The Choosy Beggar

Through the end of the month, Swedish label Dunderdon is taking 30% off select pieces from its spring line of minimalist men’s wear.

Dunderdon – 25 Howard St nr Crosby – 212-226-4040 – Map

Sometimes the only thing separating the products in high- and mid-tier retailers is price. Take, for instance, the case of this Shades of Greige Beach Henley Tank, which a hawk-eyed tipster just found at Oak for $50, and Urban Outfitters for $28 — presently $20 on sale. We then found a similar, if less stark, discrepancy between the Shades of Greige button-downs at Oak and UO.

It’s rare to hear a true industry insider waxing thoughtful on the dismal state of retail. That’s why it was so refreshing to read this Jerry Maguire-like mission statement / manifesto from John Patrick over at The Selvedge Yard. [Picture Courtesy of 13th & Wolf]

“In short– (The industry) got fat, lazy & greedy, as the consumer became more sophisticated and savvy,” the men’s wear merchandiser / product developer admits. “It’s crucial now more than ever to aggressively engage the consumer with compelling brand stories that offer relevant, quality products with an honest, attractive price/value relationship.”

Moreover, according to a quote he cites from Tom Murry of Calvin Klein: “The consumer is responding to great product, but it has to represent good intrinsic value.”

Here’s a sale guaranteed to tick off all the retailers/brands doing their best to stave off last season’s markdown madness: THURSDAY through Saturday, bankruptcy-bound Hartmarx’s family of brands — Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey Freeman, Hickey, and Bobby Jones — will be taking a full 40% off everything in stores, and online with the promo code FF0409.

To redeem the discount in store, you may need to present the below coupon on which you should write the name Lisa Wells.
Hickey – 96 Grand St between Mercer & Greene – 212-219-0230 – Map