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About Wilkes Bashford
Wilkes Bashford is a luxury clothing store for men and women. Its Palo Alto flagship stands at the corner of Stanford Shopping Center closest to Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real. The store carries designer apparel, shoes, handbags and accessories, along with jewelry, beauty and home goods. The parent company sums up its range as "Over 500 brands." The center's directory describes the store as offering "the finest men's and women's merchandise available from the world's top designers," with attentive service and custom tailoring.
The business was founded in 1966 by Wilkes Bashford, who died in January 2016. In December 2009 it became part of Mitchell Stores, a family-owned group that Ed and Norma Mitchell started in Westport, Connecticut in 1958. Their company history says they began "with three men's suits, a coffee pot and a dream." The group is now run by the second, third and fourth generations of the family. Its other stores are Mitchells in Connecticut, Richards of Greenwich, Marshs in Huntington (New York) and Stanley Korshak in Dallas, which joined in 2025.
The Palo Alto flagship
Wilkes Bashford first opened in Palo Alto in 2001. In November 2024 it moved into a new flagship of about 25,000 square feet at Stanford Shopping Center, which the company lists at 180 El Camino Real, Building FF. The center's directory places it on the main level, at the corner by Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real near RH. For the easiest way in, the directory suggests the El Camino Real entrance toward Blue Bottle Coffee and Dumpling Time.
The store's sister shop is in San Francisco at 375 Sutter Street. The two locations share an online store and an events calendar. Our Stanford Shopping Center guide lists Wilkes Bashford among the center's luxury names, alongside Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli and ZEGNA.
Designers and departments
The store's departments cover women's apparel, shoes, handbags and accessories; men's apparel, shoes and accessories; jewelry; beauty; and home. Designers featured on its website include Akris, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Khaite, Kiton, Loewe, Manolo Blahnik, Moncler, Nili Lotan, Saint Laurent, Temple St. Clair, Tom Ford, Valentino, Veronica Beard, Vince and Zegna. Brand lineups change with each season, so ask the store if you are looking for a particular label.
Alterations, styling and private appointments
Service is central to how the store presents itself. Its website promotes in-house alterations under the heading "The Perfect Fit" and lists style advisors you can meet with in person. The company describes a level of personalized service that adds value for its clients.
Private appointments before or after store hours are available on request. The store also lists an e-concierge you can reach by email, plus services for online shoppers such as reserving items in store, a wish list and a virtual closet. The online store offers free shipping and returns above a set order amount, which is listed on its website.
Trunk shows and events
Wilkes Bashford runs designer events through the year. In late October 2026 its website listed a Kiton women's Spring 2027 trunk show at the Palo Alto store from October 29 to 31. It also listed a Hamilton men's custom shirt promotion at both stores from September 14 to November 8.Check the store's events page for the current calendar.
Tips for visiting
The store keeps shorter hours than most of the center. It closes at 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, so plan accordingly or book a private appointment. If you are coming for a suit or formal wear, allow time for alterations before your event. Ask the store how long tailoring will take when you buy, especially ahead of a wedding, a graduation or the holidays. The Palo Alto Caltrain station is a short walk across El Camino Real. For other shopping districts, see our Palo Alto shopping guide. For a special dinner nearby, our fine dining guide has suggestions.
Location and getting there
Wilkes Bashford is at 180 El Camino Real, Building FF, Palo Alto, CA 94304, in the Stanford Shopping Center area of Palo Alto. Our Stanford Shopping Center guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.4 miles away. That is roughly a 9 minute walk.
Parking: the center's own free surface lots.
Hours
| Monday to Saturday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Sunday | noon to 5 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Blue Bottle Coffee Stanford Shopping Center, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- RH Palo Alto, store, under 0.1 mi
- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- RH Rooftop Restaurant, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Chipotle Stanford Shopping Center, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- El Palo Alto, 0.1 mi
- El Camino Park, 0.1 mi
- Stanford Shopping Center, 0.2 mi
Other clothing, shoes and accessories nearby: Going In Style (under 0.1 mi); Urban Outfitters (under 0.1 mi); The Tailor Maid (under 0.1 mi); Outerknown (under 0.1 mi). Browse the full clothing, shoes and accessories list.
Before you go
- Return and exchange policies vary by store. Keep your receipt and ask about the policy at checkout.
- Alterations are often available for a fee. Ask how long they take before you buy for an event.
- Sales tax in Palo Alto is added at the register, so tagged prices are before tax.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Wilkes Bashford website; Stores and hours; About the Mitchell family of stores; Stanford Shopping Center directory. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Wilkes Bashford in Palo Alto?
Wilkes Bashford is at 180 El Camino Real, Building FF, Palo Alto, CA 94304, in the Stanford Shopping Center area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.4 miles away.
Who owns Wilkes Bashford?
Wilkes Bashford has been part of Mitchell Stores, an independent family-owned group that began in Westport, Connecticut in 1958, since December 2009. The group is run by the second, third and fourth generations of the Mitchell family.
Does Wilkes Bashford do alterations?
Yes. The store promotes in-house alterations. It also offers style advisors and private appointments before or after store hours.
When did the new Wilkes Bashford store open at Stanford Shopping Center?
The company says the new flagship of about 25,000 square feet opened in November 2024. Wilkes Bashford first opened in Palo Alto in 2001.
What are Wilkes Bashford's hours?
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m..