I can't speak to the clothing, but I have found absolute gems in the kitchen / home section, including beautiful glasswork, and the honey and jam selection is pretty fantastic, too! I love that it's full of locally made items. Most of the clientele seems to be on the older side. Service is fine. They basically leave you alone and you have to try to find someone if you need something. Checkout is slow. read more

A mini department store with clothes and home goods. On the high end for prices. Really helpful service. Dressing rooms available. read more

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Not a lot of places open early in ojai, but this place does. If you're looking for something to do before other places open, this is a perfect place. We had intended to just look around but ended up buying some random stuff from here, from a clock to a juicelid to some sunglasses and some canning stuff. They also sell some clothing and shoes so if you need some hiking boots or a jacket, they've got you covered here. read more

Rains is a department store in downtown Ojai--small for a department store, large for a shop in downtown Ojai. It's not as charming as some of the boutiques on that drag of Ojai Avenue, but it's worth a visit if you're walking around and want to pick up a souvenir. We dropped in while exploring downtown and took a quick browse. Rains had all kinds of stuff, clothes and home goods and a robust gift section with some locally made merchandise and Ojai-branded gear. I liked the Ojai section. We picked up a magnet for our boys, and I almost bought a cute toy potted cactus before imagining it living in our house for the next several years. The rest of the store seemed a little bit random, with clothes and housewares selected without any particular customer base in mind. I guess that's the disadvantage of a department store, even a small one. It's harder to curate when you're hoping to serve all comers. Rains is a good resource, anyway, if you're looking to pick up something you need. A sweater or lip balm or suitcase, or anything featuring the word "Ojai." read more

This store had everything! They had a huge variety of kitchen household items. They had a clothing store. And even a shoe department they had a lot of cute little kitchen trinkets. read more

Rains is a fabulous place to shop! They have something for everyone...our most recent trip we purchased a men's button down shirt, a cutting board and considered a good looking felt hat. read more

Rains is an Ojai tradition. I heard that they were going to close down a few years ago, but I'm glad to see that they are still there. The staff are friendly and helpful. Most seem to have been there for many years. They have a rather eclectic selection of stock. A very nice clothing selection for men and women. Then various kitchen, yard and garden items. There are also "Ojai" specific items. Prices match the high quality items that they sell, but won't seem out of ordinary for the casual LA millionaire... read more

Rains Department Store - Department Stores Near Me - Ojai, California

This is the BEST store in Ojai for all and every thing. I could spend hours in here and want to buy everything! Not only that but the employees are so kind and friendly and helpful. Ask them to order something in store and they will research into it and get it for you. Beyond how wonderful the store is, there is a rich history behind the Rain family, and the store is sprinkled with Rains antique belongings along the top of shelving and nooks up above the store. read more

Rains Department Store - Deep history - Department Stores Near Me - Ojai, California

Went here once about 7 years ago and then once again a few weeks ago. Both times we were followed the entire time by the same employee. The first time, our daughter was about 4 years old and the employee (an older woman) obviously thought she was going to break something. The next time, we had two kids and... same thing. I felt absolutely stalked and uncomfortable the entire time and left quickly. (We only went in the second time after telling our kids about our first experience and to test if it would happen again and sure enough, it did). Reading others' reviews, it seems like this is how the staff (or this one employee?) behaves. I guess I understand the kid thing, but if they're doing it based on race, too, that's disgusting. Maybe you've been around long enough and your business is not suffering because of this behavior, Rains, but I'd have to think it will catch up to you eventually. The last time we were in there, your store was looking pretty empty... read more

I visited Rains Department Store in Ojai with my family, including two young children, excited to browse and shop for souvenirs. What should have been a pleasant experience quickly turned sour when we noticed a white male staff member (possibly management) repeatedly shadowing us throughout the store. Everywhere we turned, he was close by -- pretending to tidy a shelf, hover by a display, pretending to look for a plug to vacuum, or linger awkwardly nearby. This was not casual employee attentiveness; it was surveillance. We were being followed, and it felt deliberate. What made this especially upsetting was that other patrons -- all of whom appeared to be white -- browsed freely and were left alone. We are an affluent Asian American family, and yet we strongly suspect we were being racially profiled and believed to be second class citizens. We were treated as though we were suspicious, not as paying customers. It was offensive, uncomfortable, and frankly unacceptable. Discrimination has no place in any business, especially in a town that thrives on tourism. Rains may sell "gifts," but what we received was prejudice. To anyone considering shopping here: think twice. No one should be made to feel unwelcome or watched based on their race. Do better, Rains. read more

