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    Petit Bateau Semi-Annual Sale

    All of us up here love Petit Bateau–it sure beats the hell out of that poly/cot Splendid crap. Historically, the problem has been the attitude of the store’s sales people. For instance, one would walk in and ask a question and it would not be out of the norm for a sales associate to pretend like she didn’t speak English. (I kid you not!)

    No matter how much of a Francophile one may be, it just wasn’t cool. Word on the Avenue is that enough irate customers sent letters to corporate to make a difference. While giving the store an overhaul this Summer, Petit Bateau anchored with a whole new attitude. Gone are the days of a sneer of indifference.

    What’s even better is that the store is hosting it’s twice yearly sale where most items are 20%, 30% and 40% off. The discount depends how seasonal the item may be. For example, a basic undershirt is likely to be just 20% off while a stars and bow print pajama is 40% off.

    The sale is also online but the selection is very small. So you might want to hit the store if you have a little baby, need to buy a gift for a baby, or need some lounge wear for yourself. Remember, the Woodbury Commons Petit Bateau store closed and finding these goods at a discount is not simple…

    … Except if you go to Century 21!

    Contact: 212-988-8885

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    Is Gucci Going?

    Recession and hard-economic-times have become an important part of our lexicon this season. And those possessing fractional jet ownership and Black Cards have been as hard hit as those living on First Avenue. This economic fallout has much more impact than clothing discounts.

    Unfortunately, the end is not as near as some would hope. We recently received a book of available or soon-to-be available Madison Avenue retail properties. The list is staggeringly long. Last year at this time there were hardly 25 available spaces along Madison. Now the list seems endless.

    We thought it might be interesting to publish excerpts of this confidential real estate log. After all, we are informants and we do specialize in Madison Avenue.

    Most interesting, to us at least, is the fact that Michael Kors is moving into Gucci’s space but nobody seems to have information about Gucci’s relocation. ‘Tis the season of cutting back. Maybe Fifth Avenue is proving to be all Manhattan needs of the double-Gs.

    Click on the image below to get a peak into the future of our local topography.

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    Bottega Veneta Sample Sale

    The Details:
    Bottega Veneta
    Until Saturday, Jan. 10, 10am to 6pm
    697 Fifth Avenue
    (54-55 Streets) 3 Floor
    Women’s & Men’s Clothing and Accessories
    Sample & stock sale. Bottega Veneta’s fabulously sharp collections – women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and other accessories. Credit cards only.

    The Mad-Spy Report:
    Just a few bags, which were very expensive. Exotic skin bags are just 10% off original prices. Leather bags are just $200 but there were none to be found by the afternoon.

    The deals are found in the ready-to-wear department where tops and bottoms are $40, dresses are $80 and shoes are $50. Again, not a lot of inventory by mid-day but if you wear shoes size 38 and up, there are still some left. There’s a spattering of things for men but those who wear larger sizes have more options.

    Lila’s Commentary:
    The sale is scheduled to run through Saturday. It’s only logical that the Veneta folks are smart enough not to host a sample sale with no inventory. I imagine that they are pulling out new merchandise daily. For the best picks it’s probably best to hit the sale early because it looks like they aren’t replenishing throughout the day.

    Better yet, skip the lines and early morning rush and hit the Woodbury Commens outlet where bags are priced at least 30% off retail and the discount only gets better from there.

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    Carnegie Hill Retailers Struggle

    I hopped north 86th street today and was totally shocked by what I found. It appears as if almost every other store is either relocating or going out of business.

    On the North-West corner of Madison and 86th Street is Baltons–a fairly unremarkable department store mostly supported by grandmothers and nannies. The loud yellow signs covering every window of the store shout that the store is closing and that everything is 30% to 50% off.

    Steps North on the same block, Village Designer Shoes has a bright orange sign that screams, “Co-op tripling our rent. Everything must go.”

    If you take a few more paces North, Feldman’s IV, the long-loved home furnishings and miscellaneous store –if you know the goods you know miscellaneous is the right word– has a sign announcing that they are moving to Lexington. That store has been there longer than I’m alive!

