Alden prices going up

[ChiliPalmer]

The price increase is $15 per pair, across the entire line.

This means, on a percentage basis, the increase is higher for calf than for cordovan.

 

[lee_44106]

Originally Posted by ChiliPalmer

The price increase is $15 per pair, across the entire line.

This means, on a percentage basis, the increase is higher for cordovan than for calf.

that's it? and that's all the big deal?

****, I threw enough quarters at the street homeless people that amount to more than $15

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by ChiliPalmer

The price increase is $15 per pair, across the entire line.

This means, on a percentage basis, the increase is higher for cordovan than for calf.

That's it? $15? You guys are panicking over $15?

 

[Steven Aver]

$15 is fine for me as long as resoling rates do not rise. They are already at $130

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

That's it? $15? You guys are panicking over $15?
Yeah it's a small price on the catalog models, but custom models will be going for around $445-465 depending on the shoe. For me, add in an extra 9% sales tax and then the overall price is not attractive at that price point.

 

[fdbaker]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

that's it? and that's all the big deal?

****, I threw enough quarters at the street homeless people that amount to more than $15


Yeah. I'm wondering why the SA bothered to mention it.

 

[Steven Aver]

Originally Posted by fdbaker

Yeah. I'm wondering why the SA bothered to mention it.

Probably as a method of closing a sale that day. "Buy them now before the price hike!"

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by robin

Yeah it's a small price on the catalog models, but custom models will be going for around $445-465 depending on the shoe. For me, add in an extra 9% sales tax and then the overall price is not attractive at that price point.

But custom orders weren't even being taken until this year, and they always did carry a hefty premium over stock shoes. Also, custom orders are supposedly made more carefully; maybe Leathersoul can confirm.

I've never worn AEs, but I've inspected them. I just don't like the leather, designs, or lasts nearly as much. I get the sense that Aldens will age much better.

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

But custom orders weren't even being taken until this year, and they always did carry a hefty premium over stock shoes. Also, custom orders are supposedly made more carefully; maybe Leathersoul can confirm.
By custom, I meant the custom makeups they make up for retailers like Leather Soul, not the One Shoe program. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[JayJay]

I decided to try Alden's boat shoes after looking at several different brands. I returned the first pair because they were a bit too snug, but the replacement arrived Friday. I've been wearing them all day and they are comfortable and of high quality. I'm impressed.

 

[fdbaker]

Originally Posted by Steven Aver

Probably as a method of closing a sale that day. "Buy them now before the price hike!"

A good theory, but I'd already bought them when he mentioned it. By the way, in response to an earlier poster, I've found the sales assistants in the San Francisco store to be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and the store seems to be well-stocked (at least in the cordovan models).

 

[Imperator]

Originally Posted by fdbaker

A good theory, but I'd already bought them when he mentioned it. By the way, in response to an earlier poster, I've found the sales assistants in the San Francisco store to be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and the store seems to be well-stocked (at least in the cordovan models).

+1

The SF store is fantastic

 

[HHS]

Originally Posted by fdbaker

A good theory, but I'd already bought them when he mentioned it. By the way, in response to an earlier poster, I've found the sales assistants in the San Francisco store to be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and the store seems to be well-stocked (at least in the cordovan models).

The DC store is great as well. I believe the SF and DC stores are the ones actually owned by Alden. They coordinate amazingly well; they found a pair of tan shells for me and had them at the DC store in 3 days.

 

[Spats]

Originally Posted by robin

Yeah it's a small price on the catalog models, but custom models will be going for around $445-465 depending on the shoe. For me, add in an extra 9% sales tax and then the overall price is not attractive at that price point.
Somehow, I think the prices charged at a couple of west coast stores that have exclusive models are the creation of those stores. Alden prices seem amazingly uniform at other stores, until you find an exclusive, such as a boot with a lugged sole, etc. If the shoe is available only at that one store, whadya know, it has a higher price. Supply and demand, and I thought you all were down for that. If you want a state of permanent discount, Walmart has your number.

 

[Tarmac]

It wouldn't be a big deal except the last increase in price was very recent, I believe about a year ago or less.