I bought what I thought was a nice belt 7 months ago. When I was putting it on yesterday, the metal buckle just fell apart. The cheap metal broke. Now my thinking is that a belt should last more than 7 months so I took it back for a replacement. They said they can't take back a defect belt that is 7 months old. I said most belts last for at least 7 or more years and the buckle is obviously bad quality. Nope. Not taking it back. I guess business must be good, because I sure won't be going back to a store that can't back up their product. read more

This is an odd store. They have a somewhat random variety of clothes, from inexpensive teen/surf type brands to some better known women's brands (NYDJ, etc). Nice assistance in the makeup area if you like one of the few brands they carry. Lingerie department seems VERY old fashioned (think lots of granny panties) Friendly staff read more

I recently went to mcCalou's to purchase two tops and a nightgown, but before I did I requested to use the restroom. I was told it is not opened to the public. I was a customer but NO LONGER!! I will no longer patronize businesses that do not allow conveniences to a customer. I was prepared to spend $ 200.00. But not any more. They have lost a loyal customer. read more

I have been shopping here for over 20 years and have never had a negative experience. Everyone has always been pleasant. They even offer complimentary gift wrap for merchandise over $15, which is super convenient! read more

Staff help of suggestions. Getting sizes and choices for every department meets my needs!

My husband and I moved to Lafayette six months ago, and I soon noticed this store that is next to a strip mall, where I began going out for my coffee drinks at Peet's. I have bought a variety of casual ladies clothing at least 6 times here, including two sundresses for vacation, and I have encountered a few pleasant sales women, and others whom (as I just read in all the reviews) were/are very cold in how they acted towards me, with a "get out" attitude as soon as they spotted me, especially if it was close to the closing time AND I had an easy return item or two. They love to snap "We are CLOSING now" instead of just offering to quickly do your return, when the posted store hours on the doors clearly show they close at 6:00 p.m. now, so although I don't make a habit out of last minute returns, they act SO resentful. Today a senior woman did my return, but she was quite rude otherwise. I honestly have compassion for seniors, I even worked in as an activity assistant in a nursing home once, but some of the old ladies working here, are rather arrogant and act resentful of you, and don't hide their contempt. They don't say hi or thank you either. It's more like "don't let the door hit ya on the way out". I regret that I shopped there again two days ago, for a "not so great" overpriced pajama set (34.99-ha) and a cute top. I have probably spent a few hundred dollars there over the past 6 months, but I am so DONE. I worked as a retail sales associate for several major fashion stores, such as Macy's, Bloomingdales' and LOFT, in New Jersey, where I am from. In my 20 years of selling clothes, books, and housewares, I never once was rude to a customer. I understood that I was being paid to provide friendly customer service, and that connecting with customers in a caring manner creates repeat, satisfied customers. Believe me when I say, I had my share of rude/terrible customers, but I had to try to rise above it. I had a hard time not taking things personally, and some nights I almost cried myself to sleep. I also have scoliosis and was in pain from straightening my zone for two hours at Loft (I worked closing shift). I am also shocked to read the many comments about how women of color were treated in McCaulou's stores, although I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Racist attitudes towards ANY customer, ever, is totally unacceptable. I am white, and if I had seen these reviews sooner, I would have not been back based on that alone! I am never going into this store again. I can do better at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, or order online. Even Target is better, at least there's no bad attitude there. BYE BYE MAC! read more

