Louis Boston

You would think that this place would learn from the many negative comments about them. But, no, the same old snobbery and bitchiness of the staff was in full force last weekend. My husband and I walked in the store last Saturday (February 7) to check if they have our favorite cologne and bath items. As far as I know, they are the only store that carries Sta. Maria Novella products in the Boston area. Alas, they don’t have the items we were looking for. All was well and good, until my husband tried to take pictures of the harbor through the glass walls, and this self-​important looking sales clerk told him he cannot take pictures. We will not miss this place. Good riddance!

Walked in around 6 Pm on a weeknight after Thanksgiving, the place looked closed because nobody bothered to change the timer on the outside lights as the days grew shorter and the clocks turned backward-​pretty pathetic and disconnected… As I enter I see two women sitting at a desk talking with each other… I walked the entire perimeter of the store not one associate greeted me, welcomed me, or said hello. Finally I got to the sunglass «booth» where another woman was sitting down playing with her phone, she looked up cracked a smile and said hello half interested. I was looking to buy a gift, I made my way to the fragrance bar and the two women were still talking, so I walked over and asked them «are you working?» Before they could reply a male associate lunged forward and said «what can I help you with». I asked to see some new fragrances and to try them but they couldn’t find any test strips and had to go upstairs — so lame! They should visit Barney’s and take some lessons on how to sell fragrances.
They have some nice things that you might spot on the runways of NYC, Paris or Milan but not suitable for the streets of Boston. But NO color, everything was black or white and densely packed on the racks… I saw this coat for $ 2500.00 that looked like it came off the back of a homeless man with holes, tears and patches-​I get it, but really? Is that the best the buyers could do?
And, you would never know it was The holidays there wasn’t a single stitch of any holiday decorations, flowers, ribbons or anything throughout the store, no seasonal color anywhere…“Are you kidding me”? I did them a favor and mentioned the lights, and they went over to turn them on, however, as I walked to my car I noticed half of the bulbs were burnt out anyway… ridiculous.
You would think a store of this calibre in the center of all the chaotic construction around them would do everything they could to attract customers and go above and beyond to make it worth their while to brave all the crap going around them to get there.
On top of everything, you have to pay to park your car in their small lot to shop in the store or eat in the café above.
I won’t be returning…
We all saw it coming, now here it is, news of their closing:

Moved to NYC almost 16 years ago and coming back to Boston for the first time in 14 years one of my first stops for shopping was the new Louis. I was blown away by the staff they employ and quality of clothing, accessories, and apothocaries that they carry. NYC, Manhattan in particular, is known for luxury shopping but Louis gives many of those stores a run for their money. HUGE FAN!

stuck up staff, too many clothes in the rack, incredibly expensive brand left there in the shuffle uncared for… bad merchandising too!
staff very rude unless you are wearing Givenchy.
If I am spending $ 800 for a blouse, you betta be nice to me…
NO, THANKS!

This afternoon my boyfriend and I were walking around the seaport after a visit to the ICA and happened to wander into Louis. The décor is nice and the sales people were perfectly nice and helpful to *me* but my boyfriend had an entirely different experience. As he was looking through a rack of clothing, one of the associates came over, gave him a quick up and down, and asked «what are YOU looking for?» in a tone to suggest that he really shouldn’t be looking for anything in this store.
Maybe the women’s associates were nice to me because I was carrying an obviously designer bag, maybe they’re just generally better human beings than the men’s associates, but either way neither myself nor my boyfriend will ever even consider coming to this store again.
Both of us have money to spend here, both of us very well could have been customers (and mind you they could have used the business since the store was literally empty), but neither of us will every buy anything here because that kind of rudeness and snobbery is just frankly unacceptable.

This store is one-​of-​a-​kind! The clothing is special if you appreciate it. Many designers that you can not find even in NYC. We were helped right away and the employees were pleasant. We looked and left. We are waiting for a «sale» Enjoy looking and the pretty view. Parking 10 bucks

Yes it’s true, all this stuff will be at TJ Maxx in a few weeks but… honey I don’t have time to wait! When image is everything and confidence and style are what sells, this is your go-​to boutique for all things «now.» The price reflects how curated everything is so you can’t really go wrong by missing a trend. For those whining about the price an attitude, go big or go home honey!!!