So many natural and organic items for sale, including lotions and lip balms. The staff are so sweet and friendly, they really take their time to speak with you. They have cute stickers of all colors, shapes and sizes! read more

An upscale store with upscale prices, their selections target their Ojai market. I love all their vibrant colored clothing. It is fun just to admire their unique offerings. Their kitchen items are fun to peruse also. The store is clean, with lots of artistic items for sale. We received many offers to help us find what we were seeking, but this time we just wanted to see what caught our fancy. read more

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This is a fascinating store which drew me in with its half priced Christmas items. I purchased several. But I also bought a crab made from recycled materials for full price, and pricey olive oil for my niece. She said this is one of the few places that sells it. This is a large store, with clothes, food, souvenirs, kitchen gadgets and so much more! I would have explored for a longer time, but I wanted to see more of Ojai, and I didn't want to run up my credit card! (To Heather ?, whose note I accidentally deleted: Thanks, Heather, for alerting me to my mistake! I deleted the 3 photos on this page that were Bart's Books.) read more

Rains Department Store - Came for 50% off and bought more not on sale - Department Stores Near Me - Ojai, California

I just left this store a couple of hours ago, & the lady who checked me out at the counter was constantly smacking her lips & sighing after scanning each of my items. My receipt says that the cashier's name was "Brittny", but I don't know if that was really her who checked all of my items out for sure, just because sometimes, other cashiers use the same registers, etc. Whoever it is though, you can tell she's so miserable & that she really hates her job, haha. I'm sorry that I purchased $91+ worth of post cards & stickers to give to my loved ones & that I spent that much money supporting your shop's business, which you seemingly need as I've heard & read that this store almost closed down? She seemed in a rush to leave & for the store to close. I'm a registered nurse who works 12+ hour shifts, & you're complaining about scanning all of my items, which is your job -- your retail job that's not that difficult, no less. Anyway, thank God I can talk about this experience on social media, too! read more

My family and I came to Ojai for the first time a couple of weekends ago. It was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed the downtown area of Ojai very much, especially the ice cream store. But have to make special mention of rains department store. Just a wonderful selection of goods, and extremely friendly staff. We had one young man that stood out that was quite helpful in locating items, we did not get his name but he's hard to miss he must stand about six five, well groomed very knowledgeable and polite. Enjoy your life read more

Rains is a pretty useful store selling tools gear clothing and more, however the thing about rains is that it closes at 6:00 pm Pacific time which is very inconvenient especially in the summer. We don't usually shop down town however when we do it's usually later in the afternoon so arriving to stores like rains and forgetting it closes so early can be frustrating. read more

There are two types of people that should visit Rains, People that grew up shopping in small town department stores, and those that have never experienced a small town department store, both groups will love Rains, they have a large selection and reasonable prices along with a very friendly staff. Highly recommend for young and old read more

I only get up to Ojai a few times a year. I was specifically looking for the women's Cutloose clothing brand. I was only able to find a handful of items, all linen. I found a sleeveless little pink linen shirt by this brand that I was interested in. But this store had made the item up to $80! The pants were pull on, meaning elastic waist, and well over $100. Their prices are out of my reach at this point. I will continue to purchase this brand down in Orange County, where it is a little more affordable not in Ojai read more

Excellent selection of men's clothing!! Quality and great prices, always visit when in Ojai. read more

Wonderful selection of women's clothing and unique household goods. I went crazy and am keeping everything I purchased. Very helpful staff. Also, my sales woman was honest regarding what looked good and what did not. Love the store. Can't wait to make the drive from Santa Barbara back to Ojai. read more