I love this store. I am not sure why people are bashing it so much. We are so lucky to have this gem of a store. It's like taking a step back in time. They may not have everything I want there but I always find something that works for me or my grandchildren. The children's section is very good and my granddaughters love the collection of clothes. We always find something for them. The staff is so pleasant and they do everything they can do for you. They have a nice selection of cosmetics. You might even find a decent pair of shoes here. Btw the men's department has nice selection of athletic clothes. I value this store because I detest going to Walnut Creek. I support this store at every opportunity. I fell we are so lucky to have this kind of store in our community. There were rumors floating around that they were going to tear down that shopping center and put in housing, I'm not sure what would happen to the McCaulou's and the other stores, let's hope this does not happen. Please support McCaulou's by patronizing them while they are still in our community. I do agree about the bathroom issue people have mentioned on this site. I had a problem with a very mean women when I asked her about the bathroom. I guess they don't like people going into their bathroom. There are public restrooms in the courtyard area. Mc Caulou's needs to correct this issue. One last comment, Yes, the lingerie department could be spruced up a bit to be a bit more current. I still love this store. Just happy to have it here in Lafayette. read more

Large variety of reasonably priced styles and sizes of men's, women's and children's shoes and clothing. Great for gift shopping. They wrap gifts for you on site! Conveniently located in the vibrant and low-crime city of Lafayette. Steps away from Peet's, bagels, Whole Foods, restaurants, and small shops. Lots of on-site parking, too. read more

McCaulou's, which is a family-owned department store with 10 locations in the Bay Area, has devoted customers who have shopped at this small chain for decades. You'll find an old-fashioned atmosphere, reserved sales clerks, and small town department store pricing in this Downtown Lafayette staple. Even their WEBSITE is retro! www.//mccaulous.com They have most everything that a larger department store might have, only with a more limited selection. It tends to draw in locals who prefer to shop locally, don't want to drive out to the mall, or who don't shop online. Yes! There are people who don't shop online! When you walk in the front doors, you'll find the make up department to your left, the shoe department directly in front of you, and the women's department to your right. Farther back into the store is the children's department and the men's department. They have a few small dressing rooms in the departments where you can try on your items. The shoe department used to hire helpful older ladies who knew something about shoes. Unfortunately, now they seem to only hire teenage boys who don't know the difference between a fashion sneaker versus an athletic sneaker! read more

A reliable store for our basic needs. Great shoe Dept in Lafayette. And more and more updated fashions in the women's Dept. It will surprise you. Well worth going there first, before venturing to Broadway Plaza. A time-saver, easy parking, and good to support our local businesses. read more

McCaulou's is a 9 store local department store chain mostly in the East Bay, in nicer suburbs like Orinda, Moraga, Danville, Walnut Creek, etc. It is a throw back, old school type store, remeniscent of a small town JC Penny's without home furnishings. There is a little bit of everything in these stores inluding Men's, Women's, Girls and Boys clothes, shoes, toys, make-up. The prices are discounted, too, so it isn't so expensive like the name brand stores in the local malls in the same town (i..e. Broadway or Stoneridge centers). The help is old school, too. My sales clerk was perhaps 70 years old? Old school white suburbia. It took her 5 minutes to open a dressing room up for me, and she was moving as fast as she could! A long, long time ago, I worked at Capwell's in downtown Oakland. It was an old school department store chain of 5 stores in Oakland (flagship), Fremont (Fremont Hub), Richmond (Hilltop), Walnut Creek and El Cerrito (Plaza). It was a place where all the little old ladies loved to shop: It had a Notions department, Men's Furnishings, Foundations, and a basement with bargain bedding. (When there was a big sale in the basement, the mad crowds would come down, and it was the Sheets!) Capwell's was associated with Weinstock's in the Sacramento area, and Broadway stores in SoCal, and Emporium in SF and the peninsula. Later Macy's bought a few and others were simply closed down. McCaulou's is sort of like Capwell's. If you grew up in the neighborhood, it is a comfortable local store. If you didn't and are just curious out-of-towners, well then, it seems like an oddity from another decade, or maybe century. I did buy a pair of Levi Jeans for $35, on sale from $44 . read more

McCaulou's Department Store - Advert for McCaulou's - Department Stores Near Me - Lafayette, California

