When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too!
Why Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! is a distinguished Portland-based business with over 50 years of experience in the flag and banner industry. Founded in 1963 by Elmer Reider, the company has grown to become the largest flag store in Portland, occupying a vast 4,000 square feet dedicated to flags, whimsical windsocks, weather vanes, kites, flagpoles, and other wind-related products. Their commitment to quality is evident in their vast inventory, which primarily includes American-made products, and custom flags and banners designed in-house to ensure superior craftsmanship and faster service. Beyond flags, the store offers an impressive selection of kites and wind toys, making it a unique destination for friends and families looking to enjoy a fun, interactive shopping experience. With an additional 8,000 square feet of warehouse space and a broad stock of flagpoles up to 40 feet, Elmer's serves a wide range of customer needs from personal use to commercial and institutional applications. The business also prides itself on direct shipping from their own warehouse, avoiding slow vendor drop-shipping and ensuring prompt delivery. This combination of heritage, quality product range, customizations, and speedy service creates an inviting atmosphere for groups to explore and select festive, patriotic, or decorative items together.
Here's what people think of Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too!
As of recent, Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! holds a 4.2-star rating based on 62 reviews.
Reviewers consistently highlight Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! for its extensive selection of quality flags and banners, as well as its knowledgeable and friendly customer service. Positive reviews commend the store for its wide variety of products, including unique and custom flag designs, and appreciate the prompt shipping and in-stock availability that help meet urgent needs. Many customers also enjoy the additional offerings such as kites and windsocks, describing the store as a specialty destination that goes beyond typical flag retailers. The staff's expertise and willingness to assist with custom orders have fostered strong customer loyalty and repeat business. However, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as limited parking, pricing that some find higher than competitors, and sporadic delays in custom order fulfillment during peak seasons. A few reviewers mention the store layout as somewhat overwhelming due to the extensive inventory, which may challenge casual browsers. Despite these minor criticisms, the majority opinion reflects high satisfaction with the balance of product quality, variety, and personalized service. Overall, the reviews affirm Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! as a reputable, customer-centric business worth visiting for those seeking specialty flags, banners, and wind toys.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Crystal Romero
šš¹Happy Haitian Flag Day! šš¹ Forgot to do the 5-star review after my visit here years ago. Would leave more stars if I could. Came here seeking to gift a flag and was delighted by the service: instead of a āstrictly transactionalā sale, the sincere interest & conversation led to the flag in question leaving the store wrapped in a gorgeous gift box with a bow, in the absolute perfect way - they even had cool globe-themed wrapping paper! I had neutral expectations (might not even have the flag in stock), instead they blew the roof off of my expectations in a good way. š My heart is BURSTING with love for this place, they will take care of you! All the sizes, high quality products and services. š
Phil P
Nice knowledgeable employee suggested a budget option. Bought $16.00 kite. Easy to put together. Great service. Happy with our purchase. Later, figured out that early evening was best time to fly it as coastal breeze was strongest. Flew kite for first time since childhood on Labor Day, 2022 at Cape Lookout State Park.
Mikalan Moiso
I looked on their website and noticed a variety of American Flags so I called for a candidate sign for 2024 election and the gal that answered, Karen (yes her real name), immediately was snippy and said "they don't carry signs/flags/banners for fundraising". I said I'm not fundraising. I'm interested in showing my support of a candidate. She proceeded to say they are not supporting "election fundraising". I gave her the benefit of knowing she must get asked this question a dozen times a day but it's still no reason to have such a poor attitude.
Franny
Visited this place real quick because I needed a big pride flag for a photography backdrop, but they were quick to help and they had a wide selection in the pride section alone which is appreciated! They even pointed out the flags on the ceiling to help me decide what size to get. Good price for what you get, good quality material that seems very durable, and supporting a local business. I didn't get the chance to look around too in depth but they had so so many other kinds of flags, and it seems like they're very inclusive to everyone's needs and also reflect the community they're in, so the crybabies in the one-star reviews can kick dirt.
Rachel T
Wide variety of flags, regular house flags, little garden flags, boat flags, and lots of kites too! If they donāt have the flag youāre looking for, they also do custom flags. Was really pleased with the heavy duty quality of the flag I bought. They also had things like yard signs and regional mugs and bumper stickers and stuff. Very nice and friendly store, and a great local business.
