On bargains

[gurdymonkey]

I just noticed an odd cool spot on my left elbow. It's a hole. This is the second Eddie Bauer shirt I've gone through the left elbow in less than a couple months' wear.  Add that to the cargo pants that had a side seam open up after the third washing.

I've been shopping at the EB on Marina Boulevard since I started working in San Leandro. It's only this year that I've had this happen. Lest you think it was the brand that lured me there, the main reasons were that it's a convenient lunchtime stop and their stuff is just the thing for the extremely casual dress code here. 

They've had their three strikes.

http://www.alternet.org/workplace/141858/how_outlet_malls_have_convinced_shoppers_into_thinking_they%27re_getting_a_sweet_deal/?page=entire

Comments

[joycebre.livejournal.com]

you should try returning them. If they won't take them back, let me know - my SIL works for them and I can ask her about it.

Not sure it's worth bothering.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

The cargo pants are a nice fit, were on final clearance at a ludicrous price and it was a five minute repair. One of the shirts was definitely on final clearance. The one that sprung a leak this morning, I can't recall. Interestingly both were long sleeved Henleys. If the black one holes in the left elbow, it's definitely a sign that my body is a destructive weapon or something.

[jadecat9.livejournal.com]

Wow, that article was pretty damn extensive and very informative!
I'm not a 'bargain' hunter, but I do like getting the occasional "deal" on something; I also prefer higher quality.

This article is going to make me even more pessimistic of those bargain discount stores.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

My budget being what it is, I bargain hunt. Ross/Marshalls/TJMaxx chain can be equal parts aggravating and rewarding: one has to be willing to really HUNT and put something down and walk away if it is not right. I tend to turn things inside out and look at the construction. I look at whether the size label has any bearing on reality. That goes triple for shoes. I wear an 8 regular in a Birkenstock. I can't get my foot into anything with a Steve Madden label, and I just bought a pair of Skechers Mary Janes marked 9 1/2.) I also have no qualms about buying pieces from the men's department if I see something I like either.

I'm more likely not to buy something that has someone's logo plastered all over it - they should be paying ME if they want me to advertise. On the other hand, if I find a pair of Bill Blass jeans, I tend to grab them because I like the fit.

I have some Eddie Bauer stuff that I've been wearing for years. It's just these few pieces bought recently which makes me think they're going for cheaper materials/construction, at least in their outlet shops.

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

Fascinating article. Thanks for linking it. I used to sell high-end handbags at a department store (my first job out of college) and the changes in the retail business in the 20 years since then is remarkable.

[gottasing.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link to the article. Now I'm dying to read the book.