Longwings for Spring

[Epaulet]

Hi everyone,

I just picked up Allen Edmonds for my store. I have a small section of mens shoes which is specialty oriented. I've got a bunch of proper shoe stores in my neighborhood that cover the usual low-end bases (glued Kenneth Cole shoes, sneakers, Clarks, Frye), so I try to just carry special items that the other guys don't have - and that speak to the more dressed-up assortment in my store. Hence, I sell a hell of a lot of Sperry.

Anyway, I'd like to bring in some proper dress shoes, and I try to support domestic manufacturing whenever possible. So I chose AE. I'm thinking of doing the Macneil Longwings in black calf and burgundy shell cordovan to start. Most of my customers work in media, and don't necessarily have to wear dress shoes - or even enjoy wearing them. I'm thinking that the Macneil might be a good way to get them started, as its chunkier profile makes it work well with denim and khakis.

What do you guys think? Any other models that I should open with? And would a 3/15 delivery for longwings still be seasonal enough?

Thanks!

 

[DrZRM]

I think AE is a fine line, but from what I've read about your store and what I think is your target audience, I would have tried to get Alden. I like their shoes more and feel like they are more, what...trad chic...maybe just sought after. Their shell longwings are, IMHO, much nicer.

 

[Epaulet]

Good call. I actually am an Alden account. We'll have a bunch of special makeups coming in Jul-Aug. I think that Indy Boots and the 2-eyelet Chukkas are a no-brainer.

But, Alden doesn't stock Longwings, so there's no chance to get anything in the Spring. With AE, I can get the shoes delivered now, and buy them a bit more lightly to feel things out.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Epaulet

But, Alden doesn't stock Longwings, so there's no chance to get anything in the Spring.

No? I thought the 975 was a staple. I concur that Alden is preferable to AE; AE shoes haven't got any soul to speak of.

 

[greekgeek]

^Not even those with a Rendenbach soul?

 

[crazyquik]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

No? I thought the 975 was a staple. I concur that Alden is preferable to AE; AE shoes haven't got any soul to speak of.

They also don't have a shank.

 

[DrZRM]

The McNeil cannot hold a candle to the Alden #8 shell 975 on the Barrie last, which I thought they did stock, and they are certainly in a similar price point. That said, longwings are my favorite shoes, and I like both. I think this is a good way to go.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by Epaulet

But, Alden doesn't stock Longwings, so there's no chance to get anything in the Spring. With AE, I can get the shoes delivered now, and buy them a bit more lightly to feel things out.

Yes they do- talk to your rep:

http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_ane4_975.htm

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

No? I thought the 975 was a staple. I concur that Alden is preferable to AE; AE shoes haven't got any soul to speak of.

Like you would know.