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Here’s a detailed look at Coldwater Creek — what the brand is/was, how they operate now, what people like & don’t, and things you should watch out for.
What is Coldwater Creek
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Type: Women’s apparel retailer (also accessories, shoes, home décor). They sell clothing in misses, petite, and plus-sizes.
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Founded: 1984 by Dennis and Ann Pence. They started out as a mail-order / catalog business based in Sandpoint, Idaho.
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Early growth: They built a loyal customer base over decades via catalogs and brick-and-mortar stores, offering relaxed & nature-inspired styles, comfortable fabrics, casual / resort wear vibes.
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Ownership changes: In 2014, Sycamore Partners acquired the Coldwater Creek intellectual property (brand, etc.), when the retailer was undergoing bankruptcy / restructuring.
Current Status / Operations
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Coldwater Creek is now a private brand under Newtimes Group (per recent information).
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They have transitioned largely to online / catalog operations; many physical stores have closed.
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They offer seasonal collections, sales, and often feature layering pieces etc. in fashion publications.
Strengths / What People Like
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Design & Style: Many people like Coldwater Creek for its style aesthetic — casual, nature-inspired, boho or cottagecore leanings, comfortable clothes, layering potential.
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Size inclusivity: They have options in plus sizes, petite, etc. That helps broaden their customer base.
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Nostalgia / Brand Loyalty: Many longtime customers have affection for the brand, its catalog / mail-order history, past quality etc. Even after changes, many still check it out.
Weaknesses / Common Complaints
Recent customer reviews show several consistent issues:
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Shipping & fulfillment delays
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Orders often delayed, items “on backorder” without clear notice.
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Customers report waiting weeks or even months for shipment.
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Customer service
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Poor communication: failure to inform about backorders or delays, difficulty reaching support, vague responses.
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Refunds / returns problematic: delays, issues with tracking, some customers say they haven’t received refunds.
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Sizing inconsistency
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Same size in different styles may fit differently; customers feel size charts are unreliable.
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Quality concerns
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Some complaints about construction or materials (buttons, seams, finishes) being lower quality lately. Also items arriving with defects.
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Pricing / Value
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Many customers believe prices are high relative to quality or compared to sales/discounted offers elsewhere. When not on sale, items feel overpriced.
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“Rewards / subscription” issues
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There are complaints about shipping of catalog items etc., plus unclear fees related to “rewards” or loyalty programs. Some feel these are deceptive.
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Reputation & Trust
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On Trustpilot, the reviews are overwhelmingly negative in recent months (ratings very low, many about unfulfilled orders and poor support).
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Yelp and other review sites also show dissatisfaction especially from people who used to shop in stores but now shop online.
Verdict / Should You Buy?
Here are some thoughts to help you decide whether Coldwater Creek is worth buying from:
What might make it a reasonable option:
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If you find good sales or clearance deals where discount makes cost/value acceptable.
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If you’re comfortable with long shipping times or potential delays.
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If style + range (plus sizes, casual comfy designs) aligns with what you want.
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If you’re okay with trying one item first (not bulk order) to check fit & quality.
What makes one cautious:
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If you need reliable delivery or need the item fast (e.g. for an event). Coldwater Creek seems to be struggling with fulfillment.
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If you care a lot about perfect sizing or precise fit. The inconsistencies mean you may need to return or exchange, which seems to be cumbersome.
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If you expect premium build/finishes for full price, you may be disappointed.
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If you want clear communication or strong customer service — many reviews say those areas are weak.