It’s an annual event when I come east in August. My mother and sister and I take a drive from my mother’s house to her nearby Neiman Marcus store and browse the racks. And every year I say the same thing: You could roll a bowling ball down the aisles and not hit anyone.
I know the economy is in the tank, but I keep hearing how well the high-end stores are doing. If so, how come it always looks as if nobody’s shopping? Seriously, there were more salespeople roaming around saying, “Can I help you?” than customers.
What’s more, the store wasn’t exactly overflowing with merchandise. When I asked the Ralph Lauren lady if she had a certain leather jacket in my size (it was so gorgeous and so insanely expensive and so not coming home with me), she said, “We don’t order much the way we used to, so we don’t have to send a lot of merchandise back to the manufacturers.” It all reminded me of the book business. Publishers aren’t printing as many books and stores aren’t ordering as many; nobody wants to get stuck with “overage.”
Anyhow, back to my shopping expedition. The first item I spotted was a sweater. And not just any sweater. It was a sweater to die for – one of those cashmere numbers that you wrap yourself in, like a blanket. And it was in the color I adore.
Yes, caramel. Maybe a little less orange than what’s in the pic, but delicious nonetheless.
I was in love.
But I kept browsing – up a floor, down two floors, and back up to the floor with The Sweater.
I tried it on, enveloped myself in it. It was so soft and it fit me perfectly. The problem was the price tag.
I put it back on the hanger and kept moving.
I spent the rest of the trip looking at other merchandise but always coming back to The Sweater and trying it on. I should add that by this time my sister had tried it on too, and we both agreed it was a keeper. (I won’t even begin to describe the look on the face of the saleslady, who tried to be patient with us but was so eager for the sale that she was practically drooling.)
In the end, my sister and I both wound up getting The Sweater, each in our own size. My mother didn’t buy anything, but I have no doubt she’ll be back when she doesn’t have to put up with us.
I must admit I hate hearing that you could roll a bowling ball down the aisle and not hit anyone.
The good thing is that is not the case here at our high end mall. I just saw a few women trying on shoes that I can only dream about at Saks. I did not go to Neiman though. I didn’t need the torture! I went to a high end linen store where you too can buy sheets for over $1,500. Aah, my next life it appears.
The sweater sounds divine. I just cleaned out my whole closet and need new clothes badly.
I am thinner now and have no clothes to wear. Now if only the powerball would pick my numbers. (and yes, I play my favorite yankees – it’s a sickness Jane) That carmel sweater would be mine. :-)
The New Adventures of Jane, at Needless Markup. Love it!!
Sounds EXACTLY like what my “Born To Shop” seester would do or be doing, and has long enjoyed performing with me own dear mum in tow, until the ol’ gal just couldn’t keep up anymore (so I am truly appreciative of how YOUR mom can even TRY to keep up with you two young’uns and your rapid-browsing ways!! Way to go, Big Mama!!!)…
Yeah, you do wonder how these fency-schmency stores manage to keep up. Online? Maybe it’s kinda like my cousin’s art gallery biz in Annapolis — not a lotta volume, but any sale is a NICE sale. He also says that the best customers are the most casually dressed, literally just off their boats/yachts, and when they buy something, they’re $eriou$ about it. No wonder he quit the Hospital Admin biznezz!
Your description of that sweater is so good that even I would be interested. Well, for the color anyway. Car(a)mel looks & sounds “delicieux,” no matter how it’s spelled (just jokin’, Madame Margaret)!
Well, Peg, just think how much we helped the economy with those two sweaters! Glad your mall is thriving. I honestly can’t believe there are people who pay those crazy prices for shoes, linens, handbags. I don’t think I’d spend it even if I could. It grosses me out. But what fun that you cleaned out your closet and get to start over. I’d love to go shopping with you!
Needless Markup. LOL, Dave. It’s funny because I’m not a big shopper in the sense that I don’t make a habit of it or spend hours combing stores for bargains. I’m usually in and out in five minutes. I get what I need and split. But it was a special day going with my mother and sister and I enjoyed it AND my new sweater.
yep, I am spelling challenged. Even spell check says, “WTF you trying to say here?”
No offense taken Dave/Harold- I’m easy! But I’m sure you read that on the bathroom wall right?