Crystal Romero
šš¹Happy Haitian Flag Day! šš¹ Forgot to do the 5-star review after my visit here years ago. Would leave more stars if I could. Came here seeking to gift a flag and was delighted by the service: instead of a āstrictly transactionalā sale, the sincere interest & conversation led to the flag in question leaving the store wrapped in a gorgeous gift box with a bow, in the absolute perfect way - they even had cool globe-themed wrapping paper! I had neutral expectations (might not even have the flag in stock), instead they blew the roof off of my expectations in a good way. š My heart is BURSTING with love for this place, they will take care of you! All the sizes, high quality products and services. š
Phil P
Nice knowledgeable employee suggested a budget option. Bought $16.00 kite. Easy to put together. Great service. Happy with our purchase. Later, figured out that early evening was best time to fly it as coastal breeze was strongest. Flew kite for first time since childhood on Labor Day, 2022 at Cape Lookout State Park.
Mikalan Moiso
I looked on their website and noticed a variety of American Flags so I called for a candidate sign for 2024 election and the gal that answered, Karen (yes her real name), immediately was snippy and said "they don't carry signs/flags/banners for fundraising". I said I'm not fundraising. I'm interested in showing my support of a candidate. She proceeded to say they are not supporting "election fundraising". I gave her the benefit of knowing she must get asked this question a dozen times a day but it's still no reason to have such a poor attitude.
Franny
Visited this place real quick because I needed a big pride flag for a photography backdrop, but they were quick to help and they had a wide selection in the pride section alone which is appreciated! They even pointed out the flags on the ceiling to help me decide what size to get. Good price for what you get, good quality material that seems very durable, and supporting a local business. I didn't get the chance to look around too in depth but they had so so many other kinds of flags, and it seems like they're very inclusive to everyone's needs and also reflect the community they're in, so the crybabies in the one-star reviews can kick dirt.
Rachel T
Wide variety of flags, regular house flags, little garden flags, boat flags, and lots of kites too! If they donāt have the flag youāre looking for, they also do custom flags. Was really pleased with the heavy duty quality of the flag I bought. They also had things like yard signs and regional mugs and bumper stickers and stuff. Very nice and friendly store, and a great local business.
How to reach Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too!
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Website: None
Why Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! with your friends? This unique business offers much more than just flags and banners; it provides an immersive, colorful environment where groups can explore a world of vibrant designs and spirited creativity together. Whether youāre celebrating a national holiday, expressing support for your favorite team, or simply looking for a fun and inspiring outing, Elmerās extensive selection and lively atmosphere make it a perfect gathering spot. Friends and family can bond over discovering flags from every corner of the globe, customizing banners for upcoming events, or even picking out whimsical windsocks and kites that add joy to any outdoor scene. The companyās longstanding reputation, coupled with a welcoming staff eager to assist with custom orders, transforms a simple shopping trip into a memorable experience filled with conversation, laughter, and joint decision-making. By meeting here, your group gains a shared platform to inspire patriotism, community pride, or festive spirit, all inside a store thatās designed to celebrate colors, creativity, and togetherness.
What kinds of activities does Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too! offer for groups? Primarily known as Portlandās largest flag store, Elmerās boasts over 4,000 square feet packed with thousands of different flags, banners, kites, and whimsical windsocks, providing ample opportunity for interactive discovery. Groups can browse through an immense variety of American flagsāranging from indoor parade flags to deluxe kits tailored for special displaysāalongside international, historical, and specialty flags, making it a diverse treasure trove for enthusiasts or casual browsers alike. The store also offers numerous customization options, so your group can collaborate on designing a unique banner or flag that suits a shared cause, event, or celebration. For friends who appreciate outdoor activities, the kite selection adds an element of playful fun that can extend your meetup beyond the store, encouraging group kite-flying sessions in nearby open parks or green spaces. Additionally, the storeās collection of colorful windsocks and spinsocks invites playful visual excitement, ideal for decorating a shared outdoor event or even spicing up a group picnic setup.
Why is Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too! perfect for a group meetup? Its expansive product range means thereās something for everyone to engage with, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where people can share interests and make collective choices. The storeās knowledgeable staff are attentive and ready to help with personalized recommendations, particularly helpful for groups seeking guidance on custom flag orders or looking for thematic products that reflect their group identity. The space is accessible and welcoming during its regular hours from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, which suits daytime meetups and allows ample time for relaxed exploration. Many groups find the tactile experience of feeling the quality of various fabricsāfrom nylon and polyester to cottonāadds a tangible layer to their understanding and appreciation of each piece, encouraging meaningful conversations and shared decision-making. What adds to the appeal is that Elmerās does not only focus on functional flags but also celebrates whimsy and artistry with their decorative windsocks and kites, inviting groups to enjoy both practical and playful shopping together, making any visit a memorable social occasion.
