The Octopus and The Fox

My boyfriend and I were road tripping through New Mexico and decided to spend a day in Albuquerque. As someone who owns a handmade business I came across this place and was incredibly excited to check it out and see the offerings of local artists.
While the store itself is cute and has some fun offerings I was incredibly put off by the owner or whoever was working there the day we visited. She was chatting with someone who looked like she was dropping off art when we arrived. As someone who runs a small business I totally understand that but was a little miffed that she didn’t take two seconds to say something as simple as «Hey there, let me know if you have any questions,» rather than ignoring us completely the entire time we were in there.
When my boyfriend found two small items and went to checkout she grudgingly stopped her conversation to ring him out and when he said one of the laser cutting pieces on the wall was cool she said, «There’s more over there.» and finished ringing him up without even saying something along the lines of, «Thanks for stopping by.»
I understand that everyone has bad days but I was so peeved at her lack of even half heartedly trying to give good customer service that I can’t give this place more than 2 stars.
If you don’t care about being treated with a modicum of friendliness then absolutely go visit this place (you might find something cool) but if the lack of an even an attempt at friendliness annoys you as much as it does me then steer clear.

Some cute things however I found the owner to be cold and not very helpful. Not interested in promoting the local artists. There was a specific necklace I liked very much it was a little pricey so I thought about it for a day then decided to go back and buy it… alas someone had beat me to it. I asked the owner if she knew the name of the artist (as I think she would in a local store boasting about buying from local artists) she told me she didn’t know who the artist was, I asked if she could find out and she just very coldly and very unhelpful told me to write my email address down and perhaps she could find out. I find it hard to believe she would not have a relationship with the people she purchases from. All in all I would rather shop at a local store where the owner is friendly and actually seems interested in helping out not only their patrons but the artists as well, even if they don’t get a cut. Maybe I just hit her on an off day.

Very cool place! Definitely recommend if you need gift options for a friend! They have a little something for almost everyone. Eclectic is a good description or perhaps unique. Lots of local talent represented. I had to get a couple of things! Will be back very soon!

This store is the bomb! Cute, eclectic, colorful. I’m glad I ran into this place while visiting ABQ. If you ever need a mask for a masquerade ball, go here. A local artist’s leather masks are just exquisite. The woman running the shop that day gave the artist’s contact info just in case.
It is a mix of local artisan and vintage. Very eye-​catching things. I agonized between purchasing a vintage silk scarf or a pin for my notch lapel. In the end, I walked without either, but I continued praising this store to all my other friends visiting this city. Check it out when you get the chance!

The moment I walked into the store was the moment I realized ABQ had something good to offer. After touring Old Town previously, I was starting to think it was a run down tourist trap. However, we did some exploring and happened upon this shop.
A mix of new and vintage as well as locally handmade items. Clothing, accessories, home goods, leather animal masks, great for gifting.
The woman behind the counter gave us great suggestions to continue our journey through downtown, pointing us to vintage shops and good restaurants in the area.

This place is very cool, located on the outskirts of downtown, this little shop sticks out in the crowd. With very unique children’s clothing, magnets, bumper stickers, photographs, pins, hair accessories, and other artsy items. I enjoyed my visit to this shop.
A little side note, I try to ALWAYS keep my views non-​political and secular — but as a Christian, I must add that I was bothered by the anti-​God bumper stickers displayed in the glass display case by the cash register. It was not just agnostic or atheist, but downright cruel and carried a hateful message towards those who worship or believe in God. I still give the shop 5-​stars because it offers some great stuff here that is locally made. I would feel exactly the same way if there were anti-​Obama stickers in there. Business and religion don’t mix, especially in a children’s clothing shop. But, I like objective reviews but had to add this in for other Christian Unilocalers who may want to look away.

This is an awesome little store, I was suprised to see it in my home town. The prices were really reasonable too.
If you’re looking for a unique gift or something fun for someone this is the place to go. There are some items for kids, home décor items, and vintage clothing.

