Meier & Frank

When I’m in Portland I have to visit Meier & Frank. Great deals, cute clothes. Just different stuff I can’t get in California, yeah its weird like that, when I go to NYC Ill see stuff I don’t see in California. So I guess different parts of the country, different tastes. I always find cool clothes when I visit.

I’m shocked when I finally walk into downtown Macy’s for the first time. I don’t know why Meier & Frank insisted on crowding the aisles with tables and crap, and why the downtown store had to be so dim I expected to see trolls wandering around with a Balrog. Actually that explains the crappy customer service.
Anyway, the new store (which, I dunno if I was spoda start a new entry) is well lit and spacious! The service isn’t super. I had to find someone to ask them a question, but once I did they were perfectly helpful.

It could be the romantic in me, but there was something about the Downtown Meir & Frank at Christmas time that I used to love. The 12 Days of Christmas in the display windows, Santa Land on the 10^th floor and the old monorail that kids could ride around the ceiling on. Awesome! Sure the store definitely showed the wears of time, but to me it was part of the experience.
So now it’s Macy’s. With its high ceilings, intensely white walls and floors and bright lights it’s nice, and clean, and way finding is easy… just like every other Macy’s everywhere. Of course they kept the art deco clock, elevator hardware and handrails, but sadly they look terribly out of place. Oh woe is architectural style mashups.
The 12 days are gone, with trendy chic displays, Santa land is cute, but small, and tucked away in the basement. A back corridor holds the monorail memory room — where the cars sit on the floor open for picture taking– they don’t run anymore (due to age, and probably insurance).
So if you like Macy’s for the shopping experience, give this place a go, (the staff is great). If you want the memories, best stick with your photo albums.

It wasn’t so much that the Meier and Frank here was not great, it was just that the deals weren’t as great as other stores in the area, customer service was crap, and the selection seemed to be a little bit limited with even less inventory in case something was sold out. It wasn’t easy to find things around here, I don’t imagine it will be any easier when Macy’s is in full effect (which I think it is now now).
Its sad that the regional M&F business is of no more, but some folks are ready for the corporate takeover that will hopefully result in a better revival.

CLOSED So glad the crappy old M&F is gone. They had the WORST customer service ever. The WORST merchandising ever. Store layout was awful, they never had backstock. The list goes on.
The only reason I ever went was to go to the tea room for brunch at the holidays and see the train that hung from the cieling and circled the winter wonderland where santa sat. I don’t even know if that was part of M&F or just happened to be in the same building.
Anyway, I’m stoked it will be a Macy’s now. My experience with Macy’s in other cities has been fantastic. And apparently some swanky hotel will be opening on the upper floors. Cool.

Used to be like the Emporium’s of Portland, but wonder if Macy’s will update the fixtures and lighting. Great location. Plenty of bus lines. Good luck… Only time will tell… Remember, no sales tax!!! Hooray.

Meier and Frank has been purchased by Macy’s and is currently undergoing renovation — thank goodness! The lighting is terrible and the selection can be over rated. While I have fond memories of the Christmas displays (and the whole floor turned into a Christmas wonderland), things have been getting stale at Meier and Frank for awhile.
I am so glad that the wonderful ceramic tile building will be restored and rumor is that Macy’s (aka Meier and Frank, I think that they are retaining the name) will occupy the lower 5 floors and the upper 5 will be turned into a hotel. Hopefully everything will turn out well since this is one of the most amazing buildings in the city and in a great location.

New York has Macy’s, Boston has Filene’s, and Portland has Meier and Frank. This institution opened its downtown store in 1898 and ever since has been providing locals and visitors with ten floors filled with quality clothing, kitchen appliances, bedroom linens, bath accessories, and the like. While visiting friends who were in the process of decorating a new home, I spent several hours in the furniture department here, and was impressed by not only the extensive collection but its careful arrangement as well. Model rooms look more like theatrical sets than department store displays. Best of all, a knowledgeable staff was helpful without trying to pressure a sale.