on a rack advertised as 50% off, and on discovering it wasn't that price, I was going to swap it out for a less expensive item to stay in my gift certificate budget. Another brunette sales associate chimed in and said they would honor the 50% off price, which was great, but it was quite clear the blonde associate was not happy about that and began treating me very shortly. I had $7.50 left on the gift card after my items were totaled up, and I was going to browse the gift section to find something to use it up on. Blonde associate kept going back and forth trying to pressure me to just leave the balance and use it another time, or upsell me on clothes quite a bit more than that balance. She eventually went upstairs loudly talking about how they needed to change the signage on the "sale" rack because it was confusing everyone. The brunette associate came back on her way to clock out, and kindly took the time to help me find an item that would help me use up the rest of my balance (I only mention hair colors because no one told me their name, and the brunette sales associate is the only saving grace to this whole experience). I went to check out, and pay the difference (it was $2.50). Blonde associate was back by now and was being very short, even asking "You don't have cash?" quite rudely when I pulled out my card to pay, and then saying something about the machine not working to run my card for that amount. My sister covered it, but it was pretty clear the blonde associate was lying and just didn't want to run my card for such a small amount. The gift certificate was for $150, and apparently she was not OK with me coming in to spend only that. Maybe she doesn't get a commission off purchases made with a gift certificate? I don't know, but as soon as she found out I was using the certificate and wasn't intending to spend anything on top of it, she was quite rude to me. It's a shame, because of how she treated me, I will most definitely never return to shop there.

I again just want to call out the brunette sales lady though and how grateful I was for her kindness treating me like a real customer even though I clearly am not their target demographic of wealthy westside money.

This store also states they are a "modern day mercantile for everyone" with fashion that is "inviting and accessible." This is very much not true. There is nothing bigger than a size "Large" in the entire store, and even that is misleading as all the brands they stock run on the small side. For reference, I typically wear a size 6 and was on the top end of how large someone could be and find clothing in this store that fit. Their prerogative to cater to a certain demographic both in income and clothing size, but I found this store to be very exclusive and not at all inviting or accessible, so don't believe the tagline.

This was a missed opportunity. I can't tell you how horrible it was to have figured out childcare, been so excited to have an upscale shopping experience that I never get to have, only to be treated like garbage simply because I wasn't going to drop more money than I was given as a gift and struggle to find...

Unfortunate experience. The owner was rude and dismissive in her response to my daughter’s inquiry about part-time work. My daughter emailed and reached out politely about job opportunities, providing her availability and resume. Instead of a professional, respectful response, the owner’s reply was snippy and condescending. It’s disheartening to see someone react so negatively to a young person who is simply trying to contribute and be responsible. This isn't my daughter's first job, she knows your store hours and did her research. Working 4-6 a few days a week and Sundays 12-5 isn't an outrageous ask. I read your response to my daughter and it was disheartening. You are open during the times she's available. How is she to know how you put your shifts together. This isn't about her not getting a job in your store, this is about how she was treated. I'm grateful other business owners in town have been encouraging in their responses...

After many years of being a loyal customer to Brave, I will not be back and urge others to shop with caution. I purchased a pair of sandals that I hoped would work given a recent foot surgery and inability to wear almost any kind of footwear. Sadly they hurt so very much within 10 minutes of my first wear indoors on carpet that they were unusable. Attempted to return them only to find that the store has a ZERO reimbursement return policy for items even when they have are in perfect condition and returned within days of purchase. Store credit only. The owner, Jen, maintains that this is standard policy for small businesses. But this has not been my experience. Many other businesses choose customer loyalty and customer service over immediate profit. Now we know Brave is not this kind of business. Owner was super rude on top of it all. Loyal, regular...