Not every small town can claim a department store, especially these days with online shopping juggernauts to compete against. Nonetheless, Rains has survived decades serving Ojai and its visitors. And this seems to be in part due to the fact that have everything. Or at least what they do have is presented in the way that your shopping experience is rich and varied. Not just souvenirs and trinkets to bring home or give as gifts, but also an abundance of goodies for kitchen, bath, garden and grill. And a great selection of women's and men's clothing to boot. My wife and I visit Ojai on a regular basis, and a stop in at Rains never disappoints. We always find something! read more

Rains is the anchor of downtown Ojai shopping. It's always very tastefully arrayed with a unique blend of merchandise. The clothing selections are skewed to an older country club set, with prices to match. They are mostly in vibrant colors, though. That brings a resort feel to the offerings. They shake it up a bit with a large selection of Life is Good tees in fun designs. They carry Ojai Valley goods, including lotions and soaps. There are also some gourmet food items, garden decorations, art pieces, household gadgets. An eclectic mix! With high ceilings, it feels spacious. Full retail prices means it can be a budget buster. You'll find goods you don't see everywhere, which might justify a splurge. A bonus: They offer complementary gift wrapping. read more

Rains Department Store - Back exterior - Department Stores Near Me - Ojai, California

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Happiness, that what I feel walking into this store. After all, a store that has existed for 100 years has to be doing something right. From local honey to handmade sweaters to kitchen gadgets and wind chimes, the selection is broad and varied. Yes, it's a tad on the pricey side, however, these are items you may not otherwise find under one roof. It warrants a stop when visiting Ojai, that's for sure. read more

Rains Department Store - Department Stores Near Me - Ojai, California

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Every time we come to Ojai for a visit I spend some time it at Rains and beef up my wardrobe sometimes I even find things in the gift/house wares department. Today I went in as usual and while I've always found the staff to be great today their kindness in a couple of ways took them over the top with me. Go and spend time I would suggest. Good inventory and prices very fair for the quality...always have a little something on sale too! read more

I'm a professional chef who owns a catering company and I absolutely love their kitchen section. They also have great household items and small gifts for family and friends and I really feel that the value is pretty darn good read more

Always my first stop you need to explore to see why clothes kitchen hardware crafts and great service. Have fun and explore.

I always check out Rains when in Ojai and always find a treasure (or two). They have great sportswear for men and women. They carry hard to find Levi sizes for men, one of a kind gifts and Ojai merch that are great as gifts. One can pick up a Le cruiset tea kettle, tangerine jam, several greeting cards, a cool leather backpack, a Patagonia jacket, or a head to toe outfit for an event that evening. Forget your pj's? They sell those too! Love this place. read more

Bought a blender here a few weeks back for $50. A little steep I thought, but I like patronizing local businesses. First use it could barely pulverize fresh blueberries, chunks galore. Tried it again to make a blended ice drink, so many icebergs it could have sunk the Titanic. A blender has one thing it is supposed to do well, and this machine couldn't do it. Brought it back with all the packaging and the receipt within the time frame in their return policy. They only refunded half the cost for an item that barely worked, because we had used it. How else would we have known if it worked or was a dud? If you want customer service shop elsewhere. read more

This store has EVERYTHING you could ever need and as a local, I appreciate being able to swing in from time to time and am always able to find what I need and shop local vs. ordering online. Once star off because every time I go in, I am constantly feeling like their employees are watching your every move and yesterday, one of their staff kept following me and asking me if I was ok even after I told her that I was fine and found what I needed (we came in to purchase a candy thermometer to make toffee). Really annoying and the pushy customer service can be, at times, enough to want to shop online. read more

Stopped in here the other week to try to find a baking pan sized in between my mini pans and regular pans. Didn't really find that, but did go home with a fantastic new vegetable slicer that I found while browsing. I was helped by two different employees and they were both upbeat and enthusiastic helpers. I find the prices here a little high, but the service is great and the quality of their product is also very high. I love going through their kitchen, baking and cooking accessories. That's my favorite part of the store! read more

