Emeralds

I love this store! It was one of the first places I discovered when I moved to Austin in 1999. I was sad to see it was gone when I drove down Lamar the other day, but I guess it has been out of that location a few months. A little searching on the interwebs and I discovered they are located in San Marcos. Next time I am that way I am stopping in for sure. Unique dresses that actually fit me that I can’t find anywhere else in Austin = why I shop there.

Love the clothes! Hate the attitude of the people who work there! Its so cute and extremely reasonably priced, but how unhelpful and how unfriendly the people are there is a large reason as to why my friends and myself hardly find ourselves there. Lived in Austin my entire life and this might be one of the WORST staffed establishments I have ever been to. Management please read this and have a serious talk with the people who work for you!

I have always been a fan of this store. It has been around before SoCo and SoLa even started putting boutiques in those areas.
I have one teeny tiny suggestion: that they not over merchandise their store. It’s starting to look like a Forever 21 and i can only go so far inside that store before i am overwhelmed by the amount of clothes i’d have to look through to find anything i’d want to wear. Emerald’s also has so many purses that hang on each end of each rack and i was bumping into nothing but purses. Maybe if they had a huge sale to get rid of a lot of their purses /​clothes so that the store can look more simple instead of like they are trying to stuff way too much into the space. The store has a great layout but if it was less cluttered it would be easier to walk around in.
Again, i love this store and i’d go back but now you are competing with other SoCo and SoLa stores, so maybe it’s time to revamp the store, change up the layout, maybe even actually have a window display so people driving can really know that this is a clothing boutique and that it is open.
What I do love about the place is the selection of clothes and that they tend to sort of color-​code their items. They have tons of purses, but so many that when i’ve walked down isles, they hit my body… which means there’s just too many on display.
and they have a lot of random items where they have just 1 or 2 of an item left so it’s starting to look junky. Again, put this stuff in a clearance section, just scrap it, or allow customers who spend a certain amount pick their «free gift» to get rid of it.
I think this store should get rid of a lot more inventory before purchasing more:)

It was the first time I had been back in this store in about 10 years and it was so fun!
On an outting by myself christmas shopping I found a sign «we have gifts under 20 dollars» caught my attention as a I have a big family to shop for and a bargain goes a long way. I will say its hard to pull up as Lamars traffic is insane and parking sucks.
Insde the store there was alot going on but unlike some stores the items were neat and organized. its so nice to shop in an uncluttered envirement which I appreciated. This place has so many gift Ideas… mostly for girls but theres some neat thigns I wouldnt mind getting as a gift thats for sure. The scarves were decently priced and beautiful and so soft. I bought 4!
While Shopping I was offered a chocolate served on a platter. Super sweet touch from a day shopping. Made the holidays so cheerful and jolly. I already had my little Santa hat on spreading holiday yumminess it was nice to feel appreciated as a customer as well. Staff was super friendly and helpful. They even giftwrapped my items for me. SO AWESOME. Saved me some time and time is so precious.
I will definitely be coming back the next birthday or holiday I have to shop for. :))

Used to love this place for gifts when I was in High School, but it’s gone down hill over the years. The Shoe selection is poor, the hangbags meh!
The dresses where they used to sale me but it’s gotten kinda bad, they remind me of SOLA minus their prices.
And it’s funny the other reviews complain about the service, I actually appiled for this place several times, and have a serious experience in retail and never got a call back. Seriouslly come to believe it has something to do with my NAME…
Yay, another reason why i’ve stopped shopping here and stopped recommnding

Does anyone actually work there!!! It’s such a big store… sometimes a girl needs a little help. welp, don’t go in thinking you’ll receive any guidance. The last 2 times I’ve been in have been disappointing. No help in the dressing room for other sizes (in fact I wasn’t checked on once…) I dont know about y’all but I’m not one to walk around the shop half-​dressed looking back through 2 595 362 349 pieces for that random shirt I need in a difference size.
When it comes to clothes their buyer is all over the place. surfer girl crap mixed in with polyester mini-​dresses… then the occasional designer piece sticks out and you’re like. what are you doing here?!
I really love this store for gifts and funky jewelry, but I was more sucked in 5 years ago (maybe because then I wasn’t as phased by over-​priced stuff because I was on my parent’s bill).
I’d like to see more thought put into the fashion-​side of the store instead of the gift-​side. It would be a more balanced and more fabulous boutique. The area is growing up around Emeralds and the shop needs to either s*it or get off the pot. so to speak ;)

I have a new favorite place!!! OH MY OH MY OH MY!!! Lots and Lots of things to try on. Love just love this little boutique.
Very affordable, cute, and stylish.

Ok, so I totally enjoy shopping at Emeralds.
BUT not right before closing. Last time my friend and I went in there they notified us we had 5 minutes before they closed. Another girl came in after us and they told her 3 minutes before closing.
I am assuming the 5 minutes passed because while I was smelling a few candles the employee came up to me to ask me if I knew they were closed. I said yes, and asked if the register was still open to make final purchases? She said yes, but again that they were closed.
I stopp

Wow I can’t believe yesterday was the first time I’ve been to this store.
I literally walked in and my jaw dropped because all I saw were bags, bags and more bags! My friends joke how I’m always wearing a different bag every time they see me so Emeralds literally felt like heaven to me.
They also have rows and rows of cute and affordable clothes and I walked out with a really dress that looked super expensive for only $ 50. I am definitely coming back here and I think this is one of my new favorite stores. The only downside is that parking sucks and the spots are pretty tight especially with my big Hummer.

