Pittsburgh Saks Closing Haul

It's officially over. Unless you're planning to stock up on fur coats, Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh no longer exists as an option for eager consumers. The loss of this store is a brutal blow to the retail landscape of Downtown, removing yet another destination from the neighborhood. I worry about how this will effect the downtown Larrimor's outpost. And Brooks Brothers or even Macys, for example. When there is one less destination available within a cluster of proximate stores, the suburban malls with their free parking and climate control increase their appeal. Of course plenty of downtown workers provide a customer base for what remains.

The silver lining of all of this was the consolidation sale which saw Saks stocked with brands never previously carried and prices difficult to beat in their final days. Even outlet discounts like those found at the nearby Off Fifth were stingy in comparison to the additional 70-90% off.

Since my last update, a few people have emailed and commented asking what I bought. So I figured I would share my closing haul as a part of this epilogue. A proper eulogy would likely include a retrospective of my buys over the years of visits. And while that would fit neatly with the initial intention of this blog (to archive, unpack, and think through my consumer habits), I will spare you. Instead here are my most recent finds.

Three silk blouses from Parker, Nanette Lepore, and Akris. A few T by Alexander Wang shirts from the men's section that were $9 marked down from $74. Also in men's a Rag and Bone pullover for Chris that was $17 marked down from $250. Two holiday ornaments marked $2.50, down from $75/each (who would spend the full retail amount on a single bulb, I do not know). Three Wacoal brassieres that were 70% off plus an additional 10% for buying multiples.

And these two dresses by M Missoni and DKNY, respectively. It seems like a lot of stuff when I put it all together but Chris paid for his own things as well as the above M Missoni wave sweater dress which will be a birthday gift to me (at Missoni for Target prices, no less!). I bought far less than I would have if I was still in the same (admittedly ridiculous) consumer pattern exhibited during the recession clearances of 2008 and 2009.

But I still feel indulgent and even a little gluttonous. I have long needed to beef up my sleeved blouse arsenal for both casual and professional ensembles. Although the DKNY dress is not necessarily my usual style, it was such a soft wool, it looks quite flattering on, it was marked down to $24, and seems perfect for more conservative professional occasions. I think its career functionality will prove itself swiftly as I will treat it as a suit alternative. My shopping in the coming months will slow as I tend to buy less from spring and summer collections. And thanks to Anthropologie's new directions, none of my pennies have gone there in 2012. All of this is to say that I am certain my shopping habits will recalibrate accordingly after the above (albeit discount) splurges. Thanks for reading! If you are local, I'd love to head about your purchases!

Pittsburgh Saks Liquidation Update

So by now you know that we're losing our Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh. An external liquidation firm is handling the process of turning over stock. And additional materials were consolidated from other stores, prior to being shipped to outlet locations. Currently, contemporary stock is 40% off. And there is an additional 10% off the 60-65% off merchandise. There are brands not typically carried in Pittsburgh, including some See by Chloe dresses, some premier designer items from Pucci, Proenza Schouler, and more.

The handbags were pretty picked over as well as shoes (I saw one pair of these leopard Revas, some sky high Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, and other random odds and ends). Some small Tory Burch bags, a random MBMJ Hillier, and plenty of iPad cases remained. But plenty of boots, rainboots, and booties were left. There were a few Michael Kors watches and some neat jewelry pieces. For me, the most exciting stuff was in women's contemporary. I'll be back later this week with some clothing reviews from the sale.

They brought in additional sales associates through the liquidation firm, so the level of service ranges depending on how seasoned an employee you encounter. But because plenty of people are shopping the sales who may have rarely patronized regular Saks, it might not be noticeable. I did hear some of the more recent saks employees lamenting that they were tired of hearing "how sad" the closing sales felt for shoppers. I am sure this is the default guilt-induced interaction that many frequent and less-than-frequent patrons exhibit. There is something about the process that feels very much like pillaging or scavenging that yields (for me at least) that guilty shopper feeling. I personally only made such small talk earlier in the sale and limited to conversations with the sales associates who I've seen there for years. They were the ones who were eager to share their future plans and to whom I wanted to express my gratitude for services in the past.

Live from the Pittsburgh Saks Liquidation

Last night Chris and I heard a credible rumor that the merchandise at the Pittsburgh Saks clearance sale included consolidated items from the website and elsewhere. So this afternoon we resolved to check it out. Discounts range from 10% (current season clothes and shoes, women's intimates, jewelry, and some of the handbags) to 60% (plenty of clothes, some shoes, handbags, and more). Allegedly (from the source of the consolidation information, and not a store employee), this Thursday everything will be an additional 10% off (so the base discount might be 20% rather than 10%). I forgot to ask an employee if they could confirm the information so it might not be accurate.

