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Thrift

Alchemy

Independent thrift in Boise, Portland

Closed · opens 11 am today3808 N Williams Ave #126 · map ↓

Alchemy reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ 64 reviews

Small Portland shop mixing hand-picked vintage, gifts and plants; fans love the one-of-a-kind finds and fair prices, while some find prices high and staff cold.

47 written reviews · 74% five-star · 9% one or two stars · owner replies to 34% · 16 in the past year · reviewed since 2021

What shoppers keep saying
  • 4Well-chosen stockCalled carefully chosen vintage and resale, with racks each picked by a different seller.
  • 2Friendly staffShoppers disagree: one found staff friendly and helpful, others met a silent or unfriendly cashier.
  • 2Wide varietyPraised for a wide selection, good layout and plenty of variety in little treats.
  • 3Prices seen as highSome saw overpriced plastic goods and Target-brand thrift, though others call prices fair.
All 8 themes ↓

Selling or donating here

Its website and business listing don’t say whether it buys from the public, takes consignments or accepts donations. Ask before you bring anything in.

What shoppers mention

Themes from 47 written reviews, counted and summed up by us. One review can mention several.

What they like

  • Well-chosen stock4 reviewsCalled carefully chosen vintage and resale, with racks each picked by a different seller.
  • Friendly staff2 reviewsShoppers disagree: one found staff friendly and helpful, others met a silent or unfriendly cashier.
  • Wide variety2 reviewsPraised for a wide selection, good layout and plenty of variety in little treats.
  • One-of-a-kind finds2 reviewsDescribed as a fun place to window shop, full of one-of-a-kind items.

Prices & deals

  • Fair prices2 reviews

Shopping there

  • Small store4 reviewsA small shop mixing thrift, new gift items and plants, with a great selection anyway.

Who comes here

  • Supports a cause2 reviewsWork trade program lets new vendors start out, and one shopper sees it as vital community support.

Common gripes

  • Prices seen as high3 reviewsSome saw overpriced plastic goods and Target-brand thrift, though others call prices fair.

Known for

  • Hand-picked vintage and resale clothing 3 shoppers
  • Gifts and one-off finds 3 shoppers
  • Healthy, standard plant selection 2 shoppers

A good fit for

Gift huntersVintage clothing shoppersWindow-shopping browsers

From written reviews on its business listing, up to 29 Sep 2026. We check every theme against the reviews before we show it.

How it compares in Portland

Each dot is one of 127 Portland stores with 20+ written reviews. The big dot is Alchemy.

One- and two-star reviews9% 0100 A smaller share than 64 of 127 Portland stores.
Reviews the owner answers34% 0100 Answers more than 79 of 127 Portland stores.
Say it’s too expensive64 per 1,000 0188 More price grumbles than 108 of 127 Portland stores.
4–5 star reviews, past 12 months81% Before81%Past year81% 81% of the past year’s 16 written reviews give 4–5 stars, against 81% before.

When shoppers are unhappy

We read all 4 of its one- and two-star written reviews since Oct 2023 and sorted them by reason. One review can give several.

  • Unclear or unfair store policies (bags, fees, minimums)None in the last 12 months2
  • Treated unfairly or discriminated againstNone in the last 12 months1
  • Closed during posted hours or hours wrongNone in the last 12 months1
  • Followed, watched or accused of stealing1 in the last 12 months1
One- and two-star reviews by quarter Oct 2023Oct 2026 1 in the last 12 months. The last bar covers only part of a quarter.

What it sells

  • GiftsShoppers mention it
  • Home decor and housewaresShoppers mention it
  • Vintage clothingShoppers mention it

What shoppers paid. Many items under $10, and several call prices fair; others find plastic goods and Target-brand thrift overpriced.

Hours & getting there

Portland time
Monday11 am–8 pm
Tuesday11 am–8 pm
Wednesday11 am–8 pm
Thursday11 am–8 pm
Friday11 am–8 pm
Saturday11 am–8 pm
Sunday11 am–8 pm

3808 N Williams Ave #126, Portland, OR 97227

Get directions ↗
Access
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Good to know

  • Some shoppers found staff cold or silent at checkout. Raised by 2 shoppers
  • Some find prices high, citing plastic goods and Target-brand thrift. Raised by 2 shoppers
  • Open Sundays, 11 am–8 pm. Listed hours

Similar in Portland

  1. Circle Round Consignment · Boise · 3808 N Williams Ave #120 ThriftBuysConsigns ★ 4.5 · 50 reviewsClosed · opens 11 am today Upscale, carefully edited resale shop with clothing, home and pantry goods, praised for sweet staff and size inclusivity. A few shoppers felt unwelcome.ClothingHome decor
  2. tigersden vintage & modern Secondhand store · Boise · 3900 N Mississippi Ave Thrift ★ 4.4 · 45 reviewsHours not listed Small, friendly vintage and modern clothing shop for women and men, with reasonable prices, thoughtfully chosen pieces and good vibes. The welcoming owner and staff stand out.ClothingVintage clothing
  3. The Shopp Independent thrift · Eliot · 2808 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #5 ThriftDonations ★ 4.4 · 111 reviewsClosed · opens Tuesday 12 pm Small, women-led nonprofit thrift in Portland with well-chosen women's and men's clothing at very low prices and friendly staff. Proceeds support survivors.Clothing
All 130 thrift stores in Portland →

Questions

Does Alchemy buy secondhand items?

Its website and business listing don’t say. Ask in the store. Nearby, Circle Round, Rerun and Modig (by appointment) buy from the public.

Does Alchemy take donations?

Its website and business listing don’t say. Ask in the store. Nearby, Estate Store at Community Warehouse, Rerun and The Shopp take donations.

What are Alchemy’s opening hours?

Monday to Sunday 11 am–8 pm (Portland time).

Sources and dates

Its business listing and written reviews · its website (alchemyandfriends.com) · last updated 4 Oct 2026

Closed · opens 11 am today3808 N Williams Ave #126 Directions