Frye won't divulge where to try/buy in B&M - YouLookFab Forum

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Frye won't divulge where to try/buy in B&M

minimalist

Veteran

Called Frye today (number on site) to ask which local retailers stock their USA lines. I'd like to try on the boots pictured below.

The customer service representative who answered said that she couldn't give me this information. She suggested "big department stores" and named four. Really? CSRs aren't given access to inventory information, or it's a policy for some other reason, or part of a distribution agreement, or they'd rather sell through their own site, or what?

I've tried on other Frye boots at NR, and was not consistently wow'd. But I need a nearly-every-day replacement to my still-gourdorfull Sanitas, and ideally it should be the elusive 60L-wardrobe boot. Fryes get a lot of love around here, and I don't have the bandwidth to manage the drama of a Wesco order, so I want to try these. (Wish the workboots didn't have the contrast sole.)

Do I really have to have these shipped to try on? Most long-time YLFers seem fully accepting of shopping by mail, so my hesitation probably seems absurd. Are there ways of increasing the likelihood of the right fit the first time?

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15 replies

Latest reply was from pastrygirl

JAileen

Veteran

Have you tried Zappos? I don't know if they have those particular boots, but they have free shipping both ways.

Greyscale

Veteran

I sympathize - I hate shopping for jeans or shoes online because I know I'll need to try a lot before something works. But, places like Zappos or Shopbop make it easy. And the reviews at those sites should tell you if the sizes run big or small so you can try a few pairs at once. I know that I go up at least half a size in Fryes (I'm usually a 6.5, and their 7 seems to fit me, though I don't own any).

It's frustrating that they weren't more helpful. Some shoe brands have lists of boutiques that stock them. I guess Frye is big enough that they're sold all over - I know the upscale little shoe boutiques around me often have them.

I really like that first pair.

E

Veteran

Weird! Can you they tell you the outersole measurements (length & width) of the sizes you're deciding between? That way you could compare it to your other shoes & foot measurements & it might help re: likelihood of fitting right first time. It will at least tell you if a shoe is too narrow, which is usually my challenge (I have narrow heels but a broad forefoot). I almost always only order shoes online from places with free shipping both ways (my new Fryes were from 6pm.com so return shipping would've cost money but I'd tried other Fryes on before and the laces make fit easier so I was pretty confident in being a 7), because it's just so tricky. I was so excited about my Aurora shoes because they have you send in cardboard tracings of your feet & then send you the appropriately sized shoe!

I don't think you're in the US, are you? In which case I don't know shipping policies for overseas. But as an aside, did you do a post re: your 60L wardrobe? I'm guessing it refers to your backpack (mine's a 38L but I'm not living out of it full time). Because I'd love to read more of your thoughts on that.

Anonymous

Frye sells through their site, but most of their sales are through independent retailers. They just sell to them -- they don't keep track of which stores carry their lines. So a small shop might only carry Veronicas or something vs. Amazon or Zappos who have more
comprehensive stock.

minimalist

Veteran

It's not so much the price of shipping/returns as it is the bandwidth/energy costs of returns.

E, I haven't done a "60L wardrobe" post yet, not sure how to phrase it. I'm not currently living out of my pack (and clothes weren't the bulk when I was) but I'd feel better about keeping the high-heeled ankle boots I adore if I had essentials solidly covered.

rae

(website)

Veteran

My first thought was Zappos, too. Large selection of Frye, and very very reliable with fantastic service.

E

Veteran

Amy, that makes sense! I like to have my essentials/basics in order too, and I finally feel like I have my shoe wardrobe pretty much sorted, so next year I think I'll save up for a colourful pair or two! (All of mine at the moment are sensible neutrals.) When I was reading about wardrobe building I stumbled across a sewing concept called the '6 pac'; the idea is to sew (but could buy) 6 basics/essentials a season and by the end of the year you've got a backbone to support your fun/fluffy clothes. I loved that idea & it really crystalised my thrifting/clothes shopping strategy; now that I have pretty much all my favourite stuff (skirts, blouses, cardigans, skinny trousers, toppers, tights, socks, etc.) in grey & navy blue I don't have any problems putting outfits together. I've almost finished a taupe set too! This is the blog post of the sewist who originated it in case it helps you too. (Although the strategy seems to assume people prefer to dress in 'columns of colour' whereas I feel best when my clothes are broken up more, so I don't worry about that aspect of it.)