Echoing another Yelp preview, the customer service in this store is absolutely TERRIBLE and needs to be addressed. If you are not Caucasian, DO NOT COME TO THIS STORE. I visited the store on a Saturday afternoon and was repeatedly followed around the store by a Caucasian brunette woman with a bob. As the only non-Caucasian customer in the entire store, I was singled out. Every time I picked up an item, she would be there just a few steps away from me lurking and staring at me like I was about to shoplift. I get it...I'm Asian and have brown skin, and you clearly don't see many of us in Ojai. I felt so violated and disrespected since it was a CLEAR sign of RACIAL PROFILING. She didn't follow anyone else around in the store - certainly none of the Caucasian customers. What even made it more ironic was that I was the only customer in the store who ended up actually buying anything (most customers there were just browsing). I bought gift items totaling around $80. So to the employees at Rains Dept. Store, please stop judging your customers based on their skin color. With your excessively high prices and lack of customers, you really can't afford alienating people. I will NEVER return to this store and their RACIST employees. read more

Wow Never been in the store we're all the employees were lovely very helpful one of a kind store thank you Rains

I found so many locally grown, locally made items like organic soap, face cream, raw unfiltered Ojai honey, local chef written cookbooks etc... I also found duper cool coffee mugs I have never seen in Los Angeles/ Santa Monica/Venice area where I live. Quality items only Ojai can offer were all there. I had so much fun exploring the whole store. read more

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A department store with a twist. It felt like it was trying to break the mold a bit. I appreciated that and had myself a looksee. They've got your clothing that is not locally made. They also have some different labels that are not so typical in a place such as this. On the other side, there are household products as well. What stood out to me however, is that they have local items such as soaps for one. Perhaps, they are thinking outside the box and not focusing on chinese goods only. Who knows, maybe they might start a new trend and even embrace a little more local into their world. I encouraged their behavior and bought the local soap (the one with Ojai on it). read more

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Nice big store in downtown Ojai, in the Arcade, main shopping area. It's fun to browse, they have a bot of everything, from cool clothes, to kitchen items, home decor, souvenirs, if you're looking for cooler ones(nice kitchen towels, Ojai mugs, etc). I like that they sell products made by small companies in the area: soaps, sauces, olive oils and balsamic vinegar (including the ones from the Ojai Olive Oil Company,my favorite), etc.It's a nice chance to get something local, quick and easy. Sure, the prices are kinda high, but it's convenient. Decent customer service. If you're in the area, check it out, it's one of their main stores. read more

Went in totally by accident and realized this place has been there for a 100 years, wow!!! So cute, and the staff was very friendly. So many nice and locally-made items, it made me happy. We bought an adorable bird feeder, happy to give my money to these guys than to a corporate chain store :) read more

We visit this store every time we are in Ojai and since we live only about 30 minutes away it is a no-brainer. I am not very impressed with their selection of items because their inventory does not change at all - for me, I would like to see a little more variety. The other somewhat disconcerting aspect of this store is that they have staff "patrolling" the aisles and every time we go in there I have the uneasy feeling that they are scrutinizing my every move like they have a lot of theft and every customer is suspect. read more

One of the great things about visiting Ojai is Rains. So much fun to step in and browse. And yes, I bought a few things too. I couldn't help it. They have clothes, kitchenware, gardenware, foodie items. Staff is friendly. read more

Fantastic house wares,food, home decor, garden decor and clothes! This shop is a destination for my friends who travel here to Ojai often. It was my first time and it was fun to browse around. They were having a mustard and spicy jam demonstration. I tasted a few but didn't buy any. Instead I decided on a wind chime. It was hard to select one because they have so many to choose from and all create a unique sound. I ended up finding one, but it was the last one and so I bought the display. I asked for a discount and got 10% off! They didn't have the original box either but it was wrapped well for me to take it home. My friends bought a few clothes. Overall Rains is a wonderful store! The staff were friendly and attentive! read more

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You don't see many independently owned department stores these days. Rains is still hanging in there as the only department store in town. Ojai has pretty strict anti-chain store laws and it's nice to see a downtown filled with independently owned stores. Rains is a true old school department store. It's a one level store: half of it is filled with housewares and cookware, the other half is dedicated to clothing. The clothing is for the older set (40s and up) but of good quality. They carry undergarments, fitness apparel and so forth. Like I said, it is a true department store. I like the cookware section - very good selection. Quality wise, it's on par with Macy's but the building is old and hasn't been renovated inside for ages. They seem to be doing fairly well since they've expanded (adding Rains 2). read more