McCaulou's is truly a throw-back to the old department store mentality. Here you'll find divided departments, as well as employees that don't cross between departments. If you want to buy something from the Estee Lauder counter, the chick from the Lancolm counter will NOT venture over to assist you. Because of the crappy estee lauder counter service, I now shop the Clinique counter, and couldn't be happier :-) Their selection of scouts supplies is much appreciated, as it saves the working parent a trip out to Concord. They have a great shoe selection & teen department. Their women's clothes are geared towards an older client (yup, they carry the poly pants here)... but I can usually find something in a pinch. ALl in all, I'm thankful to have this local resource. read more

McCaulou's Department Store - Scout supplies - Department Stores Near Me - Lafayette, California

Just recently stepped into this store and I was surprised to find a great selection of clothes as well as the shoes. They even sell Clinique products and perfume. They had a great sale a couple of weeks ago and the prices were very reasonable. It's a small scale department store that offers a lot of brand names as well as non brand names, cute tops and sweaters. I enjoyed browsing through - it's a good size store that has everything you need. Sure beats going to the crowded mall. Love one stop shop stores like this where I can find a lot of what I'm looking for in one spot. read more

This McCaulou's Department Store is a bit of a throwback. The merchandise is tightly packed within a single floor of a ranch style building within a small town suburbia vibe. The old Capwell's also comes to mind. Finding things can be bit challenging, but I've found the friendly store staff to be equal to the task. And if you look really closely, there are some really good sale deals to be found. The location is also somewhere between Sun Valley and Broadway Plaza in terms of wanting to come here. read more

I've been a very patient and forgiving of McCaulous' rude staff for 3+ decades. Never again. Today, was the last straw. The sales woman in the kid's department was disrespectful to a mother checking out with her kids, and the same sales woman mistreated the older child. He was in tears and refused to ever shop there again. I went to check out in another section and the two woman behind the counter ignored me. The older woman was barking orders at the younger one about what section she needed to be in, who was where, who needs to do what. The older woman also complained about the number of families and kids that shop on Fridays. Not once was I checked in with. I finally received help in the 3rd section I tried. A month ago, I was at the Orinda McCaulous' and waited 5 minutes to check out. The 3 staff members were arguing about who was working what section vs who would answer calls. I was right there with ONE item to check out. I waited 5 minutes until they could work it out. On a trip to the Lafayette store around the holidays, I found a pair of leggings for my daughter, who was with me. I asked if I could put them on hold for an hour so I could go back without her, and I was asked why I wanted them on hold. I explained why, and I was told there is a "no hold policy." The partner store, Madison, employees are just as condescending and rude. I encountered that when I brought one of my kids in the store, and we were followed around by an employee. read more

The female employees at McCaulou's in Lafayette have been harassed for years by middle school boys who go to the store at the end of the school day. The boys enter the store, speak and behave threateningly, (racial slurs), throw clothes around and refuse to leave. A woman in a walker has been knocked over in the past. Store patrons feel the need to intervene. If local police have refused to intervene, the store employees need to lock themselves in the store moments before they expect these kids to arrive. When the kids arrive, employees need to call store management to inform that they do not feel safe and will not unlock the store until the kids are removed. This problem is for management to deal with. Why not have an armed security guard begin a shift at the store before school lets out ? read more

This store never fails me. My go-to place for the cutest baby clothes, kids clothes, trendy items for me, etc. The buyer really knows what they're doing. And the prices are super reasonable. If you can't find what you want for the price, wait until they have a sale or use one of the coupons they mail out. I have never ever been disappointed! read more

Ok. Total throwback store but what a hidden gem. Located in a non descript strip mall of Lafayette this place has some seriously nice selections. Definitely for the older crowd but nice selection, food prices and not just for dudes. Cosmetic options according to my better half is good esp when the sales are occurring. Keep this place going! read more

I worked near here so it was very convenient when needing a last minute present, may i remind you are in Lafayette so the price tag is a bit hefty for moderate quality stuff. overall it's a cute little store but not what i think about when in need of some shopping therapy read more

