Heimie's Haberdashery — Local services in Saint Paul

A DISHONORED APPOINTMENT WITH A SIDE OF CONTEMPT…

Heimie’s Haberdashery in St. Paul opened in 2004, around the same time I graduated law school and started my law practice. Anthony, the proprietor, opened his small store with an excellent selection of suits, a fantastic barbering experience that included a straight razor shave, and incredible customer service. Though family and fortune took me to NY in 2006, I returned to St. Paul this last week and hoped to visit the Haberdashery for barbering for myself and my sons, as well as to upgrade my wardrobe that is usually serviced by Brooks Brothers. The contempt I was shown by their senior barber was inexcusable and resulted in my leaving the store with neither hair cuts or new clothing.

Two weeks prior to our trip, I called to schedule haircuts and shaves for myself and my two boys at 10am on July 19, 2024. When I called, I was told the barbers were out on leave, but the front desk could schedule my appointment. I advised I was flying-in and looked forward to visiting the store with my sons.

On the morning of the 19th, we were running late, and I dropped my boys off at the store front at 10:10am. As they were getting out of the car, I received a call from Heimie's asking if I was en route. I confirmed that my boys were walking-in and told them I needed to park and would be in shortly.

When I arrived about 10 minutes later, there was a younger barber and older barber working the chairs. My younger son was getting his hair cut by the younger barber and my oldest was waiting for a cut as the older baber's chair was occupied. I asked the younger barber if my middle son would be getting a shave, as neither of my sons have had a straight razor shave, and was told by the senior barber we weren't in their calendar so there was no time to for a shave, and they weren’t sure they could get my other son or me in for haircuts. I advised them that I had made appointments a few weeks ago and they called this morning to confirm my appointment. The older barber said, “You must have called the other haberdashery”. I asked if the number on my phone was his, and he said he didn’t think so. I called the number back on my phone and the phone by the computer begin ringing, with my number showing on the ID. I told the barber that it looks like I called the right store for my appointment. Looking at the Ipad by the store phone, I saw my name in purple from 10am-11:30am. When I pointed this out to the older barber when he finished with his client, he told me that was scheduled by the front desk when the barbers were out on leave and they were too busy to take us today for both a haircut and shave, but he could fit my other son in for a haircut as a courtesy.

I told the barber I was disappointed as the straight razor shave was the reason for my visit; I had spent money at the shop when it was still growing; wanted to share the experience with my sons; but apparently that wasn’t happening despite my having made an appointment two weeks earlier that was being dishonored. I asked how much I owed him, but he said he wouldn't take our money, so we left without shopping for suits or getting haircuts for myself and my older son.

Heimie's is not inexpensive, either for barbering or clothes, and with the cost of service and clothing, I expected better customer service. The quality of clothing still appears excellent, though I can’t speak to the customer experience on the clothing side. Overall, the experience with the barber was enough to sour the nostalgia I had, and having experience with upscale clothing stores that appreciate my custom, or at the very least act like they care about my business, I was shocked by how cavalierly my appointment was...

I want to start by saying that after my first visit to Heimie's Haberdashery, I am likely going to be a lifelong customer of theirs. Earlier in the week I had submitted a request for a consultation for my wedding tux, which in my concern for timeline (wedding 3 months away) I also sent an email to Keith to cover my bases. Within 24 hours we had scheduled an appointment for Saturday of the same week. **I did not mention my concern for time in this email, but discovered during our appointment that Keith had actually come in unscheduled to assist me. This went above and beyond a level of service I had expected. Over the course of our appointment, Keith helped me nail down THE tuxedo for my wedding. Our conversation was, in the best way I can describe it, like two friends meeting that hadn't seen each other in years. The biggest takeaway I had from our appointment is that Heimie's truly excels not only in the quality of their clothes (both casual and formal attire), but also in their level of service. I left feeling a real sense of shock and awe with the overall experience. And I cant forget to mention this -- the entire storefront is so immaculately put together with a sense of intention and detail I've rarely, if ever, seen elsewhere.

A huge thank you to Keith for your time assisting me. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future and will absolutely be bringing my fiancé both to meet you and experience all that the Haberdashery has to offer.

10/10

Best...

This is a review for the barber shop. I first tried Heimie's based on a recommendation from a friend to get my hair done for a wedding. To make it short, I loved this place so much that it stuck in my head but I never really liked how much it cost for a haircut and shave. I was stuck in my thought of going to the cheap budget cut place like most guys do. Fast forward a couple years later, I became sick and tired of having a different person cut my hair each time and having numerous issues with my haircut. I decided on a whim to try Heimie's again and I haven't looked back. While it does cost more, I leave the barbershop satisfied and worry free each time. I walked in for a haircut one day and told them I wanted to try something new. I was satisfied with the new style they suggested that I've kept it to this day a year later. I've had my hair done by all of the barbers that are employed there lately and all of them are amazing but Mario and Michael both deserve a shout out since they are awesome! Both are very friendly guys who do an awesome job. Trust me, while the budget cut places are cheaper, they are not worth it and do not compare to a place like Heimie's. Where else can you also get a great straight edge shave (well worth it, if you have the time)? The atmosphere, staff, and the staff's experience at Heimie's make it well worth the cost of getting a cut there. Try it. You'll walk out satisfied and happy each...