Pop-Up Redux:eBay Returns To 57th Street —This Time For Everybody

Earlier this year, we expressed our confusion about the Pop-Up store eBay staged on West 57^th Street that never seemed to open to the public. It turns out that that was just a dry run for the Holiday shop that will open tomorrow in the same spot next to Bergdorf's. The interactive store features items pulled from eBay's top sellers representing the site's most popular searches. Items were chosen with an eye towards the sophisticated and expensive including fresh, unworn shoes from Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, vintage designer handbags with only a hint of patina as well as shiny iPhones and a Palm Pre that we could pick up an examine without tugging a cord that would have tethered it to the shelf. Special care was taken to represent an ecologically conscious merchandising strategy for the store. Aside from the inherent benefits to the environment of buying used items, items made from organic, renewable and recycled materials were spotlighted.
While the merchandise on hand might not be available for immediate purchase, the store is full of shiny new iMacs so you can search eBay for something similar or whatever else strikes your mind.We were given a guided tour of the new store and got the chance to meet iconic designer Norma Kamali, whose exclusive eBay collection was inspired by seeing so many of her own vintage designs being sold on the site as well as items from her Walmart line being offered as soon as they had sold out in stores. Aside from creating incomparable swimwear, The esteemed Ms. Kamali is all about finding new and innovative ways to reach her customers, and eBay is looking to position itself as a primary resource for premium products, hence the conspicuous lack of Hummel and Precious Moments figurines.
The store will be open through Sunday November 29^th (except for Thanksgiving, obviously), and if you think that the idea of an eBay store where you can't take anything home is a head scratcher, then you didn't see the steady stream of customers trying to enter the store during the press preview.
Yes, folks, shopping is back.
eBay Holiday Pop-up Store through November 29^th, 3 West 57^th Street, Midtown
Previously:
Could Someone Please Explain? What Is eBay Doing On West 57^th?

Collaboration Du Jour: John Bartlett Rebounds With Rogues Gallery: A First Look

After the unfortunate repositioning of Liz Claiborne's labels, John Bartlett has wasted no time in finding new projects. The latest is a collaboration with Rogues Gallery's Alex Carleton for a collection that will be sold exclusively at Bartlett's West Village boutique starting this December.
For starters, the collection, to be called Rogues Gallery/John Bartlett, will include the sweet handcrafted leather gym bag pictured above, as well as Carleton's signature t-shirts in exclusive patterns (see Rooster & Berlin below), pique polo shirts and a black over-dyed union suit for frosty Winter nights. The extensive accessory collection will include, aside from the aforementioned bag (an excellent stocking stuffer for, perhaps, The Shophound), a leather log carrier, and bankers’ envelopes made from leather, silk screened canvas and vintage, recycled wools.
Carleton, who is also developing the L.L.Bean's Signature premium collection, has a New England vintage aesthetic that seems to be blending nicely with Bartlett's current rugged classic mode, so if we're lucky, this team-up could be an ongoing program. Thanks to John for these preview images. We're looking forward to seeing more soon.
 

Click images to enlarge

Cintra Wilson Goes Shopping: Church Of Armani Edition

This week's Thursday Styles finds Critical Shopper Cintra Wilson in a more reverent frame of mind than we have seen thus far. Our shopper has been nearly hushed into submission by the Armani|5th Avenue brand palace that opened earlier this year. Leading with a Wiliam Faulkner quote (!), she puts aside her shopping gadfly persona, recounting the history of Giorgio Armani as if transformed into an adoring acolyte —until she wasn't anymore,

Armani Casa occupies a corner of the second floor. These are unaffordable housewares in black lacquer, leather and chrome, all of which belong in Mickey Rourke’s apartment in “9 1/2 Weeks.” In that spirit, I hovered around an Art Deco tea set (teapot $1,395; creamer, $910) with the intention of beating up anyone capable of buying it.

And she's back.
La Cintra is mostly piqued about the elusive price tags on the more expensive items which would prompt the cruel, old adage, "If you you have to ask how much it costs, then you can't afford it." Of course, that discovery can't be much of a surprise chez Armani.
Ultimately, she is taken, or at least amused by, the monumental quality of the place,

Armani|5th Avenue will likely survive as long as Fifth Avenue does. Like the Pyramids, it was built as an indelible valentine to the invisible worlds ahead.