We love this place. Have all Kinds of great clothes. Usually get our shoes here always. Friendly staff read more

This is a truly old fashioned department store, a rambling, ranch-style single level suburban store. Though I'm not much of a shopper, I kind of like stores like this. It doesn't feel upscale and haughty, just down home and a tad shabby, w/ carpets that look a bit tired. I've come here looking for winter weight robes and nightgowns. Their quality seems better than Macy's and their prices seem better than Nordstrom. Their robe selection has been pretty good. I prefer zip front robes to ones w/ sash closures and was successful in finding one a couple of years ago when I struck out at Macy's and Nordstrom. Other than robes, they don't have much that interests me. I don't wear cosmetics and there are other places I shop for clothes and shoes. I always check out their newspaper ads, though, and if I'm looking for something like sleepwear I'll check out what they have. I hadn't realized it before, but McCalou's awakens a residual fondness for the department stores of my younger days, like Hink's in Berkeley and Leask's in Santa Cruz. Now everything is Macy's. Unless it's Nordstrom, which is better than Macy's. read more

This is a long review so I will bullet point for convenience. But please read full review for details. 1. Customer service is appalling. 2. They will make you feel bad for returning items. 3. They might even talk bad about you while you are in the department still shopping. 4. I do not recommend shopping here. I rarely am motivated to write reviews because of time constraints and other life priorities that pull at me; however, this was an exceptionally strange and, for lack of a better word, terrible experience. I am in law school and have classes through zoom from home all week long. I rarely leave home, save for grocery stores, so an outside excursion is always welcome. I am also on a budget and rarely get to shop, so as someone who used to love to shop, I was really looking forward to this experience. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. It was recently my birthday and my mom bought me wrong sizes in basically everything (thanks COVID weight gain). So I went to return the gifts (unfortunately, without the receipt because my mom "had just cleaned out her purse" as she does once every ten years, lucky me, this was her year). I had the tags on everything except for one item. I went to the juniors department to return my items and automatically was met with contempt. I probably had 5 or 6 items and it was very obvious the associate did not want to help. As I was waiting for her to process the returns she told me to stand behind a glass wall, which is fine. I am all about public safety, but we were both wearing masks and I was no where near too close to her desk or peering over. In fact, I was standing back a bit to keep distance because I take this serious. I really did not even realize there was plexi glass there, I just stood back. It seemed like more of a gesture to "put me in my place" so to speak. She set three items aside that were not fit to return to her standards. One did not have a tag, and one was inside out and had dirt on it. Unfortunately, I had tried it on at home, set it on my bed, and my dogs lay on my bed, so there is the dirt stain situation. That felt understandable, though embarrassing the way she explained it to me, like I had worn it purposely and was a scammer trying to get money for a return. The third item was in perfect shape. She tried to point out a non-existent dirt spot. She had the store manager come check it out and she said it was fine. The manager pointed out that the other item with tag attached was inside out and that was one of her reasons for rejecting the return. So be weary on how you return your items. Make sure they are not inside out because they will assume they are worn. Finally, after the return was processed I started to look around a bit. Just as a reminder, I NEVER get out of the house or shop so I was really looking forward to this. There was really no cute clothes, but I was determined to make something work (I used to work retail so I have knack for putting together outfits). While I was shopping, I heard the retail associate that "helped" with my return talking negative about my return i.e. "this girl came in with a return with dirt on it and we let her return it but we should not have and this other item is dirty too..." I don't think she realized I was STILL shopping, though the department is not that big so I am unsure why or how she did not realize I was there. In any event, I was so upset I had to say something. I confronted her and said something along the lines of, I don't know what I did wrong, I just tried to return birthday gifts, this is feeling really humiliating, and I do not understand why this has been such an ordeal. I asked to speak to the store manager and got an apology and a "I will talk to her". She was very kind and understanding, but, unfortunately, customer experience is everything and I will not soon forget that experience. All I can say is I will not be shopping there anymore and I will kindly ask my mom to refrain from getting me gifts there anymore. read more