    On the same block, Didi’s Children’s Boutique, an upscale toy store is hosting a 30% to 50% off sale. Why? Because they are moving. To where? The owner admitted sadly that she still does not know. For those in the market for fancy European toys, these are heavily discounted considering this toy segment rarely hosts a markdown. For example, Carolle dolls and accessories are 30% off. Unheard of!

    For now we say farewell to those leaving our lovely avenue. You will always remain in a place in our hearts and memories. Especially Boltons, whose employees refused my 2-year-old a restroom. Serves you right!

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    Gucci and Prada Third Markdown

    Christmas was just 12 days ago and already stores are taking another slash at prices in an attempt to cash out. Today Gucci and Prada are offering customers additional savings. Gucci ready-to-wear is now 75% off and suddenly the collection that had little to be desired is looking a bit more attractive. (Just a tiny-weensy bit.) Bags and shoes are now 50% to 60% of.

    Prada– whose sales people were overheard saying that they will NEVER reduce prices below half-off– is now 60% off ready-to-wear and 50% off bags. Don’t worry lace lovers. I still think there is another to come. I feel 70% off is the right number. I guess we will have to wait and see.

    This is probably last call for Gucci so you better buy now or forever hold your piece. For those who can’t get to the Gucci store you can snag the same savings online but we’re told that there store has a lot more pieces to choose from in addition to sizes. (That’s hard to imagine!)

    Prada Contact: Christina 212-327-4200
    Gucci Contact: Maura 212-717-2619

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    Net-A-Porter To Launch Outlet

    The online luxury fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter, is getting ready to launch an online outlet appropriately called theOutnet.com. Rumor has it the site was originally slated to go live after the New Year but has been pushed back until February. 

    A Google ad boasts that prices will be up to 70% off but how much more of a markdown is that from their normal sales? Lets hope they dump the flashy editorial and pass the savings along to the shoppers.
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    Saks EGC With Chanel Trunkshow

    Accessories have become the bread and butter of many designers’ bottom lines. It’s the hot shoe or hot handbag that sell out while the clothing is a clear afterthought. Gucci, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Dior are prime examples. So when the market takes a wild downturn how does a department store draw customers to its $3000 bags?

    Stores are still trying to figure out the magic formula but the trend seems to be increased use of electronic gift cards. Next week Saks is hosting a giant Chanel trunk show. Guess what’s coinciding? EGC!

    The Chanel trunk show and electronic gift card event runs for two days starting Wednesday, Jan. 14th. The levels are below and as you would expect the big discount comes when you spend $3000 on anything in the store. You get $1000 or 33% back in gift cards to spend on anything else in the store. Yay, spend more money…

    Saks EGC 1/14 and 1/15
    $250-$499 = $25
    $500 -$999 = $75
    $1000-$1999= $250
    $2000-$2999= $500
    $3000+ = $1000

    Photo credit: Stylefrizz

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    Louis Vuitton Currency Arbitrage

    Welcome to the other side of the new year. As always, we are committed to finding you the best deals in the universe of luxury shopping.  The savings exist even among the loftiest of brands and this economy watching your dime is more important than ever.

    Lets use Loius Vuitton as an example. No matter how much you hope, pray, wait or stand on your head they are not going to discount their products. We’re not sure if the “shredding room” is truth or legend but does it really matter how the goods are disposed if they’re not falling into wanting hands for a bargain?

    On the Vuitton US web site the iconic Speedy 30 is $700US. The LV’s UK site has the same bag for £355UK or £309UK (minus the VAT*). The exchange rate brings the total cost of the bag down to $447.19 as of business close on Friday, January 1st. That’ a savings of $253 or about 35%.

    This currency arbitrage can come in handy among many of our favorite European luxury brands. So officially: Happy 2009 and don’t fret too much about the new economy. There’s always a deal to be had.

    *VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a tax levied goods and services in many countries throughout the world, including the UK and most EU countries. The VAT is currently 15% in the UK but is refundable to many tourists upon traveling home.

    Contact: LV Bond St. 011 44 20 7399 4050

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