I’ll tell you why retail is dead…
An attempt to make the simple purchase of a raincoat turned into quite the production. I depart for Italy tomorrow, and the forecast has some rain possible in Sicily in the evenings. My current raincoat is a bit too heavy for the temperature, but I do like to stay dry should I be caught in the downpour.
Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman were all paid a visit, and not a one had a classic men’s raincoat! I was told, “It really isn’t the season”, to which I replied, “I didn’t realize rain had a season.” Anywhere I have lived and traveled, rain was pretty much a possibility 365 days a year. Sometimes the probability is low, but the chance was always there.
I finally had to go all the way downtown to Century 21, where lo-and-behold, rack upon rack of men’s raincoats. I even found a rather dashing classic Ralph Lauren for $99.
I shall try to update along the way.
I think the problem was you went to classic stores, fashion places. They all run now on fashion cycles – driven by “seasons” and runway shows and “collections.” So yes, there’s a small window to buy a raincoat. Or a swimsuit. Or a coat. Most of it goes on sale because buyers can’t keep up with all those cycles. And then gets sent to Century 21.
@lakeland These used to be “classic” department stores. You could go there for everything you needed, and it was one-stop shopping. Yu could buy a winter coat in August (in case you were headed to the southern hemisphere), or swimwear in December. How things have changed, and not for the better.
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I read your entry and wondered why you would look for a raincoat at a realty company. I had no idea that there’s a department store with the same name. Learned something new today. Have a good flight.
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Have a great trip.
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I, too, thought that you were referring to a real estate company. Then I looked them up on line. And I looked at trench coats, for I am needing one. Did not buy yet, but I know where to look now. Have a great trip!
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this is why I buy about 95% of everything I get online, better selection, better prices, and no seasonal outages
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It is so hard to find anything in an actual store anymore. Its quite sad really. As much as I hate to shop, I would rather go and try on items instead of hoping they will fit and risking having to send them back.
Have a wonderful trip!
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