I’m really not a boutique girl. There’s my disclaimer. Do I have some dark, secret association with them caused by some previous life trauma involving scented candles and locally-​woven knapsacks? No. I’m just not the kinda chick who really… shops? Like, as an activity?
But then as a present I recieved a gift card to Emeralds. And I am definitely not the kinda chick who turns away free money. Like, never y’all.
So off to Emeralds I went. I have to be honest, there’s always some slight trepidation when entering fashionable shops like this one here. In my experience most employees are required to execute their judgey-​eyes intimidation face on the less fashion-​acute of us at such shops. I assume this requirement is met as part of the interview process.
But Emeralds was, suprisingly, pretty chill. A staff of nothing but young & trendy girls is often in my experience a recipe for nightmarish customer sevice, but from the moment I walked in the employees were courteous, casual & friendly. Not the most attentive in the world, but I really didn’t mind as the flip flops I was wearing were probably so last season.
And now, the shop: Oh, I LOVE the style of this shop. Hundreds of great, unique pieces of clothing which are, of course, all «on-​trend» as the kids say. A huge bag selection along with some great shoe styles and tons of little knick-​knacks and «girly gifts» (I don’t know what to call things that say «BFF» and «Girl Power» on them… I’ll call them girly gifts). If ever I do have the need for a crafty, «awwwomgsoooocute» present for a pal, I know Emeralds is the place to get it.
But the one thing I’ll definitely come back for regularly is their jewelry. I love their selection! It’s not huge, but it is certainly varied and a lot of the pieces wonderfully unique, and fantastically kitchy. That’s a trend I’m totally on.
What’s great about this shop is not only that it’s stylish for those who want that, but it’s full of enough unique and interesting pieces for those of us looking for a little adventure outside of Target.

This cute little boutique is perfect to grab some neat decorative pieces for the home and gifts for friends and family. Also the boutique has some great affordable pieces. I was able to pick up some cute spring/​summer dresses that I haven’t seen in other places. The quality isn’t top notch but it’ll hold up for the next two seasons and at that price point I am satisfied with what I got.
If you are in the area, it is a nice little stop.

Emeralds is one of those stores I always run to when I need some last minute clothing item or pair of shoes, and I have found it to be very hit or miss
Service:
I should note that the staff are kind of like a high school clique. They chat a lot among themselves, and though they’re not exactly unfriendly, they do give off a snooty vibe, so I prefer to avoid them until it’s time to check out. This is easy to do because they are unlikely to actively engage with me of their own free will anyway.
Products:
Emeralds is a great go-​to for jewelry and little knick knacks. You want a candle? A picture frame? they’ve got you covered. Stop here on your way to a housewarming for an acquaintance you don’t know very well, and you’ll be able to arm yourself with a cute gift.
I like many of their shoes, but they’re frequently out of my size
The dresses are tricky. I get so excited when I need, say, a green dress for dinner, and Emerald’s has a whole little rack of green dresses. Often, though, only 1 – 2 will be priced under $ 100. Some will be double that.
When I do find something I like here, though, it usually looks great and elicits a lot of compliments. So I will keep hunting the overpriced racks for last-​minute dresses and cocktail blouses that fit the bill.

Emeralds is my favorite local clothing store! The selection is diverse and full of color, which I love. They have a massive gift section full of cards, picture frames, bath and beauty products, etc. They also have purses, shoes, and other accessories. Everything a lady needs!
The staff members are generally pretty unapproachable, but the store is simple enough so you don’t really need them. They do gift wrapping, which is nice. Additionally, every time I’ve ever gone in here (which is quite a few) there has been a 20−50% off sale store wide, or in a section. Excellent!
I deducted 1 star because as others have stated, often their selection of clothing around the medium range of the spectrum is lacking, with tons of XS and XL items hogging the racks.

As I was explaining to a friend today, I love and hate Emeralds. There’s why:
Love: Cards
Hate: That they’re $ 5
Love: Jewelry
Hate: That it’s scattered throughout. I almost missed you gold bangles!
Love: Shoes
Hate: They’re often sold out of common sizes
Love: Clothes
Hate: I’m not a size 2 — 6
Love: Cute stuff for walls
Hate: That a lot of it is just stuff you find everywhere e.g. live. laugh. love. (HATE)
Love: Purses.
Hate: I wish they were filled with cash
Okay, it’s getting a little bit ridiculous but really I walk into this shop wanting everything and buying nothing. It might be a personal problem but each time I find things that I love… but that arent exactly right. Next time, I’m gonna say screw it and buy that funky necklace just to break the curse. And also, I don’t really «hate» anything — used for dramatic effect only.

