The Celtic Croft

I needed a kilt and assorted accessories for a renaissance festival costume (That, and I’ve always wanted a kilt!) and this place was recommended to me by my brother in law. I found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable about what to wear and how to wear it. (I probably would have figured out all the buckles myself, but would most likely have worn it backwards)
Their selection was good, their staff quite friendly and patient, and they had most of what I needed in stock. I ended up dropping about $ 450 on an entire getup that I’m very much looking forward to wearing.
The only reason I didn’t give this five stars is that they must have been going through some kind of inventory process in the back because I felt like I was being a little rushed. When I arrived I had to ring the doorbell and wait about a minute before someone came to open it, and during the fitting and selection process they seemed a bit distracted and really just wanted me to leave. Never rude or impatient, but they definitely seemed to have their mind on something else.
This, in the end, was small potatoes as I walked out of there with exactly what I needed (They even offered to cut the fringe off of the boots!) and I will certainly go back if I need something else Celtic in my life.

Back in April, 2015 The Celtic Croft became the «Officially Licensed Store for OUTLANDER The Series Kilts, Tartans, and Tartan Products». Being a big fan of the show I preordered a Outlander Stole in the Fraser Tartan with the understanding that the items would be available in June. June came and NOTHING, not a word from the Celtic Croft. I had to contact them and on June 9^th I was informed «We are excepting an exact date this week». (yes that is how their spelt expecting). End of July came NOTHING and again I sent them an email and on July 27^th I finally got some information as to what hold up was. I understand these items were being imported and made elsewhere and that they have no control over that. What I don’t understand is their LACK OF COMMUNICATION — they had no problem collecting money from me IMMEDIATELY when I place the preorder. It is not unreasonable to keep your customers informed. To my surprise the stole was shipped and it arrived yesterday. I cant tell you how disappointed I am with the with the stole. Their description indicates the stole would measures 27″ x 70″ — the one I got was barely 20″ x 63.5″. First and last purchase from me. So be very careful if you decide to do business with them.
My continuing saga continues with Celtic Crofts. They indicated they would refund me for the item I purchased once received. It was received 10 days ago and I have yet to see a penny — next stop is the BBB.

They were great, I rented a full formal rig, (Prince Charlie jacket with vest, kilt hose, kilt pin, sporran formal shirt including the keep the kilt option. Everything arrived in plenty of time and looked amazing, and while the customer service makes it pretty obvious that it’s a small operation, they were all wonderful and very friendly. Bottom line, I looked great and it was easy as falling off a caber. Also now I own my family formal tartan… couldn’t be happier.

Awful awful awful. I tried to order a Yule gift for my husband and to this day I have not received my order. It would seem the person who does the embroidery had to take a vacation. For months. It is now the end of March. I have not been refunded my money or received my order. No phone call or anything. I will never order from these people again. They rip you off. Buyer beware. Customer service is atrocious when you call them I might add.

We bought a custom Kilt and also ordered a formal Kilt rental (for all other items) for my husband for a formal event along with a matching Rosette for me. The kilt and rental arrived the week of the event (despite being ordered months ago) without the matching Rosette (and without the correct size and color of kilt hose/​socks) I had ordered. I called and Steve assured me that they would mail the black kilt hose and Rosette that day so that I would receive it in time for my event. The Rosette arrived. The special Socks needed did not. The event is the next day. I called again and Steve offered to send the socks in the mail. I told him I was concerned about them arriving in time on a Saturday when it was currently 1:40pm on a Friday, especially since the last time he assured me the socks would be sent, they were not. Plus, the mail is not the most reliable. I suggested perhaps due to the two screw-​ups, someone could drop the socks off at my husband’s office. He laughed at me and said they are just a pair of socks. Finally after talking to Lori I received an apology and an attempt to make things right. My husband still had to to drive to their office 20 miles out of his way of a Friday to get the socks. Not impressed.

While visiting Minneapolis — I decided I wanted to visit The Celtic Croft — I’ve been receiving their mail order catalog for several years now — the catalog contains a wide variety of Celtic goods: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and more.
I e-​mailed them to ask if I needed an appointment. Turns out their location is in a residential neighborhood — but they operate the business out of a large building out back behind their house. They responded promptly and told me to call to let them know when I would be coming by — which I did.
I went over about 5:00 pm. I met Lori, the woman who does the custom Kilt work. I ended up ordering two Kilts: the first — an Ancient Kilt in the MacKay Ancient Tartan — and a Phillabeg Kilt in the Meath County Tartan — an Irish Tartan.
Lori measured me for the customization of the Kilts. I also opted for something called «Cheater Pleats» where they actually sew the pleats into the Kilt. I already have a Great Kilt — nine yards of fabric — and you have to hand pleat it each time you go to wear it — which is a bit of a hassle.
The Celtic Croft web site describes the Phillabeg as follows: «Modern, tailored kilts are often referred to incorrectly as „little kilts“. The little kilt, or Phillabeg, or feilidh-​beag, is actually an earlier predecessor of today’s modern kilt. Unlike a modern kilt, it is not a tailored garment. It is simply a length of tartan about 25″ wide and 4 – 6 yds long, loosely bunched or pleated, and held at the waist with a belt. It is worn to about the middle of the knee, just like any other kilt. One of the things that makes a Phillabeg distinctive, is that it has a few inches of tartan flapping over the belt.»
It will be 6 – 8 weeks before I receive the Ancient Kilt and a bit later than that for the Phillabeg. I paid 50% for the two Kilts and will pay the remainder upon receipt of the Kilts.
Really nice family run business! Check them out!
NOTE: The Fashion category under «Vintage» is the closest category I could find for this business.