I look forward to when the right words come to you and you post more on 60L. I've been mentally composing/musing about a post in my head about wardrobe-y stuff for the past week, hopefully it'll come together & I'll get it typed up soon!

Kim

Veteran

Perhaps you could order 3 sizes (your regular, your upper limit and your lower limit) all in one order to cover the bandwith/energy costs. Then you are sure to get your size, and if you like the boots the returns could probably be done together. Even if you went to a brick and mortar store you'd still have energy costs (gas, bus, etc.) and no guarantee they have your size, or the style you want will fit their either.

That would work if Zappos will ship them altogether. Not as good if they all ship to you from different locations. Not sure, as Zappos doesn't ship to Canada at all, so I have no experience with them...(probably a good thing! LOL)

Anonymous

Weird!
They have Frye stores here, independent stores. Perhaps it is worth calling one of the NYC brick and mortar stores. They are nicer.
I have been at this store personally. They are really nice. Give them a call:
http://www.thefryecompany.com/.....-flagship/

Claudia

Veteran

Maybe it was a policy to discourage "showrooming" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showrooming

Liz A.

Veteran

Never had a term for it, but so guilty of showrooming myself...

K. Period.

Veteran

So, do you have the ability to order multiple pairs at one time? Zappos carries the Logger. They also carry the Sabrina, but not in black. If you can order multiples, I suggest this: the time and energy to go to a brick and mortar store is a lot more than to purchase online. Zappos is super easy for shipping and returns, both of which are free. You can even return via home pick up if you don't want to drop at a UPS pickup site. I would order the Loggers in the size range (your regular, up one, down one) that you thought would work. I would also order the Sabrinas in brown in the size you thought you would wear. Pay close attention to the Zappos reviews, which I generally find very helpful with highlighting fit issues (fits large, small, narrow, etc.) Then wait until you receive them all and try and return in one swoop. If the Sabrinas win your heart, contact Zappos and see if they have them in black, but if not, order them from Frye.

If you really break down the time commitment, a single order and return takes less time than hunting for the shoes in a B&M store. BTW, have you seen the Frye Heath booties at 6pm.com? They look similar, but are marked waaaay down.

minimalist

Veteran

Kim, that works. I can order from Frye directly; shipping/returns are free in December. Before I do that, I'll call the closest Nordstrom's and ask if they can special-order several sizes.

And Zapotee, I'll call the flagship store if only to hear how things work and get some positive vibe.

Claudia, good term to know. I wouldn't have done that. Frye seems to have done a pretty good job at maintaining prices (at least for USA-made items) around the net.

SuperK (may I call you that), good to know about home pick-up. I suspect its advantages would be tempered by local delivery issues. Where I live, FedEx and UPS very often leave door tags claiming attempted delivery ... without even ringing the doorbell. Waited on steps all afternoon to catch UPS guy, who showed up at 6:30 with a door tag but didn't have package on the truck. Can just imagine how they'd handle a "pick-up."

Returns are hugely annoying, but actually, I have a friend with Asperger's (major strengths there, loves details where I just get bogged down) who's handled return shipments for me in the past in exchange for homecooked frozen meals. Forgot about that.

For delivery, I'll ask bf if I can have them sent to his office. He's really tired lately, has a lot on his plate and is still under the weather, and on top of that his car was broken into last night, so I hate to add anything to his list.

Really wish there were package stations here; they're so practical!

Thanks so much, all!

K. Period.

Veteran

I love SuperK! SuperK away to your heart's desire. Sounds like you have this all sorted. Hooray! Nothing like the group brainstorming.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

What?! I didn't know there were Frye stores!! Now I must go to Boston someday to visit both the Frye and Fluevog stores.