It’s interesting to me that people seem to have polar opposite experiences walking into this place.
I suspect (though can’t be certain) that the sales people give folks a once over when they walk in to determine if they can afford to purchase something in the store. If you aren’t carrying something or wearing something that outwardly shows wealth, they’ll ignore you.
I am lucky in that I actually can afford items in this store. However, like others, I would never buy anything here. The snobbery and attitude from the «sales people» that work here make it a really unpleasant experience to walk into their otherwise beautiful building.
There are plenty stores in Boston where you can get high end items and experience luxury that would be grateful for your business. This apparently isn’t one of them.

The new space is absolutely amazing. Modern and industrial with plenty of big windows that perfectly complement the harbor side location. Others have already commented on the prices, which are what they are when talking about designers like Proenza Schouler and Marni, and newcomers like Suno. I love to look at these clothes and know that I won’t be able to afford them, and not sure what I would do with myself if I did have $ 6000 to spend on a dress. So, I’m not put out by the prices, in that I did make the choice to visit the store.
What I didn’t love however was the service. Again, other reviews have opined on this. And, I had the benefit of being with my lovely significant other, who by luck of birth was able to purchase some of the phenomenal garments. The lower end of Louis phenomenal, but still, that shallow end is plenty deep. In any case, he was a paying customer, browsing with a purpose, and I still way very underwhelmed with the service. The sales people were not particularly kind. They were not warm. They were not knowledgable about their merchandise or fashion in general. They reminded me of kids at a fancy college who think that being at a fancy college imbues them with intellect and so they don’t have to try. Please, do try. Try to know more about your brands, the industry. Try to serve your customers with effort, even if the effort doesn’t smack of effort. Try to cater to their tastes and even to make them with a gentle hand. But, please, for the loveliness of the setting and the designers, giving a service of the same caliber was would certainly get you some more stars. Probably two more.
After sale service was a whole other debacle. One pair of pants needed hemming, the other seemed fine, but then split a seam upon only gentle wear of one afternoon. The hemming happened, and the pants looked great, when when calling to inquire if the pants were done (after we were told that they would call), several confused sales associates and several transfers failed to reveal where the pants were. Then, when we brought in the split pants, one sales associate said it would take a week or so to repair. Thankfully, another stepped in and tried to find a pair of pants that were in the same side, and when he couldn’t pressured the tailor to fix them right then and there, which was truly good service.
All in all, a trip to Louis is great for the views, the space, and designers that are uncommonly carried in Boston. But, for a whole shopping experience, if I intended to purchase things, need assistance, and want to feel like I was being treated well for the money? Barney’s each and every time. Especially since Barney’s always has a lovely sale rack, and doesn’t feel that putting items on sale «denigrates the designer and the merchandise.» That is an actual quote. Louis will continue to provide inspiration, but Barney’s will get my cash should a time come to pass when I have cash to be gotten.

Über expensive, but a great place to browse for the latest men and women fashions and quirky accessories. They have a great eye-​wear shop too. Fun and modern harbor-​front location. Much nicer than their old stuffy Newburry St haunt.

They are the meanest people… unpaid interns go home crying on a daily basis! Might be a good place for The Real Housewives of Boston to shop, other than that it is a useless waste of a great view of the harbor! Evil, evil, management team!

This is a decadent store. In fact, maybe a little too over-​the-​top, but nonetheless, it’s beautiful eye candy and I dig it.
The clothing is meticulously curated. I bought a coat here and it looks like the seams were lovingly handled with great care. I wish I could have taken home a beautiful 1940s style couch too, but I think my place is already crammed with other furniture.
The mens department is very good. For some reason, when I go shopping for my man, it’s hard to find something decent. I tend to attract these salespeople that want me to buy their jeans with 8 zippers on it, or some eroded t-​shirt. But not this place. They have contemporary jacket-​things and lovely shirts that I would love on him.
I only wish that they would carry more interesting things in their apothecary. I’m kind of bored with the selection they have there. Give me something I haven’t seen.

What a beautiful space. Everything is modular, so they can rearrange the space, and the view of the water is unbelievable.
I’m a schoolteacher. I’m aware that I cannot afford most of the clothing here. But I was astonished by the service. No one greeted us, no one spoke to us, we were blatantly ignored.
When I worked in retail, on commission, I learned that you treat everyone like they are the big sale of the day. Some of my biggest sales were from people I didn’t think would spend a dime.
Had someone treated us kindly, talked to us at all, they might have earned a sale. Unfortunately, we spent 20 minutes gawking at odd cuts, poorly done hemlines, and unlined dresses.
I don’t have the money to shop here regularly today, but someday I might, and another store will get my business.