Two stars, only because the deals can be good BUT... Do they have a competition to see who can avoid talking to a customer the longest? I walked into 4 different departments; shoes, girls, womens, and juniors and not one person even said hello to me EVEN when they accidentally made eye contact. They looked away as fast as they could, like they broke the McCaulou's code of ethic or something. Forget about anyone asking if I needed help, I quickly learned that wouldn't happen! When I found someone to let me in the dressing room she was nice enough but she put me in the room and closed the door and totally disappeared. When I was finished I couldn't find anyone and I hate just leaving my clothes in the dressing room (I think it's rude). So I started searching for someone but then realized that I'd be breaking their code of ethics if I made eye contact, so I just left it in the room and checked out. read more

I always stop by here when I am in town visiting family and friends. I swear when I lived in the Bay Area I took it for granted. But now, I find something that is great to purchase each time and at a fair price. They have a wide variety and not just the standard item you'd find at a big chain department store. read more

Rude service and my son used his hard earned money and they couldn't even give him a bag for expensive sweater he bought.He is a regular and I witnessed it rude service about mask he wore.Poor representation of company and as human being.You never treat your customers like garbage they won't come back to your store.I even witnessed it. read more

RACIST? OR JUST RUDE? I have never been treated so poorly in a store in my life. I'm 47 years old and am the guardian of a teenage boy who had a shitty hand dealt to him and is now living with me and my husband. He is a good kid -- strong work ethic, very respectful, kind-hearted, etc. -- but is very shy. Just moments earlier, the two of us had walked into a gift shop (Madison) a few doors down and inquired about a "part-time" help wanted sign posted on their door. The very polite saleswoman in Madison told us that we would need to go to the gift wrapping dept in McCaulou's to obtain an application. We thanked her and off we went. Upon entering McCaulou's, we were politely directed to the gift wrapping department at the back of the store. I walked up to the woman behind the counter (middle-aged or slightly older, reddish-brown curly shoulder length hair), said "hello" and told her we'd just seen the help wanted sign outside the gift shop a few doors down. Almost immediately, she took me off guard because in a rather rude tone, she asked "sorry, which shop?". I told her that it was next to or close to Jamba Juice (again, this was my first time in Lafayette, let alone this shopping center so I wasn't very familiar). She glared (!) at me and snapped "I have no idea what your talking about". I proceeded to describe the shop to which she replied "OH, you mean Madison?". I said, "yes, that must be the one", to which she said in the most condescending tone imaginable "don't you think you should know the name of the shop if you're applying for a job there?". I had to do a little de-escalation exercise to keep from blowing up at her for being so nasty. I'm proud of myself for keeping it together but did it only because of the kid standing next to me. I was just trying to help this poor kid out with a summer job. I took a deep breath and just smiled. Then she asked if the job was for me or "HIM" (picture cocked head and squinty glare). With the nicest smile and sweetest tone I could muster, I said it was for him to which she said (this is the best part and frankly, I wanted to punch her in the face but I took the high road) "then HE should be asking for the application. YOU need to go for a walk and I'll have him fill the application out". I should have slapped her but I'm trying to be a good role-model. (or maybe that's why I really should have slapped her? I don't know. lol) I wish I could describe the look on her face. She was looking at me like I was the scum of the earth. I have no idea what I did to her (besides not knowing the name of the store). I'm asian (and so is my foster teen) so there's that. It could be blatant racism, simple as that. I don't know. I left perplexed and fuming. This woman should not be allowed to treat customers this way. CUSTOMERS. Hello? Anyone here of "customer service"? Geez. He filled out the application (I think it's good practice) but there is no way in hell I would let him work there. read more

Didn't even make it in the front door. My fiance tried to enter first when an old woman ran up and slammed the door in her face and said "were closing". My fiance was literally hit by the door in the face. I had to hold myself back from kicking the door down. I will never, ever, ever go back to that place! read more

