Australian Members - Page 735

Quote:

Originally Posted by blahman 

I walked into DJ not long ago asking whether they stock ferragamo f black fragrance. SA told me they not only do not stock it but claimed there is no F Black and I should check my facts. I walked out shaking my head.

These guys really aren't doing themselves any favours. I walked into DJ on Bourke Street to look at a Hackett shawl collared cardigan in Medium - the response was yes, there was one in the store but the sales assistant couldn't find it. "Must have been stolen or lost" - her words and that was it. She then went back to doing whatever she was doing at the counter.

In their position, I'd be offering to call up the other stores and have it sent down if necessary, i,e. do whatever I could to make the sale. The RL staff in Myer were much more helpful. In the end, after a lot of searching, I managed to track one down in the UK for less than a third of the price they were selling it at over here (end of season sale) so in retrospect in worked out really well for me. FWIW, even the full price in the UK was still 25% less than the price DJ was selling it at over here.

The point still stands about service, though.

I've knowingly paid more (not an unreasonable amount) for stuff where the service was good. The small touches do make a difference and it's nice to build the relationship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhall41 


Careful what you wish for Tobias. IMO it would be a sad day if DJs, or Myer for that matter, closed their doors. As a Melbournian, I still rue the fact that Daimaru closed its doors (several years ago now). As consumers we need more choice, more stores, not fewer.
As I see it (and I profess no expetise in marketing or 'brand positioning'), the problem with DJs is that its business model is fundamentally confused - is it a high end department store, where customer service is paramount, and the customer is prepared to pay a (not unreasonable) premium to shop in a bricks and mortar store, or is it a store where price is the sole determining factor ? At the moment, DJs is trying to have it both ways, and failing miserably as a result. While most SAs are polite, they are often nowhere to be found when needed, and their product knowledge is often no better than rudimentary - perhaps not surpising given they are often uni students marking time before launching their careers. The selection of merchandise is OK but could certainly be vastly better, as we all know. Their prices, except when discounted (which is admittedly often, with all the silly sales they run), are stretching things. I would like to see their prices come down across the board, with fewer sales.
In summary, I would like to see a revitalised DJs, not a defunct one.

A revitalised DJs is far beyond a sustainable business model.  Loss of credibility and reputation is like virginity. 

For what its worth my thoughts are that the problems being experienced by the likes of DJs and other now specifically hinges on transparency and credibility.  Never before have consumers had the breadth of information available to us that we have at our fingertips now, like for example this Forum.  A few days ago I asked members here about suede boots and the best way to purchase C&Js.  I was blown away by the knowledge and willingness to share information.  All in a fully transparent manner with obvious credibility from those who assisted, and I didn’t have to pay a 20% loading for it.  Later that day, one email to C&Js in the UK, with a response in 12 hours will see me hopefully wearing new shoes within the fortnight.  It is impossible to compete against this type of service if you’re running a bricks and mortar model with old season stock. 

This half hearted attempt to move to online businesses (think Harvey Norman also) has only served in my view to further alienate the consumers because as we all know here, there are NO favors to be had on a Myer or DJs web site, its just a very ordinary way to placate consumers into thinking they are embracing the online community; I think this has just served to increase the complete lack of credibility retailing in Australia seems to have right now.  And, its the reason why places like P Johnson, and others that we all frequent on here are doing so well, they have credibility and stand by their product.

Zegna in Sydney last week were at pains to tell me on several occasions that they now stock 'current' season, ie what is being released overseas now, at their stores here.  Previously as you would know we are used to seeing stock that is almost 2 years old almost.  Transparency has ensured that the Houses like Zegna are on notice that we dont want last seasons rubbish that hasn't sold overseas.

David Jones I think has tried in the same vain to hoodwink the consumer in the past few years with its museum approach to fashion.  Failing to recognize that the consumer that they target (ie demographic that is willing to pay more than the drudge at Myer) are well educated in determining for themselves if an item of interest is of value or not.  Sales aside, consumers are not drawn in by this model of sale after sale garbage where all the decent quality stock is put out the back during sales in favour of the imported rubbish sold at high margins.

Go back 5 years- having the ability to compare quality and price simultaneously has completely unsettled the retail models like David Jones. No longer are consumers prepared to sink hard earned cash into something that is made from rubbish fabric, assembled in such a shoddy manner but because it vaguely resembles the intended item DJs have for many years gotten away with charging absolute top dollar, I can imagine shareholders must be quite concerned, its just not sustainable business.

Transparency has given the consumer the ability to determine for themselves value and quality.  I have to say I was blown away by the crowds in Zara and Top Shop over the Christmas break.  I was also blown away by the bill once by girls had finished shopping, but that’s another issue.  There is a perception I think that these new entrants totally get the retail model here; Australian’s are savvy buyers who know what we like and are prepared to pay for quality...oh and lets not forget, prepared to catch trams into the city to do it. 

There is only an upside to new entrants coming to these shores replacing old outdated models that have had their time in the sun with extremely highly inflated prices and crap business models.  Perhaps the downside will be on the countries balance of payments as the Zara and Top Shop dollars flow out of the country every day. As consumers I hope to see more of the P JOhnsons, Deer Style, Son of a Tailor etc etc really being able to create a return to credibility in retailing and tailoring that has long gone the way of "this is what we have, take it or leave it" approach by the DJs and other retail Houses.  

Bring on these entrepreneurs and continue to support them - they have the credibility, passion and bring quality, nothing of what exists now in the DJs of the world. I agree with others here, its time to demand better return for your custom - am not the slightest bit interested in paying $$ for museums, give me a High Street in Fitzroy anyday.

Very nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdEyedPugilist 

Cross-post from WAYWRN:
White spots on brown, and brown on sharkskin...
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Band-aid shoes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug11 

I just don't understand Shirts.
I have been buying Cotton/Polyester businss shirts (Van Heusen and Ganton when on special) for the last 10 years and have probably gone through about 30 of them with no problem.
Based on advice from around here, I then went and purchased some two ply pure Cotton business shirts. 5 from Hiditch and Key and then 5 from Modern Tailor.
And I just don't get it. The two ply cotton is a bit scratchy compared to the polyester blend and I sweat a lot more in the pure cotton.
This is totally opposite to what I read on these forums ????
Is it an Australian climate issue ?
Totally confused.
Doug

Doug - bite the bullet and buy Eton.  These shirts are expensive but absolutely worth it.  I send mine to the dry cleaner each week and they come back time and time again without any problem.  They are good shirts and if you buy 2 a year you will have enough to last you many years.

Seems like a good job....shoelaces are dreadful though.  Spend the extra $$ and buy some decent laces, these look like they came from your footy boots!!!

Try maybe - http://www.theknottery.com/

Originally Posted by bhall41 

I thought that some of you, especially from Melbourne, might be interested to see some photos of a pair of shoes which I just collected from McClouds, having been re-soled and new Topys fitted.
Overall the quality seems quite acceptable, although not as nice as the orginal result from the manufacturer. The welt stitching, for example, seems coarser. Interested in your views.


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