The Stronghold - Venice, California

Philip Hottenstein

Visited during a trip to Venice and was politely greeted when entering the store and received non pushy help. I tried on a pair of jeans that I ended up purchasing and then was assisted in finding a t-shirt to go with them. Anthony was extremely knowledgeable and gave me some interesting history on the brand. I would not hesitate to visit again.

Paul Aaron

DO NOT BUY CUSTOM LEATHER JACKETS HERE

These guys have no idea what they are doing when it comes to measurements and tailoring and have terrible customer service to top it off.

I wasted $1,600 on a leather jacket that's 10" too big for me and they won't exchange it or give me my money back.

I stopped into the store one day, and a woman named Mary extolled the many benefits of a custom tailored leather jacket, mainly the specifics of how well it would fit. I bought one, and she took my measurements for it at the store.

Nearly six months later it arrived and was WAY too big (see photo #1).

We arranged for a return and she asked me for my correct waist size. I told her (and this is in writing via email exchange "I wear a size 32" jeans") and she assured me that would be enough for the correct jacket to be sent.

Another nearly six months go by, and the new jacket arrives. And low and behold, it is again way off in the waist. I measured the waist (see photo 2) and it corresponds to a size 44" jeans.

And now the store is accusing me of having worn the jacket and refusing to process my return, sent the jacket back to me, and refuses to answer my calls or emails.

I spent a year dealing with these clowns.

They are negligent and have no clue what they are doing. They got the measurements wrong not once, but twice in row!

And now because they don't want to have to pay for the jacket (presumably the manufacturer is not too blame so they would be stuck with the bill) they are looking for loopholes in their return policy to stick me with the bill despite the fact that this is clearly their fault.

DO NOT BUY THINGS FROM THIS STORE – THEY HAVE TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THEY ARE DOING

Matthew N

I stopped by the Stronghold in search of the perfect pair of Alden loafers, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exemplary. The selection was impressive, but what truly made my shopping journey seamless was the assistance I received. A special shout-out to Mary, who showcased an impeccable knowledge of the product line and ensured I received the perfect size from Alden by having me try on a few different pairs before putting the order in with them. She even followed up with me via text to ensure I knew the estimated time of arrival of the shoes! I love my new loafers, and I can't thank Mary enough for her attentive service. Above and beyond.

John Paul MacDonell

The best store for the best high end men’s fashion brands in the world including their very own line. Filson, Lewis Leathers, Wigman, and Stetson and more. The crew at the store are all super helpful and friendly. Definitely worth checking out if you’re walking down Abbot Kinney or visiting Venice. Keep up the good work guys!

Hailie Joseph

Traveled from NJ for vacation I love old things so I figured I would check this store out as it’s been around for a long long time. When I walked in it was beautifully done however the woman working there, dark hair and glasses, was so rude. Made me wanna turn around and walk out. Because of the way she treated me when I was in the store I would never go back. It’s Almost like she didn’t want me to feel welcome there and wanted me to leave. It really sits with me wrong. Looks like im finding another brand to support which sucks bc the young man at the register was perfectly sweet.

Nikolai Loveikis

I just had a fantastic shopping experience with Sebastian. I bought my first pair of Alden boots and a pair of their raw denim jeans. He was kind, informative and extremely patient. There’s no question that they sell a premium product and in regards to negative reviews that others have left, it’s ultimately about who you shop with. If you’re looking for boots, denim or hats, I highly recommend making an appointment with Sebastian.

Jennifer Bowman

Came to buy a hat from stronghold, I’ve been shopping here for a long
Time for my husband, always felt so welcome here. I hadn’t been in quite some time but the woman Mary, the newer manager I believe, is downright mean. As if it where a blessing for me
To be shopping at her store. People like this single handedly will demolish places that generally have good standing in their communities as I’m a local of 15 years. I went to grab a hat and the woman ripped it out of my hand and told me not to touch them, and then gave me a snarky attitude for asking questions about material, then she proceeded to follow me around the store, making me
Feel very uncomfortable. I did not make a purchase nor will I return here again. What happened to my favorite men’s store! So sad

Grant Jack

What happened to this place? I have been a customer for years and stopped in today because it's been a minute and was going to buy some new jeans. That was until I was told they no longer offer the custom fitting and denim repairs. This was literally what set them apart and made the price of their stuff worth it. Their excuse was they stopped because of COVID...come on, that is just a lazy excuse that doesn't even make sense. There's is no contact, you take the jeans and send them to your place in DTLA anyway, or at least that was the way it use to work. You lost a customer today and by the looks of it, you won't be around much longer with the direction you have taken which is a total bummer. Huge disappointment and I don't see any reason to come back.