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    Stricter Return Policies

    As the woes of this economy get ever more difficult, department stores are trying to figure out how to protect their ass-ets. Liberal return policies seem to be the first big change and there may be a lot more to come.

    Today, Neiman Marcus Online sent out the below email explaining to customers that merchandise kept more than 60 days will be subject to partial refund. For example, if you keep an item 61 days before returning it you will only receive back 75% of the purchase price. If you keep the item more than 181 there will be no refund. In addition, online sale items can only be returned 30 days after purchase.

    These new rules might seem to be aimed at your bff who is the type to keep the tags on while she gives her new dress a “test drive,” but we are sensing this seems to be the wave of the future.

    So folks, hold on to your receipts and don’t procrastinate. For the record, Target has a 90 day return policy.

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    Thakoon 30% Off at Target or 85% Off at eLux

    A good deal has become better with the 30% markdown of Thakoon’s collection for Target. The line was launched Christmas day and has dwindled to just a few pieces in most Target locations. There is a larger selection online but the selection is still spotty.

    It’s still cold out but it’s never too early to stock up on great deals for summer. This sophisticated spring dress was $39 and is now about $18.

    If Target is too lowbrow, you can always opt for the Thakoon Cuban dress in yellow, from eLuxury. The dress is now $329 from $1,995 or about 85% off.

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    Private Fine Jewelry Sale

    The garment district isn’t the only sector having a difficult season. As a matter of fact, the jewelry industry is having one of their worst seasons ever.

    Tiffany, for example, reported that total sales for the November through December period dropped 20%. These declines are outrageous and the jewelry wholesaler is hurting too. Their pain can be your gain.

    In this environment, the jewelry wholesaler has to be creative. And that’s exactly what they are doing. For the first time ever, five top-of-the-line jewelry wholesale companies are coming together to host a private sale that’s open to the public.

    This one day sale will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4th. The markdown will range from 50% to 75% off retail. The diverse assortment of companies represented at the sale expands to the budget and taste of customers. Items range from $350 up to more than $15,000. (Remember, Valentine’s Day is in less than two weeks!)

    Below are the companies included in the private sale:

  • Hosting the sale is Arezzo, a 35 year-old-company that carries very fine classic and timeless jewelry in 18 carat gold jewelry as well as exquisite diamond hoop earrings, diamond and colored stone bangles, necklaces and other earrings. Arezzo’s jewelry can normally be found in high end jewelry stores like London Jewelers and Hamilton.

  • Also included in the sale is Jadaco, which carries 18 carat gold jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones.

  • Citra Trading Company is one of the largest importers of gold from Italy and also carries pearls and jewelry made with Russian diamonds.

  • Lumiere makes beautiful handmade necklaces and also carries high quality pearls and can be found in the popular bridal and newlywed store, Michael C. Fina

  • Max Alonzo’s pieces are a bit more creative as he twists brushed and polished gold into beautiful works of art. All his jewelry is handmade from 18 carat gold and diamonds. Max’s specialties are rings and bangles.

    • Remember the sale is only one day so there is no procrastinating. The details are below:


    Date: Wednesday, Feb. 4th 2009
    Time: 8am to 9pm
    Address: Arezzo 10 East 33rd Street, 6th Floor
    Phone: 212-869-0665 (0)
    Payment: Credit Cards ONLY
    In the case of severe snow the sale may be postponed until Thursday. Please call ahead.


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    Prada 75% Off Friends and Family

    I told you there would be another reduction and there is. Through the weekend all Prada boutiques are offering 75% off fall and winter merchandise (along with whatever they dug up from last spring.)

    The merchandise is going fast so you might want to put a jump on it. At the SoHo boutique there were plenty of lace bags, small shadow bags, bright colored nylon totes and other assorted cast offs.

    On the ready-to-wear racks there was a variety of lace getups, a few shadow dresses and a bunch of winter jackets. The best deal was a $20,000 sable coat that’s now $5,000. We know that’s a lot of bank, but it’s sable!

    Just an FYI to all the sales people out there: Just because a $4,000 mini-skirt is reduced to $1,000 does not make it a great deal. And furthermore, nobody –and I really mean NOBODY–cares how many clients purchased the skirt at full price. 

    Contact: Michel Hubner (SoHo Store) 212-334-8888

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    Zara Semi-Annual Sale

    Zara is well into their winter semi-annual sale. Everything from the winter season is now half-off. Coats and jackets that ranged from $89 to $129, are now, well, half of that. I can list more prices but that seems like a waste of space. Let’s put it this way, Zara in general is a great deal for affordable fashionable styles. Zara on sale is economically savvy.

    The sale has at least two more weeks. The one caveat, look your purchases over carefully. More than once I’ve heard stories about people coming home with damaged clothing unknowingly.

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    Manolo Sale Update

    We were in the neighborhood and passed through the Manolo sale, which is about as dry and boring as this post. Shoes range from $185 to $400 but most shoes are limited to 35s and 41s with a splattering of 37s. Yes, it’s day three of the sale but YAWN!

    The highlight of the sale were the pastel alligator shoes that were originally $4100 and are now $1500. A savings, yes. Worth it, no. If you’re in the neighborhood, take a walk through but by no means waste cab money on a sale as boring as this.

    Then again, maybe I’m just cranky because I don’t have enough feet for more shoes.

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    Scoop 75% Off

    We are coming to the end of a long sale season. Today we hear that Scoop has marked down their Fall/Winter merchandise to 75% off. Our spies say that there is still a large selection, which does not mean good things for this retailer.

    Rumors are that Scoop is being plagued with severe financial — a.k.a. bankruptcy–troubles. Say it ain’t so. I guess that’s what happens when you are too slow to markdown in a difficult economic season.

    Speaking of the difficult economy, my Facebook friend and fellow blogger, Andrew James of What is James Wearing?, is asking everyone to figuratively burn a bit of money in honor of the Chinese New Year and his very own stimulus package.

    I say, in difficult times– cash is king. If you’ve got it hold on to it. You never know when a great opportunity might present itself!

    Contact: Ed 212-535-5577 (Scoop Woman’s)
    Ranee 212-744-1836 (Scoop Men’s)

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    La Perla’s Final Markdown

    La Perla has been marking down their Fall/Winter collection since early December. I know, however, that a 30% markdown isn’t enough to entice shoppers like you and me. Well, this week, the markdown finally reached 60% off. This is what we fondly call, le grand final. Within the next 10 days all leftovers will be shipped away never to be seen on Madison Avenue again.

    Included in the sale are bras, panties, night wear and some bathing suits. The sale is also running online if you prefer shopping cyber-shopping. The selection though is alwasy much better in the store.

    Remember, gentlemen, Valentines Day is a bit more than two weeks away. Lingerie is always a great gift beacuase it’s as good for you as it is for her.

    Contact: Nefta 212-570-0050

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