Birkenstock of Bend

I stopped into the store last week Wednesday before heading to farmer’s market. I had a pair of sandals in mind that I wanted, but also was interested in a plain black sandal.
My daughter and I were greeted when we entered the store. I browsed around for a bit and was getting ready to leave when I saw the sandals I wanted in the front window.
I stood at the counter with the shoe and was finally asked if I wanted to try them on. The worker informed me they only had 2 sizes left in stock, a 37 and a 41– not sure what my size is in that measurement system. The woman working offered no explanation. (I wear a 9.5 or 10) I asked about another pair that was similar, and was not given a clear response– I think she said she did not have them??. I also asked if it would be possible to order the pair I wanted online and I was told, «probably not».
I felt like I was practically begging the woman to provide customer service– to offer to help me find the shoe I wanted or suggest another shoe. Overall, the vibe was not welcoming, not helpful, and as much as the sign on the wall encouraged me to «buy local», I can guarantee I won’t be buying anything from this store.
Just a very unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. My daughter and I both looked at each other when we left the store asking what just happened?

Poor, poor, poor customer service. Today was the second time in two years that I tried to purchase a Birkenstock sandal at this store. On both occasions I called the store prior to driving twenty miles to verify that they had the specific style and size in stock. On both attempts I was assured that they looked and did have the sandal in their store. But today just like my last visit when I got to the store the did not have what I had called to verify was in stock. Like the last time the young girl trying to help me had an «oh well guess we made a mistake» comment and attitude. Obviously I will never shop there again and I urge all others to not go into this store.

Always good to start with something positive. Store full of high-​end shoes that are meant to be worn for living. High quality, generous support, stylish. No stilettos here. Their shoes are a great combination of style and comfort. Pricey, but good quality, so they can be costly — that makes sense to me.
Here’s where they lost me, the service. I’ve bought several pairs of shoes here over the years and have been underwhelmed by their level of service. Mostly because of a lack of friendliness, or engagement. Luckily they have a cat in the store (or did, I didn’t see it today) and that makes up for not being friendly, animals always help — even ambivalent cats. Meanwhile, great shoes, I’m going to persevere despite their apparent lack of interest in me as a customer.
Recenty bought a pair of Uggs for my daughter, she wanted to return them for Birkenstocks. Fine. The didn’t have the Birks she wanted, but were happy to order them which was really nice. My version of the story is that they said they would be in June 1.
I call the store on June 2^nd, ask about the shoes. First the gal tells me that they would never have told me the shoes would be in on June 1, they would have said early June, mid June or late June. Okay, you’re trying to make a point with me, I’m not sure why, but okay. Fine, are the shoes in? No, they won’t be in until December. Huh? So, not sure when they were going to let me know, but there was another option that would be in sooner and I said let’s try them.
They came in, they called, we went in to pick them up. They work! Great, I buy them. And the finishing touch for me, the man in front of us buys a pair of shoes, they send him home with the shoes in a handled bag. My daughter wears her new shoes out of the store, they give her a plastic bag to put her shoes in. Either a 12 year old girl doesn’t warrant a handled bag, shoes that weren’t purchased at the store don’t warrant a handled bag, or the man in front of us got the last handled bag.
There is another source in town for high quality shoes and another Birkenstock dealer in Redmond.

I like stopping in when strolling around town town. If they don’t have my size they always offer to order it for me which is really appreciated. One time they offered to order two sizes to make sure one of them would fit. Good thing because I needed the bigger size and the sales lady knew they ran small.
They called me when they arrived and I went down and pick them up.
They have a nice selection of shoes and boots… definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Thanks for the great customer service.

Does no service count as bad service? We TRIED so hard to buy local. We wanted Crocs, the lady came by and said they were out, then walked away. She asked if I wanted my name on a list, and I couldn’t find her again. When I found a cute pair of boots I wanted to try on, no one was around to help me. I was standing there with 4 other customers, none of who were getting help.
Sorry, Birk, but next time I’ll probably just buy online.

We come here 3 or 4 times a year and they always have a great selection and personal, professional service. What else can you ask for.