Re: poor quality of clothes these days - is it because of people demanding lower-priced clothing or is it just clothing companies caring solely about the bottom line? They've always cared about the bottom line and people have always wanted affordable clothes, so I am wondering if the advent of H&M, etc. is just a convenient scapegoat.
My shoot-from-the-hip opinion is that it's a combination of recession hangover, when companies were forced to cut costs in order to keep moving product designed for folks not in the 1%, and general customer demands for low cost clothing in the face of extreme cost cutting by places like Target or JCP, where you can buy tops for $6 each.
It's possible these things are one and the same. People don't think about long term quality because they have less to spend now, so they buy the cheaper alternative.
Yeah. When the recession hit, apparel retailers either lost a lot of money (e.g., Saks sales prices below cost) or a ton of money (e.g., Abercrombie refusing to discount and failing to move any product).
Keystone markup is 50%. Your standard, RTW apparel tends to have that. But when discounts are the norm--even at places like Saks--you have to increase the markup. You can increase prices a little, but it's easier to cut costs without impacting sales volume.
I don't even want to talk about the outfit I bought from TJ Maxx for DS. It was cute Polo Romper, but upon trying it on I'm not sure what it is. Its short legs, but long sleeved.
Ha! H bought BoyLiu something like that but it was NFL. I blamed the NFL. lol
I have found that stores like TJMaxx, Marshall's, etc vary tremendously by location. The companies definitely send their best merchandise to stores in nicer, more suburban areas. When I lived in DC, the Filine's Basement in Bethesda was really, really nice - nicer than any Nordstrom Rack I've ever been in, at least. But the one downtown near Metro Center was a shithole.
Just don't tell me the Essie nail polish is a lie. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!
But really, I'm with Sou in that I don't like rummaging through that shit. I do go if there is something I need but won't find at walmart. Like when I needed workout clothes. Places like Ross, TJ Maxx, and such are good for birthday presents.
I have exactly one bottle of Essie because I heard it was amazing. I'm not sure if the actual polish brand is always like this or if I got a bad bottle but mine is really watery. Is this nor all?
This happened to me too. I finally broke down and bought a bottle and it was watery. It takes like 4 coats to not look streaky.
Shoes are about the only thing I buy at TJ Maxx or Marshalls or etc. I'm never impressed with the clothing.
I do check out the kitchen stuff also.
Yup.
Plus purses. I've gotten some really nice, quality purses for cheap. I still own a red saddlebag style one from, like, 15 years ago. It's one of my favorite fall pieces.
Yeah. When the recession hit, apparel retailers either lost a lot of money (e.g., Saks sales prices below cost) or a ton of money (e.g., Abercrombie refusing to discount and failing to move any product).
My cousin worked for Saks in NY when that happened. The execs walked in one morning and put the ENTIRE store on sale like 80%. She used her employee discount and scored me a $2K-ish leather Prada for $200. $200!!!
Shoooo, I like Saks off 5th and the Neimans Outlet.
Same here. When they do big blowout sales at the end of the season, you can get some great stuff. Both are good for jewelry. I got my Mackage coat for half price at Off 5th - and still get compliments on it 6 years later.
However, Off 5th is ON NOTICE from me. I bought what I thought was a dress cause, you know, it was located in with the dresses. It wasn't till I went to wear it a month or so later that I noticed it was 100% poly and um, is probably a nightgown. Dangit. I spent a lot of money on that nightgown...
Shoooo, I like Saks off 5th and the Neimans Outlet.
Same here. When they do big blowout sales at the end of the season, you can get some great stuff. Both are good for jewelry. I got my Mackage coat for half price at Off 5th - and still get compliments on it 6 years later.
However, Off 5th is ON NOTICE from me. I bought what I thought was a dress cause, you know, it was located in with the dresses. It wasn't till I went to wear it a month or so later that I noticed it was 100% poly and um, is probably a nightgown. Dangit. I spent a lot of money on that nightgown...
I got my Black Stuart Weitzman riding boots from Off 5th for only $300.00. I have had them for years, walked around many cities with them, and they NEVER hurt my feet. This was before I discovered how wonderful Ebay is where I bought a brown pair for 50 bucks.
I have found that stores like TJMaxx, Marshall's, etc vary tremendously by location. The companies definitely send their best merchandise to stores in nicer, more suburban areas. When I lived in DC, the Filine's Basement in Bethesda was really, really nice - nicer than any Nordstrom Rack I've ever been in, at least. But the one downtown near Metro Center was a shithole.
I've noticed this in other retail stores as well. I don't shop at the Belk where my parents used to live b/c there was nothing I"d wear there, but can get stuff that I like at the one here. They lived in a rural area, I do not.
I don't know if it's a formal policy, but stores definitely have A level, B level, and C level stores. Belk is considered high end in some areas, but the one near my parents is crap. Surprisingly, they live in an area with a lot of money, and there are no other decent department stores in the area.
