New York "clubby" stores

[Roy]

Quote:

(Roy @ April 01 2005,10:57)

Originally Posted by dorian,April 01 2005,02:02

At Vacca, three hundred and up - easily
That's not that bad. It's about the same price level as Europe then. I asked because i've noticed some definite differences in prices between Europe and the US before. From what I understood Brioni and Borrelli are more expensive in the US than in Europe.
What is the avg. cost for a Satoria Attolini suit in EU? Jon.
Attolini is one of those brands I have no experience with. Unfortunately that is. I 've seen them in shops, but they are simply out of my price range so I don't even ask. My best guess is that it will start from 2800 euros for a MTM suit in a s120. But a Brioni MTM in a Super 120 merino fine wool will set you back around 2100/2200 euros. Which is between 2700/2850 US Dollar.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

But a Brioni MTM in a Super 120 merino fine wool will set you back around 2100/2200 euros. Which is between 2700/2850 US Dollar.

That's a pretty good price.

Brioni MTM in the U.S. is what, at least $4,000 to start? Right?

 

[Roy]

Quote:

(Roy @ April 01 2005,08:03) But a Brioni MTM in a Super 120 merino fine wool will set you back around 2100/2200 euros. Which is between 2700/2850 US Dollar.
That's a pretty good price. Brioni MTM in the U.S. is what, at least $4,000 to start? Right?
That's what I understood from this forum.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

And it would have been an even better buy when the Euro was 90 cents to the dollar. Those were the days.

 

[Roy]

But to get back on topic, what is a 'clubby' store? Is it a store that looks like a gentlemans club or is it one of those stores with 'hip' interiors and staff?

 

[newyorker]

But to get back on topic, what is a 'clubby' store? Is it a store that looks like a gentlemans club or is it one of those stores with 'hip' interiors and staff?

When I started this thread I was thinking more along the lines of stores which only people "in the know" would patronize. David Cenci, Domenico Vacca, Peter Elliot, Jay Kos, etc.

 

[lisapop]

I'd characterize these stores as destination stores, meaning those in the store for the most part didn't just stumble in.
Grayson

 

[newyorker]

I'd characterize these stores as destination stores, meaning those in the store for the most part didn't just stumble in. Grayson

Yes, and I could tell that you love these stores as much as I do

 

[lisapop]

Yes, and I could tell that you love these stores as much as I do

You know it---Only problem is I feel compelled to dress appropriately when "destined" for such stores even if just browsing, lest any of my non-stumbling compatriots also in the stores think less of me.  In contrast, I'm virtually invisible wearing sweats in Costco.
Grayson

 

[arvi]

add another destination store to the list..massimo bizzocchi has just opened an eponymous store on w 14th in the meatpacking district..

 

[Horace]

Quote:

Yes, and I could tell that you love these stores as much as I do
You know it---Only problem is I feel compelled to dress appropriately when "destined" for such stores even if just browsing, lest any of my non-stumbling compatriots also in the stores think less of me. Â In contrast, I'm virtually invisible wearing sweats in Costco. Grayson
I feel (or at least act) differently. I always tend to find myself dressed as a scumbag (though this is exceedingly rare) when I pop into certain stores like this. Still, I've remained nonplussed as far as I know by any ensuing reaction or lack thereof.

 

[Roy]

When I go shopping I tend to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put on again, because of all the fitting. T-shirt and jeans or something.

There are a couple of stores that judged me on the way I look when I shop, so I simply will not buy there. There is a beautiful little shop however located in a centuries old fortress where they have simply stunning clothing (Caruso, Partenopea, Kiton, Barba, Finamore, Barbera, Santoni etc.) and where the owners/salespeople are very laid back and relaxed. They aren't pushy or anything. So that's where I shop.

 

[newyorker]

I feel there is so much added (self-imposed?) pressure to buy something when you visit these clubby stores -- or any expensive store for the matter -- than when you visit the average BR, JCrew, etc.

 

[lisapop]

feel there is so much added (self-imposed?) pressure to buy something when you visit these clubby stores

Definite pressure to make a purchase at Peter Elliot and Kos, none whatsoever at Cenci, which is in a whole different league and offers a very relaxed, expansive shopping experience.  A word of caution that it's DC's practice to assign a salesperson to each customer (rather than having customers roam around), but it's done to provide attentive and personal service.  Kind of an old-world custom, which is actually the way it used to be done in New York when shopping was considered somewhat of an art.  There's still no pressure to buy, or at least no intended pressure.  PE is the worst because of its shoebox size, making it impossible to have any kind of privacy and making one feel that the sales guys' eyes are watching your every move, and subtly pressuring a sale.  I almost feel compelled to make a purchase so as to avoid the dreaded "walk of shame" where you head to the door with nothing to show for having been there.  I go into DC all the time just to check out the merchandise, and usually if I'm there prior to a sale, they'll tip me off to the upcoming sale before it's announced, which is about as unpretentious as it gets.  Antonio is an especially nice salesperson at DC, and David Cenci himself is always happy to offer advice and service.   All of this rarified service presupposes, of course, that you do not enter the premises looking like the afore-mentioned "scumbag"----Such an individual would feel far more at home at Peter Elliot.
Grayson

 

[marc237]

Once again, just to defend Peter Elliott, I have had very different experiences in that store. I have never found the staff to pressure a purchase and I have been in the store both dressed rather well (usually) and, considerably less frequently, rather poorly (just before going running). I have found the staff to be nice and knowledgeable and to preview their sales. In one instance, I was told that they had the exact same sweater I wanted, but in my size, across the street for 55% less. That was charming.

I also do not experience a "walk of shame" since I find no shame in not purchasing if I choose not to and have not experienced the sales person's eyes upon me to sublty pressure a sale. I guess different folk experience the same store very differently.