House of Vintage — Local services in Portland

This was my second attempt. (I'm writing this in my car already at 7:01 pm) I work 10 hour work days, try to beat traffic after work for about 45 min.. I make it here by 6:45 both times.. First, you're greated by a worker at the entrance who tells you to go give your PURSE (the one I have full of the cash I had hoped to spend there) to another worker at the front desk, and immediately told "just so you know we're closing", I let her know that I'm aware you close in 15 min.. I hussle around a thrift store as quick as one can.. (why would I even? Idk) You're followed by 3 workers and told 3 More times " umm we're closing.. Jussst so you know". I know! I still have 6.5 friggin minutes left 😆! 2 minutes before 7, I'm walking to the register to pay for the pair of $88 used Levi shorts and to retrieve my purse... And I'm told, "Ummm were closed nowwww". Jeez. Put insanely overpriced shorts back on the rack(Im not even sure why I was gonna buy them, maybe just to prove a point? Lol sales are final and I hadn't even tried them on), exchange this stupid red pin with a number in it for my purse with nearly $700 in cash in it that I just handed to a stranger.. And I exit with nothing, AGAIN, besides being followed out by 4 hovering kids who wanted off and out of there, with the doors locked, lights off -before closing time. Why did I do this a Second time??? With the exact same outcome? Who knows lol. 2 stars because I do believe there is some sweet, real oldies in the very dirty disorganized racks and many strange halls and rooms.. So, 2 stars for a HUGE variety ( my hands feel like I just got done patting down a horse) 🤭

Update: On my way home after posting this (and more than- irritated) I just happened to pass Red Light District! Same environment! Found a pair of OG 501 levi shorts do $18 (NOT $88!) It was clean, polite staff, no one asked for my purse of moved above me.. And although I got there about 20 till closing, I had to ask them when they closed -which I had accidentally stayed a few minutes later. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. These are pics of Red Light.. Not...

TLDR: It’s a fun place to kill time, but you’re not going to walk away with much unless you’re willing to spend big.

I’ve been here multiple times, mostly with out-of-towners who want the vintage mall experience or to kill time if I’m already on Hawthorne. There’s a mixed variety of stuff, I usually find stuff at least worth trying on in the back-right section of the store. Best stuff (in my opinion) would be some stylish jackets & coats, and some interesting/possibly rarer period clothing—primarily 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s styles. At the same time there’s a large amount of $20 VHS tapes, $60+ worn jeans with no tags, and $50+ t-shirts that look straight from goodwill. If I had to guess the average prices for stuff is $28-$40 per item, with the cheapest stuff being $18-$20 and expensive piece’s being $70-$90 and up. The changing rooms are quite small, but there are at least two sets (one at each side of the store). It is worth noting for some that they do not have a bathroom.

Overall, it’s rare that I leave with anything more than sunglasses or a knick-knack; but I do also still bring people here so it’s not a waste of time if you’re looking for a vintage clothing mall experience. I don’t hate it, but it’s also not my favorite. If people are really looking to up their wardrobes, shop for things from the 50’s-80’s, or can’t afford to break the bank I would recommend Hollywood Vintage or Stars in Sellwood for more of a...

They have two entrances, didn’t think much of it till it became an issue later. Things are pretty overpriced considering it’s hand picked from Goodwill vibes. I think they have some idea that cutting off/messily cropping the bottom of a fraying polyester shirt makes it hip and worth more? Many items have literal dust on them, makes you feel like you need to wash your hands after touching most of it. I had some things in hand and was making my way into the second room to purchase when some kind of security guy rushed up to me saying they have to lock my bag up. Apparently they have a “no bags policy”. I didn’t come in the special door with the sign so I didn’t see it. I saw plenty of other people with their big purses all over the store. Apparently my tote bag was too much. They won’t guarantee the safety of your “bag”, so i decided not to buy the $80 worth of clothes I was considering. Oh well, not going back. I don’t work long hours all week to be criminally profiled and treated as such...