Psa- the pb and j&j outlets in lancaster are real outlets
I went into the J&J outlet when we were there last year. It had literally nothing on sale and it was basically the same price as the one at the mall (but the one at the mall has a great sale rack!). It didn't feel like an outlet at all, just a regular store. The PB was amazing.
huh. I was there in june and that was not my experience. Lots of out of season stuff and the current stuff at 25% off.
I've noticed this in other retail stores as well. I don't shop at the Belk where my parents used to live b/c there was nothing I"d wear there, but can get stuff that I like at the one here. They lived in a rural area, I do not.
I don't know if it's a formal policy, but stores definitely have A level, B level, and C level stores. Belk is considered high end in some areas, but the one near my parents is crap. Surprisingly, they live in an area with a lot of money, and there are no other decent department stores in the area.
This is an entry-level position at the headquarters of all retailers - I did it for 5 years in some capacity before I was promoted into a broader planning role.
They allocate product to stores and use historical data to determine store volume groups. A basic assortment goes to all stores and the better stores get additional styles, colors, quantity.
I also believe that the managers and store leads play a huge role in the end presentation and quality of the store experience. The difference visually can be night and day.
Post by readyin07 on Sept 29, 2014 12:21:19 GMT -5
None of this is shocking I was at a Gymboree outlet recently and there was some of last season's "real" merchandise...I know bc I had bought some of it lol. That being said is that to me the "real" shocking thing is how outlandishly priced outlet merchandise is for being second string, I get better deals shopping the actual store with sales and coupons 95 percent of the time.
Honestly, I have never really bought clothing for its quality. I am always buying at a price point where I assume it won't last more than a couple of years, so whether it's coming from the Loft store or the Loft outlet, if I'm paying $20 for an article of clothing I'm good with the fact that the outlet piece never cost more than $20 to begin with. I think I'd be a little more annoyed with a true "designer" brand, but I know very little about fashion and wouldn't pay anything extra for a designer clothing item anyway.
I would assume many (if not most) shoppers are like me - they like the appearance of a good deal, but finding out that my $40 pair of jeans never cost $80 doesn't really make a difference to me since I would have spent $40 whether they were Calvin Klein or Mossimo if I liked them and they fit right and I had $40 to spend.
Honestly, I have never really bought clothing for its quality. I am always buying at a price point where I assume it won't last more than a couple of years, so whether it's coming from the Loft store or the Loft outlet, if I'm paying $20 for an article of clothing I'm good with the fact that the outlet piece never cost more than $20 to begin with. I think I'd be a little more annoyed with a true "designer" brand, but I know very little about fashion and wouldn't pay anything extra for a designer clothing item anyway.
I would assume many (if not most) shoppers are like me - they like the appearance of a good deal, but finding out that my $40 pair of jeans never cost $80 doesn't really make a difference to me since I would have spent $40 whether they were Calvin Klein or Mossimo if I liked them and they fit right and I had $40 to spend.
this is where I'm at. IDGAF what the label actually says. I buy something if I like how the fabric feels, and I like how it looks on me and I think it's a fair price for what it is. The only time labels sway me is with shoes - since I often order those online and only have brands to go on to guess whether they'll fit well/be comfortable. But that's also what free returns are for.
But...I also HATE kohls just on principle and think retailers who play the game where something is ON SALE!!!1!!! based on a bullshit price that nobody ever paid should be nailed to the wall. So. I appreciate this article even if it changes nothing about my shopping habits.
None of this is shocking I was at a Gymboree outlet recently and there was some of last season's "real" merchandise...I know bc I had bought some of it lol. That being said is that to me the "real" shocking thing is how outlandishly priced outlet merchandise is for being second string, I get better deals shopping the actual store with sales and coupons 95 percent of the time.
Gymboree and Gap outlets for kids tend to do a re-run of the previous years clothing that is outlet specific. It's usually not from the retail store, but is instead a redo of the line that was in the store the previous year. Gap and Gymbo aren't owned by the same people, but they have the same model because people follow the "lines" they release each year and the outlets get a mostly the same line with some special pieces. Quality is usually similar, for the most part, but sometimes there will be less embroidery or things like that. People tend to anticipate when X line will be at the outlet because they want to find matching pieces they found on sale at the retail store at the end of the season (to make a full outfit) or liked it so much they want it again - or they want the outlet specific pieces.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Sept 29, 2014 12:45:59 GMT -5
An outlet mall just opened about a mile from my house. I've never been an outlet mall fan, but this one has made me hate them. I have to drive by it twice a day during the week. The drivers are crazy.
I'm also mad at the developers for planning a parking deficit of like 500 spots for the major shopping times. Because that means those crazy people drive crazy around the neighborhood.
So this has totally blown my mind. I didn't know any of this and thought WOW what a deal! What about the Coach outlet?
Coach you can tell what's made for the outlet. It's not quite as nice. Still decent, especially for 1/2 price, but there are specific items you can only get at the outlet store (and regular coach items you can pretty much never get there). If you compare the two types of items side-by-side you'll see it.
Shoooo, I like Saks off 5th and the Neimans Outlet.
