The Choosy Beggar

“Conspicuous consumption” is definitely out of style, says one industry type in this Journal story. More intriguing, however, is her insistence that luxury retailers resist “deep discounts,” because of the irreparable harm it does to their brands. “You’ll get your revenue in, but your brand is really going to be deteriorated.” We’ve also heard the competing view that discounts help brands maintain their presence “on the ground,” i.e., on consumer’s backs, during tough times.

Either way, our advice is to generally avoid brands that rest their reputations so heavily on “image.” From quality to utility and fit, a product should stand up on its own merits.

Through January 15th, Brooklyn boutique Bird has deepened in store and online markdowns by as much as 75%. This Shipley & Halmos cashmere sweater, for one, is down from $350 to $170.

Racked, h(y)r collective, and a string of news outlets all recently picked up on the tricky business of haggling for deals.

For the record, we think it’s bad practice. Sure, a nimble gentleman can float the idea without ruffling feathers, but it’s really not the customer’s place to price products.

If a retailer decides to cut prices, that’s their business, and we’ll obviously be the first to tell you about it. But, this business of using the economy as an excuse to badger sales associates only leads to bad behavior, and bad blood between customers and retailers.

It’s no secret that, for any number of reasons, clerks reward some customers with better deals. And, as any experienced shopper with tell you, a good rapport is far more likely to yield such deals than blind hassling.

Through the 5th of January, Brooks Brothers is attempting to move some serious merch at over 50% off retail. If you’re in the market for a business suit, we highly recommend the 1818 Fitzgerald line, now on sale for $600. Distinguished by its narrow lapels, high armholes, two-button jacket, and trim fitting plain-front trousers, the Fitzgerald is about as smart as you can get without stepping into hipster territory.