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

[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.