Self righteous and arrogant — keep your money and go elsewhere. Customer service is awful.

Staff yelling At each other or ignoring customers.
Who would want to drive out here to shop?

Louis Boston is one of those places that, even if you know where and what it is, chances are you’re still a little confused. It’s been around since the time my grandparents were in «cool cats», and with each passing generation, has undergone a transformation, completely changing their stye and purpose.
The merchandise: It’s one of the few stores in Boston really targeted toward men, which is one of the reasons I love it. The first floor is home and eyewear, second formal mens, third casual mens, and the final (and smallest) floor left to women. A lot of the brands and styles you’ll find here are items you’ll see in stores like Saks in a few seasons, if at all. Their selection of higher end garments (pretty much the only thing they sell) is unrivaled, Brioni, Kiton, etc. This is NOT a place to go if you’re on a budget. Most of the items there are targeted to their two groups of clientele, old folk and super trendy folk. It makes it a bit difficult for the average joe, like myself, to walk in and always find something, but they have some nicer, less trendy, pieces scattered about.
The service: It’s really hit or miss. I’ve gone in more then just a few times and, either couldn’t find anyone to help me, couldn’t get the person I found to pay attention to me, or got someone and was somewhat disappointed. On my last visit, I found a younger gentleman who spent a good deal of time with me, picking out a few pairs of jeans and shirts for me to try on. The smallest size they cary for pants is around a 30, which isn’t out of the ordinary. The issue is that I’m about a 27, and the salesman insisted it would be no problem to tailor the extra three inches away. I was skeptical, a feeling shared by their own tailor.
They have a restaurant and spa added within the past several years which I’ve never been to, but look very modern and well run. They close randomly on some days for inventory /​events, so be careful to plan your trip out. Building itself is a beautiful work of architecture, and parking is available in their private lot. Clothes get a 4 star, but the service knocks one off for me.

Oh the jewelry, oh the bags, oh the shoes, oh the… ooops, I’m drooling. As my friend said, «it would just be so EASY to shop here.» It’s loaded with perfect, unique pieces and you want it all. If only money were no object.
The new space is dazzling in a simple, industrial way — walls of windows, fantastic light, the waterfront, great music (yes, I Shazamed.) It would make a spectacular event space — summer or winter.
I think the move to the Waterfront is genius. Applaud their vision and wish them well. I can’t wait for the sales.

This place is straight up decadent.
It’s soooooo goooooood!!! The atmosphere is thick with expensive comfort. There is designer stuff for your body and your house. The staff looks like they should be snooty and ignore you, but they’re very welcoming. There’s so much to look at and touch. Your boyfriend won’t even mind being dragged in there. It’s that appealing, with unique looking pieces and leather armchairs for resting. There’s no denying, the folks at Louis Boston know how to make you wanna spend. Even if you can’t afford it. But if you have the money to dress like you’re better than everyone else, this is the place for you.

Take the stairs!
Sure, you could meander through this exquisite emporium by way of the elevator, but you’d definitely miss a lot of its grandeur that way.
The top floor jewels were impressive and covetable. And covet I surely did! If only I could remember the hard to pronounce name of the Brooklyn artist whose pieces I appreciated most.. .
Louis Boston is one part high-​end department store, three parts whimsical museum. I mean, who spends nearly $ 3,000 on an alpaca trimmed purse that resembles a small puppy when slung over one’s shoulder? Who buys a staircase that leads to.. .nothing?
Nonetheless, you mustn’t miss a tour of this Newbury Street shop, if only to browse at the very out of reach.

I like this store. It is definitely overpriced. I know because I’ve seen some of the exact products in there for significantly less (but still expensive) online.
As for the clothes, I definitely think it’s the place to shop if you’re over 45. I tried on some dresses and though chic, they were just way too «mature» which is saying a lot for someone who seems to like dressing like a 30-​something though I’m not even in my mid 20s. I would personally like to dress my 50ish mommy in most of the things here.
The «younger» things were VERY young and not at all Boston. White overall shorts?! Ick.