The handbag selection included brands I've never seen at the Pittsburgh store, like a bunch of popular Alexander Wang bags (the Rocco, for example) for 60% off retail.

The women's contemporary section was packed with a lion's share of Nanette Lepore, DVF, and Theory for 60% off. In the womens section, there was a good bit of St. John, Max Mara, and a lot of Burberry Brit.

Shoes for women had plenty of Tory Burch (revas and more), Hunter, and Ugg. There was at least one pair of Rachel Comey Barbaros (size 7.5) for $175 (before the extra 10% off).

And the men's section had Rag and Bone and other more contemporary lines not typically stocked in Pittsburgh. Suffice it to say, even if you aren't usually a fan of the stock at the local store, it is still worth checking out.

Chris heard from someone in mens that right now they have a lot more stock than what they can put on the floor and the same is probably be true for other departments. He was encouraged to come back because this isn't all that is available and discounts are going to continue until late March.

The store was busy but there were plenty of upbeat and helpful sales associates to tend to the crowds.  I imagine this morning's email from Saks corporate, informing customers about the clearance had something to do with it. As we were coming and going there was a steady stream of new visitors.

All of it feels bittersweet because while we're losing our store, we also have a unique set of deals available in the short term. I still feel for the workers, especially those who have been with the company for years and years.

Sad day for shoppers in Pittsburgh

Saks Fifth Avenue is closing their downtown store. Read more here. I know the building was in need of extensive renovations but I was hoping an agreement could be reached to keep them in town. It is a real loss to the luxury retail landscape and I hope perhaps they consider setting up shop in the burbs. Burbs would be better than nothing!

Off Fifth Saks Outlet testing the waters for an online retail sale website?

Today I received an email request to take a survey from Off Fifth. As a communication scholar with interests in advertising strategies, consumer history, and quantitative research methods, I often accept these requests because they offer insight into marketing decisions and brand developments. From this specific survey it became clear that Saks was conducting research to determine the viability of an online component to their Off Fifth outlet stores. Because Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus Last Call already have outlet retail websites, I'm surprised it took Saks this long!

Intimacy Bra Fit Specialists Review

While in Chicago I found myself at the Bloomingdales, which is located in a mall off the Magnificent Mile. That mall also had a store I had heard a lot about from other larger bosomed ladyfriends, called {intimacy} Bra Fit Specialists. I think Oprah had hyped the store at one point too.

Anyway, I didn't make an appointment or anything but I knew when I was heading to a city with many shopping options that I wanted to try and locate some new foundation garments. My favorite bras were fitting me oddly and I feared maybe I needed a different size. I scoured the discounts at Nordstrom Rack in the Loop and on North Michigan but came up empty. I could have gone to Pittsburgh's Nordstrom or Saks where I had been fitted previously, but I was eager to see if the hype about Intimacy was founded. They were able to see me almost immediately. I hadn't been fitted (other than when I bought my wedding bra at Smartform Pittsburgh) for a few years. And they say you should go whenever you have a change in weight. I will detail my experience below (without photos because that would be weird).

Some things to consider before you go:

*You might want to make an appointment. They can get busy, particularly on weekends. 
*I am not the most modest gal when it comes to being fitted but I was very glad that I happened to wear a slip that day. It made the changing process a lot more clothed than it might have otherwise been.
*Although you weren't obligated to buy a bra if you were fitted, the business model presupposes that once you learn you are wearing a size you don't own that you will be amenable to shopping. This would be fine except...
*The bras were EXPENSIVE. I usually wear Wacoal, Chantelle, Le Mystere, Fayreform, Freya, and what not, so it isn't like I expected to be spending $10. But these bras started at $90 and went all the way up in price from there. I definitely felt major sticker shock.
*You can probably find the bras/brands they carry for less elsewhere. There is a markup. This is likely because of the level of service you receive, but also because you are a captive audience. It's like buying beer at the ballpark. Expect to pay more than you might elsewhere.
*Once you learn your correct size you can absolutely go elsewhere and try on bras at lower price points. Or locate the ones you liked for (on average) $20 less than what they charged there. (Feel free to marvel over the fleeting beauty of a free and open market like a good capitalist consumer).
*If you do buy from them, they will do free alterations at the point of sale or in the future. This includes if/when the band stretches and you need/want the hook closures to be tightened up.
*They don't allow returns so buy carefully and try not to get wrapped up in the excitement of wearing an amazing(ly expensive), well-made, perfectly-fitting bra. They offer exchanges/store credit only.
*There's no tax on clothing in states like PA but in the city of Chicago, the tax on clothing was almost 10%. Now I use the public transit and love the amenities of a big city like Chicago so I am on board with paying taxes to support such things. But I personally felt another sticker aftershock when I realized that tax would be assessed on my purchases.

