Burberry to open store at Easton Town Center

By: Walker

33 Comments

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  Walker October 18, 2008 5:36 pm

  Tigertree wrote Does the Dispatch really need to open the article with an attack on their prices? Now where is that fashion district?

  I don’t think it was an attack on the prices. More like a joke about the economy. Even if it was, I think you’re making it out to be a bit of a bigger deal than it is.

  Columbusite wrote *Insert worthless trolling comment about the city’s ineptitude here*

  FTFY. :P
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  michaelcoyote October 18, 2008 7:04 pm

  lilbit wrote Does Burberry still make a lower priced line? Most brands do – or license the brand name to other manufacturers who basically do the same thing.

  You can usually count on the quality of the different lines to vary. What you’d buy in the upscale boutique is not what you’ll find at Filenes.

  These were shirts bought at Nordstrom’s for full price as I needed something nice for a meeting. If these were some cut rate sub-brand I guess the joke is on me as they are labeled “Burberry”.

  Again, I’ve seen pretty wildly variable quality in designer gear. To be honest I don’t care much who makes what, as long as it fits well. Really, I’d be happy to wear Dickies shirts and slacks all the time. I like the fit and the colors, and they wear very well.
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  jungaroo October 19, 2008 8:48 pm

  michaelcoyote wrote
  

  Tigertree wrote I would also encourage those of you who think such items are frivolous to try on a Burberry coat or a Paul Smith suit. Not in an attempt to persuade you to purchase (sorry sales people), but to feel the difference in construction and fabric and, most importantly, to see the way it makes you feel and look.

  I have a two burberry shirts, and while one has held up very well, the other shirt i have has already had the buttonholes rip. Pretty horrible I think considering the cost, and the short amount of time it took. It also isn’t the best fit. i.e. it fits in the shoulders fine, but the waist is too baggy. I was going to have it taken in, but i kinda don’t see the point now.

  I’ve found that too many of the designer items I’ve owned had problems with construction like this..

  I agree with Tigertree that there is definitely a difference in quality for higher priced clothes. Even among my modest collection of suits, I can tell the difference, and I’m no fashionista or big spender by any means.

  But in response to michaelcoyote’s comment, I think that once you get to a certain price point, it’s worth seeking a good tailor to custom-make a suit or shirt as an alternative to taking a designer brand off the rack. I’m not at this point yet, but for those of you splurging on Armani, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, etc. it might make sense.
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  michaelcoyote October 19, 2008 10:20 pm

  jungaroo wrote

  But in response to michaelcoyote’s comment, I think that once you get to a certain price point, it’s worth seeking a good tailor to custom-make a suit or shirt as an alternative to taking a designer brand off the rack. I’m not at this point yet, but for those of you splurging on Armani, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, etc. it might make sense.

  I wanted something nice in a hurry, and I (incorrectly) assumed that with good care, the shirt would last 2-3 years, like most off the rack shirts I’ve owned. Instead this lasted something like 4 months.

  I don’t think that I should have to go to the time, trouble and expense of finding a tailor and getting clothes made just because I want a shirt that will wear a reasonable amount of time. I think that a shirt should last longer than a season no matter who it is from.
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  Columbusite October 19, 2008 11:53 pm

  It´s just sad that it seems like nothing was done (probably because that´s the case) to land this store in an urban locale, not necessarily Downtown. They have urban locations, so I wouldn´t think it would have been to hard to give them incentives to be here instead.
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  roy October 20, 2008 12:47 am

  lilbit wrote Does Burberry still make a lower priced line? Most brands do – or license the brand name to other manufacturers who basically do the same thing.

  You can usually count on the quality of the different lines to vary. What you’d buy in the upscale boutique is not what you’ll find at Filenes.

  Generally you’re right of course, and lower priced designer lines have no relationship to the higher priced garments in fit, style, fabric, workmanship and durability. But I’ve found both of Ralph L’s top two lines, Collection and Black Label, at Filene’s. I’ve found Ferre, Pucci, Rodriguez and Fendi’s top lines, GA Collezioni, sometimes Ferretti, Marc Jacobs. All in women’s, not men’s though.

  It’s still possible to find the really great stuff at Filene’s, though often even at their discount it’s beyond my budget. I’ve never seen Balenciaga, Lanvin or Chanel. It’s still fun cherry picking!
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  Rockmastermike October 20, 2008 9:41 am

  michaelcoyote wrote

  I wanted something nice in a hurry, and I (incorrectly) assumed that with good care, the shirt would last 2-3 years, like most off the rack shirts I’ve owned. Instead this lasted something like 4 months.

  I don’t think that I should have to go to the time, trouble and expense of finding a tailor and getting clothes made just because I want a shirt that will wear a reasonable amount of time. I think that a shirt should last longer than a season no matter who it is from.

  This goes back to my point in a previous thread about how much it pisses me off that so many “fashion designers” just ASSUME everyone wants to change their entire wardrobe every few months and they make cheap crap that falls apart.

