New York Shopping
Aloha Rag Creates Debut Collection
What: Aloha Rag, the store that’s been a favorite of hipsters in Hawaii and New York for nearly 15 years, is finally launching a clothing label of its own. The company has announced plans to design a moderately-priced collection of denim, graphic tees, jackets and dresses with prices starting at just $50.
What They Say:
“We found that there were certain voids for basics or things that could go with the larger pieces,” said Jeremiah Mandel, Aloha Rag’s creative manager. “A lot of people are buying specialty items right now and [the Aloha Rag collection] will be an easier way to complete outfits.”
What We Say: Maybe we’re just not hipster enough, but the clothing at Aloha Rag’s New York outpost has just never been our style. Nonetheless, if it happens to be your style then the store’s new private label collection will most definitely be something worth checking out.
Breaking News: Wal-Mart to New York?
What: Rumors are circulating that big big box retailer Wal-Mart is looking into the possibility of opening a store in New York City. The retailer is looking into space in the outer boroughs (Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island for folks outside of NYC).
What Wal-Mart said in Crain’s New York:
“Now, more than any other time in recent memory, New York City residents want and need better access to our stores so they are not forced to travel to New Jersey or Long Island to benefit from the savings Wal-Mart provides for working families,” wrote a spokesman, Philip Serghini, in an e-mail message. “Hopefully we will be able to bring a store to New York in the near future.”
What We Say: If KMart can open a store in Manhattan and Target open several stores in the outer boroughs, why can’t Wal-Mart? The big issue appears to be getting labor unions on board, a problem that the retailer has yet to work out, however Wal-Mart’s labor issues aren’t isolated, Target and Kmart both have their issues as well and were able to open stores in the area.
What do you think about Wal-Mart coming to NYC?
Less Sales at Saks?
What: We’ve all been waiting to find out what luxury brands like Saks and Neiman Marcus do to weather the Recession storm. Seems they’ve come up with a solution: order less stuff. Yep, that’s right, uppity chains like these are planning to cut back on their inventory and generate more demand for it as a result. This means they won’t have to resort to huge sales to get shoppers into their stores.
What They Say:
“Across the board you are going to find less of the sizes, less of the availability in almost all of the categories,” Stephen Sadove [Saks CEO], 57, said yesterday in a telephone interview. “You are probably going to see less aggressive markdowns than you saw last year.”
What We Say: Okay, so here’s what’s going on. Saks is too stubborn to come down to our level. Instead of compromising their upscale identity, they’re just making their apparel more valuable by providing less of it. On one hand, we’re bummed and hoping this plan will backfire on them. On the other hand, we’re thinking it’s kind of a logical move.
The bottom line, though, is we can’t afford to splurge at Saks anymore, regardless of the availability of our favorite clothes and accessories. We don’t predict this will dramatically change too much. In fact, it may just disgruntle the customers who actually can afford to shop at Saks, but now can’t find what they’re looking for.
New York Sales Tax Increase
What: Just as departments stores across the country started to show signs of life, a New York sales tax increase of 4 to 4.5% rains on everybody’s parade. To boot, clothing purchases of $110 and up are not exempt.
From The New York Times:
“If Albany goes along with the proposal, which Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has described as essential, the sales tax in the five boroughs would rise to 8.875 percent from 8.375 percent.”
What We Say: Good grief. We imagine this way of thinking will eventually rub off on other states, and we don’t see it “fixing the economy.” If anything, it’ll just be another reason for consumers to not shop, and that’s the last thing retailers need right now. For many checkouts, the extra pennies won’t be noticeable, but for larger shopping sprees, it’s gonna to hurt a little. So much for those sales tax holidays we were dreaming about…
More than anything, it’s the philosophy behind this measure that really worries us. Aren’t the people who are struggling in this economy the most going to be the ones who fit the bill to get it repaired?
Seems a little backwards and short-sighted to us… but what do you think? If your home state increased the sales tax, would you be okay with it?
Photo by MannequinDisplay.
How To Bargain Shop Your City
In case you missed it: even if you’re queen of the bargain in your town, you might learn something new from The Budget Fashionista’s tips on how to shop your city. We covered four big cities:
How to shop New York Sample Sales: This city is the absolute best place to score at sample sales. Check out our handy month-by-month guide of designer sample sale dates, so you can plan waaay ahead to sink your teeth into an Hermes sample sale (March) or the big Nordstrom Annual Sale (July). Pop quiz: when is the Christian Louboutin sample sale most likely to be?
Where to visit in Los Angeles: In the mood to hunt? We have a little list of little-known places where you could score a great outlet deal or bargain find.
Bargain Shopping in Las Vegas: Ahh, of course… the outlets. (Skip the Forum at Caesar’s, unless you’re just peeking in windows!) Did you know there are multiple places to hunt for discounts?
Where to shop in San Francisco: This hipster city has more to offer than just Market Street (home of a huge Forever 21, Saks, many shiny boutiques such as Bvulgari, etc.) Head to Haight-Ashbury instead, and go to our favorite stores to score some totally unique and budget friendly boho styles.
Get Free Stuff via TopShop Heartschallenger Vans
Topshop, the British style mecca that makes Forever21 look like K-mart, is giving way free stuff on the streets of New York City via it’s Heartschallenger Vans. From now until April 1st, find the van via it’s GPS tracker, head down to where it’s located, and score a goody bag from the store. Rumor has it that they’re giving away $30-$500 giftcards.
Note: Sorry this post is for folks in New York…I know it’s not fair, which is why I suggest you contact the TopShop folks and encourage them to open up a shop near you. Here’s a link to their contact page. Tell them I sent you.
Photo: Via TopShop’s InsideOut Blog
News Alert: Topshop Coming to America
What: Topshop, one of Great Britain’s most popular and trendiest clothing stores, is finally coming to America. Those of you in Manhattan may have seen the signs going up—the store opens in October. But for those outside of the city who must wait for Topshops to spread across the country, fear not—the U.S. website launches in September, according to People.
What We Say: We’re counting down the days. Instead of stocking up on Topshop gear on every trip abroad, Topshop is finally coming to us. Kate Moss designs for them, and we look forward to seeing what that fashion icon creates. Most items are below 100 bucks, but beware—Topshop’s founder, Sir Philip Green, likes to stick to full price. You won’t be seeing many sales here, according to WWD. British style will be worn by Americans, and seeing the results will be very interesting.
Pictured: Some of Topshop’s pieces.
Photo from People.com.
Topshop in New York, Plus Size Sister Store to Soon Follow
After years of speculation, TopShop, the British version of H&M, has signed a lease for it’s first US store to be located at 480 Broadway (Broadway & Broome in SOHO) in New York City. The store recently gain worldwide fame for partnering with supermodel Kate Moss on her line of surprisingly cute clothing. Also word is that TopShop’s parent group, Arcadia, is looking to bring it’s high fashion plus size stores, Evans Plus size, to the US as well. Word to Lane Bryant- better step up your game because Evans has great plus size items
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