My fit specialist was very professional and kind. She was efficient and explained to me how they fit there. No measuring tapes or math. They do it based on visual signifiers. She took one look at me in my own bra (without checking the size I was wearing or asking me what I typically wore) and said, "I will be right back with some bras in size 32dd/e." I was wearing 34dd/e so although it wasn't the size she determined, I wasn't that far off. The experience was educational and eye opening, particularly when I switched from the bra I was wearing to the one she fit me with. She brought a few styles to try but it was clear that my favorite was the sturdy but beautiful lace number you see below. I'm not into molded cups and I like things that don't have much of a profile underneath lighter-weight clothing. Lace fit the bill.

I ended up loving the French bras of a brand called Empreinte for their fit and their appearance. Each one had a back-wing which, at my cup size I think is important. My favorite style was the Melody in lace, which you can see above.

To be honest, I left feeling mixed about the whole experience because while I really liked the bras I tried and the person who helped me, I didn't like the idea of paying $35 or so more in mark up on each bra. Personally, I would prefer to pay the fit specialist a one-time fee. $20-35 for a bit if personal attention and advice isn't that unreasonable, but $20-$35 or more PER BRA is enough to deter me from being a frequent/repeat customer. At least now I know. And as they say, knowing is half the battle.

Quality Control Issues and Customer Response

I bought a dress from Urban Outfitters back in October and am having a dilemma. Although the dress is very cute, the button loop at the neckline broke immediately and after I laundered it (exactly according to the care instructions, although I did not tumble dry like it said I could for fear of shrinking) the already short dress shrunk considerably. Now I realize it was not the world's most expensive dress. But even for $44 I expected it to hold up for longer than 2 short (dinner-length) wears and 1 wash!

I am still within the holiday return window and need to decide whether I should take the dress to the store or call and ask if I can mail it back due to defects. Or should I just eat the money and be annoyed? What would you do?

Do you ever feel timid about asking retailers to stand by their products? I normally wouldn't but the idea of staring the hip Urban Outfitter customer service staff in the face, explaining that "I simply cannot wear a butt-displaying former-dress-now-tunic, therefore I want a refund," makes me nervous.

This entire experience is also a lesson about the futility of buying cute but cheap thrills. It is a lesson I have learned too many times over!

Tibi Asymmetrical Ruffle Wool Coat: Review and Fit Guide

When I was in New York in October, I first spotted this coat by Tibi which has become over the last year or so, one of my favorite contemporary lines. The 60s inspired prints, beautiful attention to details, and quality fabrics are right up my alley but for some reason it is fairly easy to find items on major sale or discounted deeply on ebay. It is a brand that doesn't really retain resale value so I have scored some insane deals on cute dresses and skirts. Despite knowing this, I paid more than I usually would have (in terms of discount %) for this coat.

There were a few reasons I convinced myself to strike earlier in the sale cycle than usual. I fell in love with it in NYC and often looked longingly at its inventory page on the website. It filled a gap in my coat collection (which I admit is becoming grotesquely expansive), in terms of style, weight, and versatility. And the only place that carried it (as far as I could tell, and I searched pretty thoroughly) was Saks Fifth Avenue. I knew that fall 2009 stock levels were lower than usual due to the hard lessons they learned the year prior about consumer's luxury spending patterns during a recession. So once it sold out, it could possible actually be gone, unlike collections from last year which will populate Yoox.com, Bluefly, ebay, and the sample sale websites (Gilt, RueLaLa, etc.) ad infinitum.

As soon as it went 40% off during triple points I decided to strike. But I was confused about sizes. Despite the comfortable feel, the 6 I tried on made me nervous. I am rarely a 6 in "fit and flare" shaped dresses, let alone something cut straight. The only other size, in store was a 10 that ran very large. So I ordered an 8 to be delivered to my local store assuming it had to be right. If not it would already be at the store in case I needed to return.

And I did need to return it. It was pretty but it ran big. When I tried to style an outfit with it open, it looked capelike. I found myself regretting not ordering the 6.

But on Thanksgiving Day they restocked the website and released a $100 off code so I got it in the proper size at an even lower price.

Somehow it fits better than the original 6 pictured, that I tried on in NYC. Maybe it depends on how you layer underneath it? I am happy because I paid below 50% of retail (which is still not as discounted as I prefer but the stock levels frightened me) for something I think will last me years and years. I know "ruffles" as a trend might seem fleeting but for me personally, asymmetry and feminine whimsical details will continue to be a part of my aesthetic, regardless of trends.

Did anyone score anything exciting around the Thanksgiving and post-Thanksgiving sales?

Legendary Fall 08 Discounts: The Economic Aftermath for Designers

Recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine quote various prominent mid-level designers lamenting the horrors of their items being marked down early in the holiday shopping season, to cope with waning retail sales amid the economic downturn.

