A Nordstrom Exclusive

MNsara

Usually I shy away from anything that is 'Made Exclusively for . . . ' some store (i.e. Nordstrom, Macys) because I've found they use slightly different (and too often slightly inferior) fabrications and construction.

I've seen this done with Eileen Fisher, Stuart Weitzman, Oryany, and now Longchamps. (and I'll add more as they come to mind)

What got me going this time is the Longchamps tote Sylvie posted
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....3503282?or I've had a slightly smaller one in my cart for a looong time. This one is tempting me. Haven't even checked it out in person -- yet

But there are often many things made specifically for stores, and now I'll run into them for NAS.

What do you guys think? Am I just being a perfectionist? Or is this part of my PPP?

12 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Beth

Veteran

I often have the same thoughts and hesitations. Looking forward to seeing what kind of responses you get (maybe from those who have more behind-the-scenes knowledge?).

12 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

I don't think you're being too much of a perfectionist and you should decide for yourself on a case by case basis.

I share your feelings and I too am a bit leery of "Made Exclusively for". Especially when it comes to the Anniversary sale, I have heard rumors that some of the designer items made specially for the sale do not have the same level of quality as the non-sale items.

I think the only solution from the consumer side is to spend the time to familiarize yourself with the "standard" line of clothing/accessories/shoes, as the case may be. The more I shop and try things on, the more discerning I become.

Ultimately, if an item meets my quality standards, I need to decide if it's worth the price to me. And we know that high quality and low quality items are found at all pricepoints. With all due respect, there have been items panned by Angie/forum members that I thought were awesome and items recommended by Angie/forum members that I thought were poor quality or didn't last long.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I share your sentiments! All I can say is you'd have to go see and touch the bag to know for sure.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I don't really understand what that means, "made exclusively for X store." Because this lady in this one store kept telling me this and when I googled it, pretty much seemed everyone was selling this shoe. And everybody else had more colours. Maybe I didn't understand which shoe she was talking about.

But anyways, I just look at the actual item to see if it's any good. The spiel is kinda yada yada to me.

12 years ago

MaryA

Active Member

I am a very quiet long-time lurker/observer on YLF (Hi everyone!) but I do know about this tote. I have used mine continually for almost three years and it is just starting to show some wear plus my daughter used one as her book/tote bag as a graduate student in Scotland for over a year before it ever got even a little worn. We have also purchased the regular Longchamps bags and there is absolutely no difference between them and this expandable tote. I hope you find this information helpful in deciding whether or not to buy the bag.

12 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Thanks, ladies for weighing in! And welcome, MaryA!

I chuckle at Sylvie's comment: 'spend the time to familiarize yourself with the "standard" line of clothing/accessories/shoes, as the case may be. The more I shop and try things on, the more discerning I become.'

Because I can see me telling my husband I'm off to do more 'research'

But it's true, that the more I know the originals, the better I am at seeing (or feeling) the differencs. That's when I became leery of EF made for Macys, or last year's Oryany made for Nordstrom/NAS.

Good to hear from MaryA that the Longchamps seems to be more consistent with their usual quality. So maybe it's just the colors offered the additional zipper, or the SA will know.

Rachey - yes, what's with that - everyone carrying the 'exclusive' model

12 years ago

Charmian

Veteran

I read recently that the "made exclusively for X store" doesn't typically refer to the item but rather a minor variant on an existing item. It's expensive for designers to design, manufacture, and distribute a completely new item, but it's pretty trivial to add an "exclusive" colorway or material; the "exclusive" label may result in increased customer urgency (and therefore profits).

There was an example last summer, with the Stuart Weitzman "Giveable" flat that Angie featured 2 years ago: Nordstrom had an "exclusive" suede version in addition to the regular nappa leather version sold everywhere else. Wish I could find a link for you.

12 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Honestly, without being familiar with any of these examples, I do think it is a question of becoming familiar with quality items and then judging on a case by case basis. Even a spin through Zara can be an education - the quality variation there is astounding.

12 years ago

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