Same here. When they do big blowout sales at the end of the season, you can get some great stuff. Both are good for jewelry. I got my Mackage coat for half price at Off 5th - and still get compliments on it 6 years later.
However, Off 5th is ON NOTICE from me. I bought what I thought was a dress cause, you know, it was located in with the dresses. It wasn't till I went to wear it a month or so later that I noticed it was 100% poly and um, is probably a nightgown. Dangit. I spent a lot of money on that nightgown...
Same here. When they do big blowout sales at the end of the season, you can get some great stuff. Both are good for jewelry. I got my Mackage coat for half price at Off 5th - and still get compliments on it 6 years later.
However, Off 5th is ON NOTICE from me. I bought what I thought was a dress cause, you know, it was located in with the dresses. It wasn't till I went to wear it a month or so later that I noticed it was 100% poly and um, is probably a nightgown. Dangit. I spent a lot of money on that nightgown...
PLEASE post a PIC! I must see this.
Alright, just for you.
Like I said, it was in the dress section so I didn't think twice. But um, pretty sure it is a nightgown. Oscar de la Renta doesn't make dresses in 100% poly, I'm pretty sure. FWIW, I think it was buy 1 get 2 free so like, it was part of the get things free.
I thought it was beachy... Ok really, I don't know what I was thinking.
None of this is shocking I was at a Gymboree outlet recently and there was some of last season's "real" merchandise...I know bc I had bought some of it lol. That being said is that to me the "real" shocking thing is how outlandishly priced outlet merchandise is for being second string, I get better deals shopping the actual store with sales and coupons 95 percent of the time.
Gymboree and Gap outlets for kids tend to do a re-run of the previous years clothing that is outlet specific. It's usually not from the retail store, but is instead a redo of the line that was in the store the previous year. Gap and Gymbo aren't owned by the same people, but they have the same model because people follow the "lines" they release each year and the outlets get a mostly the same line with some special pieces. Quality is usually similar, for the most part, but sometimes there will be less embroidery or things like that. People tend to anticipate when X line will be at the outlet because they want to find matching pieces they found on sale at the retail store at the end of the season (to make a full outfit) or liked it so much they want it again - or they want the outlet specific pieces.
I just realized you would probably know the answer to a question I've had for years.
I don't know if people are still doing it but around 2007ish just before ebay really turned into shit, people were forever selling huge lots of Gymboree new with tags. Where were they getting that shit? Outlets?
I have found that stores like TJMaxx, Marshall's, etc vary tremendously by location. The companies definitely send their best merchandise to stores in nicer, more suburban areas. When I lived in DC, the Filine's Basement in Bethesda was really, really nice - nicer than any Nordstrom Rack I've ever been in, at least. But the one downtown near Metro Center was a shithole.
I've noticed this in other retail stores as well. I don't shop at the Belk where my parents used to live b/c there was nothing I"d wear there, but can get stuff that I like at the one here. They lived in a rural area, I do not.
My Belk is terrible, but the ones in Morehead City and Wilmington are great. I miss the Charlotte Belk.
I still love Off 5th because I got a pair of $60 Cole Hahn nude patent leather pump there.
Gymboree and Gap outlets for kids tend to do a re-run of the previous years clothing that is outlet specific. It's usually not from the retail store, but is instead a redo of the line that was in the store the previous year. Gap and Gymbo aren't owned by the same people, but they have the same model because people follow the "lines" they release each year and the outlets get a mostly the same line with some special pieces. Quality is usually similar, for the most part, but sometimes there will be less embroidery or things like that. People tend to anticipate when X line will be at the outlet because they want to find matching pieces they found on sale at the retail store at the end of the season (to make a full outfit) or liked it so much they want it again - or they want the outlet specific pieces.
I just realized you would probably know the answer to a question I've had for years.
I don't know if people are still doing it but around 2007ish just before ebay really turned into shit, people were forever selling huge lots of Gymboree new with tags. Where were they getting that shit? Outlets?
Depends on the tag, but my guess is it was retail store. Gymboree's retail store regularly has a huge sale a few times a year and people would sell that stuff the following year (at the appropriate season) with tags and make a killing. I don't buy much Gymbo, but I used to be able to resell stuff that the kids had worn for pretty decent prices considering what I paid. But anyway, back when they had that sale (which they still have - red balloon sale), ebay resellers would go into the stores and just buy all of it, basically. Gymbo cracked down on it, I thought, but Gymbo resale (and many other brands because of frequent sales) kind of tanked anyhow.
I remember people bitching excessively about how the ebay resellers would hit the store at opening and clean it out - just bags and bags of things priced .99, 3.99, 9.99.
Like I said, it was in the dress section so I didn't think twice. But um, pretty sure it is a nightgown. Oscar de la Renta doesn't make dresses in 100% poly, I'm pretty sure. FWIW, I think it was buy 1 get 2 free so like, it was part of the get things free.
I thought it was beachy... Ok really, I don't know what I was thinking.
Hahaha, I think you could pull it off as a dress if you accessorize right!