From Nymag.com:
---
Diane Von Furstenberg told The Wall Street Journal, that those kinds of sales "cannot happen again." And (designers are) going to make sure of it. Derek Lam and Marc Jacobs are considering carrying exclusive collections in their own stores to protect their labels against sales. Also, some designers might only offer retailers their pre-fall collections, rather than their runway collections, which they'd save for their own stores. Saks chief executive Stephen I. Sadove said he wouldn't want that to happen, because the runway collection sets the image and tone of each label.
---

EXCEPT you cannot move the volume of merchandise in your boutiques that you can in department stores. Department stores have a geographical reach that boutiques cannot match, even with comprehensive online shop outposts, like DVF.com. Marc Jacobs and DVF are not going to open boutique here in rustbelt cities like Pittsburgh, or even in larger, more affluent cities like DC. Popular mid-level designers simply cannot opt to hold their pieces hostage, refusing to distribute to Saks or Neiman Marcus unless they plan on moving WAY less merch than previous years. That move that would only lead to investors (already dwindling in the recession) withdrawing their support and patronage from said angry designers.

Small boutiques, connected or unconnected with a specific designer name, are going facing tougher challenges than ever, struggling to compete with the deep discounts of larger luxury department stores' aggressive sale schedules and volume discounts:

From WSJ.com:
That, in turn, clobbered smaller boutiques. "It didn't seem logical to continue," says Linda Dresner, owner of a Park Avenue shop that for a quarter-century specialized in procuring unusual items favored by the fashion cognoscenti, like $1,000 dresses by Japanese label Comme des Garçons. She closed her doors in December, unable to keep up with the price-cutting.
--

I am dismayed to think of the broader effects from losing boutiques who provide higher levels of service to loyal customers, and who might more willingly take chances on carrying or consigning the pieces of emerging designers.

from WSJ.com:
Saks's maneuver marked an open abandonment of the longstanding unwritten pact between retailers and designers over when, and to what extent, to cut prices. Those old rules boiled down to this: Leave the goods at full price at least two months, and don't do markdowns until the very end of the season.
---

As much as I value the presence of boutiques in the marketplace, I don't have the disposable income to "vote with my dollar" and buy from them on principle when it comes to mid-level, popular designer clothing. Even if my size is out of stock in the department store company system, the knowledge that something has been deeply discounted will prevent me from spending a dime over that price. Although I recognize the profound loss of stores like Karma from the Pittsburgh shopping landscape, I could not afford Nanette Lepore or Tibi at boutique prices. As sad as I am for the loss, retail Darwinism will prevail in a capitalist society.

Retail Deathwatch

There are lots of local closings announced in my shopping neck of the woods.

Filene's Basement at the Homestead Waterfront is closing in February.
Macys Furniture Store in Century III Mall is closing.
Old Navy in Century III Mall is closing.
And I've heard that many stores at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall are also closing.

The East Liberty Target project is on hold until the company is ready to expand (probably not until the credit crunch alleviates or the economy picks up again).

And while I am only one lonely consumer, I do not think it is a coincidence that so many closings are occurring as I approach nearly 35 days of not buying anything for myself that wasn't food or drink related. I'm certainly not the only person who has curbed their spending amid news of the economic downturn, layoffs, and hiring freezes. I will update soon on some of my current Ebay wants that might lead to ban-breakage. But they are arguably necessities and buying them gently used or highly discounted via ebay is infinitely more frugal than buying brand new or full retail versions.

I want to see if I can go more than two months without buying frivolous things. My mid-February trip to NYC gives me a firm event to look toward.

Another one bites the dust: La Redoute US

Although I've been staying true to my post-holiday shopping ban (hence my silence around the blog), I have been window shopping and occasionally checking ebay for the usual suspects of estalked pieces. I've found nothing but in my browsing, I decided to revisit an inexpensive site that I always enjoyed but rarely shopped from: La Redoute US.

The (at least in today's post-supermodel world) iconic Parisian models they used, the collaborations with fascinating French designers (Christian Lacroix and Manoush, to name a few), and the constant slew of coupon codes kept me coming back. Because of fit issues the few times I placed orders I rarely purchased anything but I liked knowing they were out there.

Sadly, it seems they no longer are. I went to visit their website to see if there were any new designer collaborations or sale items and found this:

Maybe it is old news but I was surprised, nonetheless.

A few quick searches led me to this:

http://www.entrepreneurs-and-co.com/articles/227/1/PPR-To-Reorganize-La-Redoute-HQ-May-Cut-81-Sites---News-by-Entrepreneurs-amp-Co-on-e-Business-Development-in-Europe/Page1.html

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by the closing of online or brick and mortar retail establishments in the wake of a global economic crisis. Still, it makes me wish I had bit on a few more orders when I had the chance.