I stopped into the Octopus & the Fox for an art event. This is a great little shop with an eclectic assortment of clothes, art, toys, cards, & bumper stickers. Yes, it’s really that eclectic! Eclectic, wow I love that word! But, I digress…
My friend Annie was showing off her awesome photos, and there was music and the place was filled with friendly people. I would say that if you were looking for a fun, unique, and yes ECLECTIC, gift, go check out the Octopus and the Fox.

I stumbled upon this place by chance, lucky for me! Great cards, vintage earrings, wonderfully-​scented handmade soaps and more. I got a unicorn pendant that I received several compliments on, a gold clutch and some earrings made by Cheybeth. I’m very pleased with my finds!

Here are some holiday rhymes for a fresh little spot that makes the 505 proud:
So I got some funky friends
and the day’s almost here
When we’ll open up some presents
for some holiday cheer
I went to big box stores
and some spots in the mall
Checked online too
Found nothin’ at all
In a fit of desperation
I was strollin’ Edo
Got myself a cup of coffee
from the Daily Grind, yo
Pulled out my trusty smartphone
Hit the Unilocal app tab
Checked the shopping spots nearby
Looked for five star grabs
And I was like «Say what?»
The Octopus and the Fox?
All’s I can tell y’all peeps
Is that the place freakin’ rocks
Check it: An artist co-​op
with a laid-​back feel
Everything’s handmade
And a damn good deal
They got toys for the kids
Hats and mittens for the cold
And the funkiest presents
For the young and the old
And what really rocks my world
when I drop cash here
Is that I’m supporting local artists
So I have no fear
The next time you’re lookin’
for a stylin’ place to shop
Mic check the O&F
’Cuz they just don’t stop
And I just can’t wait
for Christmas day’s chill
I gots my funky friends some gear
that’s original and ILL…
Peace, I’meowt

Visiting from out of town and stopped in to pick up my niece and found this on Unilocal.Beautiful art and clothing and fun ideas! Highly recommend taking a look in here

The Octofox is my favorite store in ABQ. The employees are all super friendly, the store is super cute, everything in it is super fun! It is the first place I go when I need a gift for someone. I love the funky selection of cards! homemade is so much better than the mass-​manufactured crap from chain stores!
There is a large selection of baby/​kid stuff, the go to place for a baby shower. Great hand printed t-​shirts for everyone, and fun vintage clothing. There is a fun selection of housewares, including really cool pillows made from repurposed fabrics. The jewelry is not to be missed, there is something for every taste.
This place isn’t just for the ladies, in addition to great men’s t-​shirts, there is great artwork, too. I brought home an amazing bear mask for my boyfriend that now lives on my wall. He loves it!
But the best thing about Octofox is that it is powered by local artists and craftspeople. many of the items are repurposed, recycled or vintage, giving new, awesome life to good materials that might otherwise be thrown away. Shopping at the Octofox is supporting the community and the environment!

You know how local-​artist/​commission stores usually look like the leftovers from someone’s yard sale, with piles of amateur garbage that is laughable at best and indulgently over-​priced?
THIS PLACE IS ACTUALLY COOL. Well set up displays, cool stuff, great look, awesome people. It really IS what places of this conception WANT to be.
I’m cheating a bit, because I’ve had my own stuff there before… sorry, I should have been upfront. But I go there to shop more often. Where else can you get presents that are both attractive and bizarre, functional items that look cool, or unique things unlike the junk everyone else has without breaking your wallet? The stuff here makes the smug chintzy crap at Urban Outfitters look like even MORE of a rip-​off.
And I’ll be MORE honest: I expected it to be for more of a narrow market at first. Like girly, or hippie or, or or. It has really ended up being of such broad-​taste and quality craftsmanship– I’m impressed every time. And I’m going to stress the affordable part, because this stuff would cost double at any place else.

Such a cute store! The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Tons of fun stuff to look at and buy. I found some unique baby stuff. I will be back!