I went into the store with my wife to exchange a Xmas gift. The salesperson didn't even wait to see what the gift was when she blurted out that they do not take back this type of gift because all the sales are final and not returnable or exchangeable. Another two salespeople came to the counter and said that my wife should re-gift the items. This perticular person said the same thing at least 6 times, like I did not hear her the first time. We were shocked at the way we were treated. We made a small purchase of some soap and left the store, NEVER TO RETURN!!!!!!! I do not know where these people are trained but we will not find out again. What a terrible way to treat a customer. If anyone is reading this review my recommendation is to go to a store where you will be treated properly. read more

This place is adorable! So quaint and you can always find something....If you look hard enough. The prices are really inexpensive and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I like that they carry a variety of brands and styles. It's definitely like stepping back in time. read more

Attention Mr. McCaulou, I understand that the Lafayette store is your home base and hope this message gets your attention. It is in regard to your latest return policy. I have not been so humiliated and offended as when I exchanged an item. The shirt I purchased had a stain on the front. I went back to the store the very next day exchange for the exact same thing, same color and size with the receipt in hand and tags attached. Of course I had to go thru your antiquated return policy, which in itself is offensive. THEN the cashier, right in front of me, picked up the shirt I brought back and SMELLED it!! The store manager of course had to come and approve my return (ridiculous with the receipt from the day before and tags attached). The manager said the employees have been instructed to smell all garments being returned "per Mr. McCaulous policy" because of drug addicts returning garments that have been worn and smell even with tags attached. Do you realize you have categorized all of your customers as drug addicts? This is more than offensive, it's unconscionable! I have shopped at this store, along with everyone I know, for 35 years, through 3 changes of ownership, but not any longer. I refuse to be humiliated and treated so offensively by your ridiculous policies. Loss of inventory is an unfortunate cost of doing business, however it's customer service that will make or break you. Step it up, or you won't be in this small town much longer. By the way, there were 2 customers in the whole store the day I was there. read more

After a few years, and reading other reviews, decided to update this. The racks are often so crammed with merchandise, it is difficult to shop. I mostly buy children's clothing here now. They carry some name brands such as Carter's and a few others. They will gift wrap for free and ship for free or just a few dollars, so that saves me a lot of time and money when shopping for Christmas for children who live at a distance. I only go as a destination when planning to buy a lot of children's clothing for several kids each season to ship. A website would help as the location is a bit out of the way. I have only been to the Lafayette store. As for the other departments, I no longer shop in those departments. I like Petites, and they are hard to find. But the selections no longer appeal. Too fuddy duddy. Customer service is very nice. But it does take time to get checked out. Another writer commented on the check out process being old school. Maybe that is why, because when ringing up a large pile of items, the process takes a while. read more

Friendly employees. Good service & helpful. I go there once every 3-4 months and almost always find the junior/ womens clothing I need! read more

WORST STAFF OF THE BAY AREA - TAKING MY $ ELSEWHERE I've had several bad experiences with rude and unfriendly staff here--the usual ignoring customers, no greeting type of thing. But today my son and I were given an over the top icy glare and tracking eyes while we looked for a stuffed animal to buy. I pulled one off the shelf to show my son. When the stares were getting to be too much and I decided we should just leave and look elsewhere, the employee, an older woman with short, dyed red hair, finally directly acknowledged our existence beyond the accusing glares. I thought she was asking if she could help us find the stuffed animal we were looking for. But then realized instead that I was being accused of taking the one I had pulled down. Are you effing kidding me?!?! She asked me where I put the damn thing. I was so offended and fairly certain her judgmental eyes had a racist heart behind them. I'm never going to any McCalous again. Buying local is important to me but they are NEVER getting another dime from my brown hands. Looking through others' comments, unfortunately I'm not the only one with this experience. Retro department store indeed, replete with pre-civil rights era attitudes. No thank you! read more