I am a man, and I love this place for the fabulous work the staff did to keep me out of the doghouse for my G/f’s last birthday.
Let me explain, after two consecutive years of getting my girl fancy blankets… I VOWED! this time would be different. I started my quest at Book People, but realized quickly I was spending too much time in the war history book sections to get any kind of positive outcome. I dashed out of the place and saw Emeralds across the street.
Running across, I entered the store 20 minutes to close, but you wouldn’t have known it by the great attitude of the staff. I was greeted, and not given any hustle as I tried my best to pick out a gift independently…
Finally, the staff caught the desperation in my eyes and with a few questions about what my better half likes, I was out the door with a solid, gift-​wrapped present which she LOVED
Slam-​dunk! I will be back for the dreaded Christmas marathon for certain.
Guys like myself who can’t tell a pump from a jumper… this is where you need to be when it’s crunch time.

I am so shocked by the reviews that speak negatively about the service and behavior/​attitudes of the sales associates. I came in here the first time years ago (2005, to be exact), and while nothing outside of the cute coats and such did not stick out to me then (I still have both coats, by the way. They’re adorable and classic!), the past two visits I’ve had over the past month have been nothing short of delightful.
The associates greeted me with enthusiasm and what seemed like sheer excitement that I came in. I didn’t buy anything the first time (I was killing time before work) but I vowed to make a return trip to purchase at the very least a piece of jewelry.
Their accessories are so incredibly similar to Anthroplogie, but at a mere fraction of the price. Something that was $ 200 at Anthroplogie was only $ 48 at Emeralds. This is such a great alternative to those who like the style and lifestyle Anthroplogie touts, but may not have the deep pockets to support it.
This is a great place to get your stylish ladies gifts and goodies, and a perfect spot to browse for inspiration and indulge in a less-​guilty pleasure once in a while. At these exceptional prices, the boy insisted that I «treat myself» to a trinket or two… I’ll definitely be coming back here for my accessorizing needs! With such sweet sales associates and a whimsical atmosphere, Emeralds is one of my favorite boutiques in Austin, and glad it’s stuck around.

I’m a dude, writing a review of a store for ladies. I can totally do this. Because dudes should know that this place is great for buying gifts.
Picture frames, stupid things with words on them, candles, whatever. It seriously saves time. And there are attractive females to help. I like to test them; e.g.,
«My friend recently gained twenty pounds and is still single. What should I get her?»
«Sunglasses, and anything black.»
Seriously, fucking sages. Word.

I’ve been shopping here since forever! I’ve always liked this store for it’s eclectic selection of clothes that are color coordinated around the store! So nice to have some organization that helps me in my shopping experience.
They also carry a large selection of bags and purses and pouches, clutches… well, they carry alot that will hold alot, or a little!
The shoe selection: What the??? They have so much, I can’t even shop here sanely. They have great sales through out the year, so be sure to check it out, I mean $ 60 shoes for $ 19? And they’re cute?!? Yeah, I like to stop by here on my way to Waterloo or 24.
Overall, I will have to say the jewelry selection is my favorite part of the store, in addition to the gift selection, which is huge! This really is the best place for quick gifts for your best girl.

Emeralds feels like it is trying to figure out who it is. It’s greeting cards, candles, photo frames, clothes, religious stuff, jewelry, purses, shoes, kitchy gifts, random home décor goods. There is too much going on in here.
The first thing that happened when I came in the door is that I spotted a cute table top photo frame. $ 65.00 for a 10″ x 8″ Umbra Home photo frame? Girl, you outta ya’ damn mind!
This, unfortunately, prejudiced me against Emeralds. I makes me wonder whether they are price gouging on everything. Some of the purses, which were not great quality, were going for over a hundred dollars. Most weren’t even marked. The Seda France candles were at a good price point.
I wanted to try on a pair of shoes, but I couldn’t get the salesperson’s attention as she was engrossed in a discussion about her boyfriend with her coworker.
I probably won’t be back.

Every time I walked by the window (which is twice daily for quite some time going now) I would think, «That looks like something I could get at Forever 21 but it’s going to cost me five times more…»
I finally walked in pre-​Denmark (no, sorry to report, did not get trapped in any dresses again — for those who recall my finger-​trap dress catastrophe at Prototype) but I was wildly surprised as to how deep the store went, it looks so small from the outside!
The jewelry is unique and interesting, and the price range is just bananas. $ 15 necklaces to a $ 38 necklace up to $ 60 or so (and honestly, often the cheaper one was better looking). The clothing was a bit versatile, a lot of different people could work a lot of different looks here — again, I was pleasantly surprised. The purses? Wow, I sound so genuinely female in writing this (if you knew me and my ragged style you’d understand) but trust me, ladies? You want a nice bag? They got a nice bag? Fancy bag? Big bag? Red bag? Über-​modern black bag with gold clasps on blinding vinyl? They have it all and the price range, well, RANGES! It’s average to high, just like those necklaces…
All in all, I say, the window display does them no justice. Emerald’s, I’ve done a display or two, let me at your much-​worthy merchandise ;), you have so much more to offer than I ever knew!