Alchemy — Local services in Portland

Full disclosure: I am well-acquainted with the owner of this thrift store, so I'll attempt to be as impartial as possible with this review.

Aw, screw it: there's not much I can say that the pictures (and price tags) wouldn't say for me, anyway! This shop is cute, immaculately curated, and priced not only affordably, but conscientiously. Within its walls, a whimsical wardrobe of well-worn wonders awaits; a discotheque of delectable doo-dads and gew-gaws glitter, glimmer and shimmer like the oscillating ornamented orbs hanging above them. It's rad, daddy-o!

Alchemy also boasts an eclectic array of gifts, home décor items, apparel, accessories, and hard-to-kill houseplants, so even those of you with black thumbs will find something rugged enough to endure your arboreal abuse!

Remaining cognizant of our association with the owner, I judged its merits solely by observing the interests and reactions of my wife, who fawned over something in just about every corner, and on every table or rack, ensuring that a return visit is as likely as a sequel to the Barbie movie. Unsurprising, as both its owner and its aesthetic exemplify several similar traits: bold; assertive; fiercely feminine.

There's no need for a Philosopher's Stone here, folks: it's all gold, and no...

I have been vending through Alchemy PDX for a few months now and have been blown away by the opportunities it has provided for me.

I own the business Quartz Creations Crochet & Artwork, as of this year! I started searching for shops to vend in and was excited to find a store that offers 100% of my sales and lets me choose what I want to display (according to agreement).

I grew up in a small business (literally since day three) and am familiar with trade agreements in small business. As my mother had many in our community in exchange for her services. This was one of the most vital ways to support the community and those people who could not pay etc.

I have also been able to connect with other local artists and creatives! Which has increased my business reach in a way that would be impossible without Alchemy. (See the crochet installation at Mood!) It’s also improved my mental health as well, as the shop has easily become a “safe space” for me. I seem to always leave happy!

I’ve seen Casey work so hard to support the small businesses and artists in her business and have been blown away by her efforts.

It’s been refreshing to work in tandem with a team that is accepting and understand about disability, neuro-diversity and...

I went here this afternoon for a birthday gift and was super excited as I follow them on instagram. The shop itself is very cute and had great gift ideas. The employees and customer service was god awful. There was only one other girl in there. I was never greeted or interacted with the whole time I was looking. The two girls working were gossiping and just staring at me which was super uncomfortable. I eventually had to ask to be checked out. I bought a glassware item and finish checking out and the girl doesn’t offer a bag and just stares at me blankly silent after I’m done. I had to ask for tissue paper which was clearly used and extremely crumpled. No bag or offer of one? No thank you or have a nice day or anything after, just dead silent. I will have to rewrap all the stuff I bought. I would be horrified as a retail manager if my employees acted like this and I was paying for double coverage. I hope the owner finds more friendly staff, this place...