  When will they get the clue that most people want quality duds that they can love for at least a few years instead of just a “season”?

  if your “lower priced line” sucks ass and the customer feels they got screwed, they’re not going to buy anything from your high priced line later when they’re shopping for some fancy duds and remember the last thing they bought with your name on it was a big load of failure.
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  vestanpance October 20, 2008 11:22 am

  Drew wrote

  Burberry’s predicament in the UK actually represents the flip side of this – because the ‘chavs’ buy Burberry, the people who actually have money don’t buy their products. Which, of course, drives their prices and profits down.

  Class consciousness works both ways…

  I got to call foul on that. heh, I’ve never once seen a chav in “real” Burberry. Because I’m pretty sure Burberry doesn’t make plastic track suits :P Burberry in England is primarily for old ladies and Asians, and they buy lots of it.

  I’m glad they will be in town.
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  Rockmastermike October 20, 2008 1:16 pm

  vestanpance wrote
  

  Drew wrote

  Burberry’s predicament in the UK actually represents the flip side of this – because the ‘chavs’ buy Burberry, the people who actually have money don’t buy their products. Which, of course, drives their prices and profits down.

  Class consciousness works both ways…

  I got to call foul on that. heh, I’ve never once seen a chav in “real” Burberry. Because I’m pretty sure Burberry doesn’t make plastic track suits :P Burberry in England is primarily for old ladies and Asians, and they buy lots of it.

  I’m glad they will be in town.

  from a U.K. blog… this illustrates some of the perception some people have…

  http://www.glasgowsurvival.co.uk/belters/ChavLav1.jpg

  also, from the “chav” wikipedia page (LOL wikipedia):

  “Pubs in Leicester announced that they would ban young people wearing certain fashion brands, including Burberry, due to a link between some of these brands and football hooliganism.[27]“

  LOL!
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  Drew October 20, 2008 1:33 pm

  vestanpance wrote
  

  Drew wrote

  Burberry’s predicament in the UK actually represents the flip side of this – because the ‘chavs’ buy Burberry, the people who actually have money don’t buy their products. Which, of course, drives their prices and profits down.

  Class consciousness works both ways…

  I got to call foul on that. heh, I’ve never once seen a chav in “real” Burberry. Because I’m pretty sure Burberry doesn’t make plastic track suits :P Burberry in England is primarily for old ladies and Asians, and they buy lots of it.

  I’m glad they will be in town.

  The idea I put forth was accepted wisdom in retail circles for a while… many articles were published to that effect. Not sure if it still holds water today.

  Note that even fake Burberry products dilute the brand… if ‘old ladies and Asians’ wear genuine Burberry in the UK now, isn’t that a change from the wider market penetration of previous eras? If so, why is that?

  None of that has any relevance in the US, of course, and I’m glad they’re coming as well.
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  vestanpance October 20, 2008 2:03 pm

  Drew wrote

  Note that even fake Burberry products dilute the brand… if ‘old ladies and Asians’ wear genuine Burberry in the UK now, isn’t that a change from the wider market penetration of previous eras? If so, why is that?

  good point.
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  gramarye October 20, 2008 2:40 pm

  I’ve never seen the appeal of Burberry, either the aesthetics of their signature plaid look or the feel of their fabrics, and I’ve tried the “real” stuff at the Burberry boutique in London.

  Nevertheless, I’m glad to see Burberry coming to Columbus, and I hope they do succeed here, since other luxury brand retailers will be watching Burberry to see if independent, single-brand boutiques can survive in the Columbus market. For my higher-end menswear, however, nothing I remember of Burberry is going to pull me away from Godfry’s (used to be in the Worthington Square Mall … now up on Lyra Dr. by Polaris).
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  dru October 20, 2008 3:30 pm

  i think many people have an outdated view of Burberry. Their signature classic has been the haymarket check. everybody recognizes it even if they don’t know what it is. Tan, black, red and white plaid.

  http://www.geocities.com/vince_samoy/burberry/burberry_check_pattern.jpg

  Over the years this pattern got watered down via trademark infringement and overuse by chavs, most of whom were probably buying knock-offs. In the 90′s, Burberry did 2 things:

  1. they started strongly enforcing their trademarks (with about the same level of success brands from Gucci to Coach to Nike have)

  2. they hired Rose Marie Bravo as CEO (now retired) who lured in top designers like Christopher Bailey from Gucci and entirely revamped the line.

  They still carry the standard line of raincoats, scarfs and hats with the traditionally check. but they also have entire Prorsum lines with not a hint of tan or red in them. usually the check or the equestrian knight logo is incorporated in some manner, but not in a manner that is immediately recognizable. Here is a shot from this fall’s line:

  http://men.style.com/slideshows/mens/fashionshows/F2008MEN/BPMEN/RUNWAY/00380m.jpg

  Bow tie is optional for chavs looking to rough things up after the next Arsenal match.

  I own but a few things due to price. My bucket hat from London is immediately recognizable due to the check. But the 4 sweaters I’ve managed to catch on sale are usually not recognized as Burberry because they have no red or tan in them. All have held up well over the years.

  Do a bunch of tools still sport the traditional check, sure. Will their top selling items at Easton have the traditional check on them, without a doubt. But they also carry some really great items that look nice without screaming Burberry, yes. Thus I am excited to see them in Columbus.