How can Elmerās support your groupās events or special occasions? Beyond providing stocked flags and banners, Elmerās specializes in custom work, boasting a wide range of options to fit specific needs and themes. Whether your group is planning a community parade, family reunion, sports event, or a festive gathering, the ability to design and order customized banners and flags ensures your event will have a personal touch that resonates with your collective spirit. The fast order processing enabled by their vast inventory means that groups!āeven those planning last-minute eventsācan get their custom flags without stressful delays. This responsiveness ensures your gathering looks vibrant and coordinated, enhancing the event atmosphere and elevating group pride. Furthermore, for outdoor fun, the storeās kites are not just toys but artful creations that can set the tone for joyful, interactive group activities, helping to turn any meeting into a lively celebration full of color and movement. Elmerās also offers smaller items such as lapel pins and handheld miniature flags, perfect as souvenirs or giveaways for group members wanting to carry a keepsake from their shared experience.
What makes the shopping experience at Elmerās Flag and Banner unique for groups? Unlike conventional retail stores, Elmerās encourages a tactile, visual, and creative form of engagement among shoppers, making it an ideal place for groups who want to spend quality time discussing and discovering. The storeās enormous inventory enables friends or family to wander together through aisles filled with flags that tell stories of heritage, identity, and celebration, turning shopping into an educational and bonding experience. Because the store can handle large custom orders with ease, it naturally becomes a planning hub where groups can brainstorm and finalize designs for banners or flags that mark their special milestones or collective values. Additionally, the variety of non-flag itemsāsuch as decorative windsocks and kitesāintroduces elements of surprise and delight, inspiring spontaneous choices that can fuel shared memories. Outside the store, meeting in the vibrant Broadway neighborhood adds to the social adventure, offering nearby cafes or parks to continue discussions and celebrations, making Elmerās Flag and Banner not just a shopping destination but a community hub for friends and families.
How accessible and convenient is Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too! for your group gathering? Located at 1332 NE Broadway St in Portland and open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, the store offers convenient weekday hours suitable for a variety of schedules. Its location in a bustling neighborhood makes it easy for groups to combine visits with other social or leisure activities in the vicinity. The storeās large physical footprint ensures that groups are not cramped and can move comfortably while browsing, creating a laid-back atmosphere conducive to group interaction. Accessibility is enhanced by the staffās willingness to engage with multiple people at once, making sure everyoneās questions or interests are addressed, which is essential for smooth group dynamics. For groups coming from out of town or planning multi-stop outings, the availability of an online shop with fast shipping broadens the experience, allowing pre-visit browsing or follow-up orders for flags and kites discovered during the meetup. This blend of physical space and digital convenience supports a rich and flexible meetup experience for any group size.
What should groups expect when visiting Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too!? Expect to be surrounded by a vivid array of colors and designs that immediately spark curiosity and conversation. The storeās extensive stock of flagsāfrom budget-friendly hand-held miniatures to deluxe flag kitsāoffers something for casual collectors and serious enthusiasts alike, providing ample material for group members to share knowledge and preferences. With options spanning materials like American nylon, polyester, and cotton, each choice invites discussions about durability, intended use, and aesthetics, enriching the interaction. Customization services mean groups can actively participate in creating one-of-a-kind products, adding personal meaning to their purchase. Moreover, the playful selection of kites and whimsical windsocks allows groups to transition from purely retail exploration to interactive enjoyment, perhaps culminating in an impromptu kite-flying session. Overall, visiting Elmerās promises an experience that combines shopping, education, creativity, and social fun, making it an outstanding destination to rally friends or family for a day out.
What makes Elmerās a community favorite despite having areas to improve? With a solid rating of 4.2 from more than 60 reviews, Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too! enjoys a strong reputation as a premier destination for flags and related products in Portland. Customers often praise the sheer variety and quality of merchandise along with the knowledgeable staff who offer expert advice and personalized service. The store's ability to quickly process custom orders is another commonly recognized strength, appealing to groups with urgent or complex needs. Some reviews suggest opportunities to enhance the checkout process and in-store layout for even smoother group visits, indicating room for the store to evolve with its community's expectations. However, these minor critiques do not overshadow the storeās welcoming vibe and dedication to customer satisfaction, securing its place as a top pick for anyone wanting to host a memorable meetup centered on vibrant colors, creativity, and shared passions.
By choosing Elmerās Flag and Banner, Kites Too! as your meetup destination, your group not only finds a place to shop but also a lively, interactive experience where everyoneās interests and creativity can shine, making your gathering both meaningful and fun.