Where to buy AEs?

[loreley]

I know this seems really obvious, but where is the best place to buy new AEs? I prefer not to pay full retail of course, but I would like the customer service to be there just in case, so no to options like eBay.

Nordstrom on sale? Zappos? I live in California, for what it's worth.

 

[office drone]

What kind of customer service do you need, may I ask?

I still like eBay...as long as you know your size, and buy from a reputable seller, you'll be saving quite a bit off of retail. I recently snagged a new pair of Delrays for $120 USD + shipping.

 

[loreley]

honestly, just in case the fit is off, or the need to return/exchange in a timely fashion.

 

[DocHolliday]

Nordstrom on sale or Nordstrom Rack, though I have been dismayed at some of what I've seen from AE lately.

 

[smartxtai]

There's an AE store near LA and San Francisco. Pretty much every shoe is available for you to try and you have the knowledge of the staff there to help you decide what the best fit is. As for the purchase, there's a small mom and pop shoe repair store in Oakland and the old woman that works there always gives me $100 off new AE shoes and applies a rubber sole free.

 

[greekgeek]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Nordstrom on sale or Nordstrom Rack, though I have been dismayed at some of what I've seen from AE lately.
I tried on a pair of AE Strand in the brown (Cigar?) shell cordovan leather about one week ago. They fit great and the asst. manager offered to knock a few beans off but I passed because the toecap was scuffed and the welt stitching at the toe was erratic in both placement and SPI. Oddly enough they were being sold as Firsts.

I still like AEs but they need to step up their fit & finish game quite a bit before I would pay close to retail. Oh and both Endless(Amazon) and Shoebuy are great for AE purchases.

 

[agoldf]

I agree. I've noticed that fit can be slightly different even on the same model same last.

 

[jim10]

I just ordered the Park Avenue and Mcallister online from the Shoe Parlor and received 15% off and free shipping using code SPSURE

 

[phailing101]

Zappos has industry leading customer service as far as a return process etc. They usually have sales in the holidays too as I recall.

I'm with most of the other folks- I know what size I am and Ebay netted me some brand new AEs I wanted for $200CDN to my door.