Those stores that are going out of business forever

[Lino]

In NYC we see them all the time, those stores with a window covered in white paper with large red letters saying something like, "Going out of Business," or "Lost our Lease," and "Everything must go," inevitably followed by some huge discount or offer, like, "Top makers, Kiton, Brioni, Zegna, up to 80% off!"

But, has has anyone: a) actually dared suspend their disbelief long enough to go in? and more importantly b) actually gotten a deal? Perhaps not as huge as 80% off, but still a good deal.

 

[Beckwith]

It is a 100% marketing ploy by the stores. I know a supplier of electronics who swears tht some of these stores have been "going out of business" for at least 20 years. Buyer beware.

 

[Dakota rube]

My city actually has an ordinance governing "Going Out Of Business" sales; it sets a finite amount of time for the sale, and even deals with how the enterprise may or may not add inventory during the event. Obviously NYC has no such law on the books, or it is not enforced.

 

[stach]

Actually it's enforced more now than it used to be, especially on 5th. Ave.

 

[GreyFlannelMan]

I believe that one must obtain a permit in NYC to run GOB sales. Also, one must read the posters carefully. Sometimes they state "Going out for business."

 

[Dakota rube]

Hey GFM...new picture! Nice.

 

[Avers]

This is known NYC trick to get tourists' money.

Last spring there was a menswear store on 57th Street between 5th and 6th Ave, which posted huge "Moving sale" sign. They made it seem like the store would close any day. Well, the sale went on for months and I thought they would never close. Finally the store closed after about 4 months...

As for other businesses, I know jewelry and electronics store who had "Going out of business" signs 10 years ago. Needless to say many of them are still open...

William

 

[Lino]

Originally Posted by Avers

Last spring there was a menswear store on 57th Street between 5th and 6th Ave, which posted huge "Moving sale" sign. They made it seem like the store would close any day. Well, the sale went on for months and I thought they would never close. Finally the store closed after about 4 months...

The one under Fioravanti? If so, I actually did look inside there, they had Ermenegildo Zegna Sartorial for about $850, Kiton cotton sports coats for about $600, and cashmere sport coats for about $300. Those were the things I looked over, they all looked to be real, but I kept feeling like it was too good to be true. When I asked why I should not think it was all Chinese knockoffs, they said they sell at wholesale. So, sometimes I do wonder.

 

[GreyFlannelMan]

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

Hey GFM...new picture! Nice.

Thanks for noticing!

 

[kitonbrioni]

I've never found a deal in any of the NYC "Going Out of Business" sales.

 

[Avers]

Originally Posted by Lino

The one under Fioravanti? If so, I actually did look inside there, they had Ermenegildo Zegna Sartorial for about $850, Kiton cotton sports coats for about $600, and cashmere sport coats for about $300. Those were the things I looked over, they all looked to be real, but I kept feeling like it was too good to be true. When I asked why I should not think it was all Chinese knockoffs, they said they sell at wholesale. So, sometimes I do wonder.

Yes, that's the one I was talking about.

They had bunch of dress shirts 3 for $100. Some were by Ferre and Cerutti, but they looked suspicious to me.

I stopped by several times and I've noticed that sales guys were different every time. Almost like they hired temp guys to help move their stuff.

William