But is it destined, like the pyramids, to one day become a symbol of a mysterious culture now extinct? More importantly, is it merely a coincidence that the article will run on the very day that every label in the store will be available at a sample sale in Chelsea?
Stranger things have been known to happen.
Critical Shopper | Armani|5th Avenue: Indulging His Every Indulgence By Cintra Wilson (NYTimes)
Armani|5th Avenue 717 Fifth Avenue at 56^th Street, Midtown
Giorgio Armani Sample Sale November 19^th - 21^st, Metropolitan Pavilion 123 West 18^th Street, 4^th Floor Gallery, Chelsea

Today In Warehouse Shopping: Our $50 Lunch At Costco

We have to admit that The Shophound had never actually been inside a Costco before last week, but we had heard tales of the tasty baked goods and giant, mutant jars of mayonnaise, so we set off to investigate the highly anticipated branch that has just launched the East River Plaza big box shopping complex. Making our way across 116^th Street, we found ourselves in a quiet, almost genteel part of East Harlem and then, suddenly, a gigantic parking structure appeared and we were whisked to suburbia on the edge of the FDR.
Of course, you can't go into Costco unless you are a member (minimum $50). One would think that might be a steep entry fee for the neighborhood, but there was still a small crowd of eager future shoppers outside the store last Friday ready to pay up, get their cards and start shopping. We let our curiosity get the better of us, and soon had our own Gold Star membership card along with a $10 promotional gift card to lessen the sting, and in we went to the immense warehouse store.
First of all, we must report that the Chanel handbags that bloggers were buzzing about last week were nowhere to be seen —either sold or possibly pulled at the request of a famously litigious brand, perhaps?. There were a few Tod's, Burberry and a single Ferragamo bag in a small case near the entrance, but if you think that Costco is a bonanza of designer bargains, then you will be sorely disappointed. We're not sure where these bags came from (or the single Rolex and Patek Phillipe watches, for that matter), but these things are not Costco's stock in trade.
We were initially struck by the randomness. We shouldn't expect careful store design in what is literally a warehouse, but one minute we are looking at TVs, then around the corner it's pots and pans and then towels. All these arbitrary items were peripheral, however, to the main departments, which essentially consist of your supermarket and drugstore on steroids. Keeping us entertained and fed as we tour the immense store was an abundance of sampling tables placed at the end of nearly every aisle. The fresh faced and cheery staff clearly had not yet become accustomed to the voracious free-sample habits of New Yorkers, and we were merrily encouraged to try some ice cream before we had even made it to the end of the aisle (as if we ever need encouragement to try ice cream). After tasting penne alla vodka, antipasto, confit of duck, roast pork, potato chips, goat cheese, chicken salad, tiramisu and apple pie to name just a few, we were full, and left to ponder how Costco could possibly fit into our usual consumer activities.
Sure, those baked goods are tasty, and we might want to buy a muffin, but we probably won't be needing 12 at a time even if they amortize out to about 53¢ each. This is the store's appeal and at the same time its drawback. We couldn't possibly use the famous brobdingnagian gallon jar of mayonnaise, let alone the three packaged together as a unit, but that's what Costco is all about. We don't think we could even fit those jumbo cereal boxes in our tiny New York City kitchen cabinets at all, and then there's the challenge of getting all those huge packages home. 117^th street and the East River is not especially convenient to the subway, and imagine dragging those huge boxes on the bus. Oddly, there's little selection by brand within each category. Want mayonnaise? It's the giant Hellmann's or nothing, and so on.
Ultimately, we can see how Costco would be a boon when you're having a big party, have a highly populated household, or simply have the room to store 20 rolls of paper towels until you need them. Otherwise, now that Costco is here, we can't really imagine when we might need to go back before our yearlong membership runs out —yes, you have to renew every year.
Did we find anything for ourself? Yes, a package of 18 Scotch Brite scrubbing sponges. You can never have too many of those. They efficiently used up our $10 gift card, and we could carry them on the subway without much trouble.
Costco 517 East 117^th Street at the FDR Drive, East Harlem

Event Alert:Derek Lam & Gilt Groupe Join Forces For Housing Works' Fashion For Action

Housing Works is getting a boost from Gilt Groupe this week for its Fashion For Action fall shopping event. The burgeoning online retailer has donated hundreds of items for the the benefit sale and auction along with over 150 designers who will be providing over $1 million worth of goods. Derek Lam has signed on to co-chair the preview party on Thursday evening which will include a silent auction as well as cocktails, VIP shopping and first pick of the 70% off Sample Sale goods before the event opens to the public on Friday. Tickets are still available HERE for the party which will provide a bit of shopping nostalgia. The venue, Chelsea's Rubin Museum of Art was previously the original Barneys Women's Store, and the dramatic Andrée Putman designed spiral staircase remains intact.
Housing Works Fashion For Action
VIP Preview: Thursday November 19^th, Rubin Museum of Art 150 West 17^th Street
Public Sample Sale: Friday, November 20^th - Sunday the 22^nd Housing Works Chelsea Thrift Shop 143 West 17th St.

This Week's Sales: Armani, Lacroix & More

The Big Guns continue to roll out their seasonal Sample Sales. This week's heavyweight is Giorgio Armani who will be discounting all his collections (except A|X) at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Lacroix & men's suit resource Isaia are also on the schedule for a luxe sale at Misorena on lower Fifth. Here are the details:

• ARMANI's warehouse sale features up to 80% off the Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans collection at what we expect will be a very busy and crowded three days at the Metropolitan Pavilion.
Thursday, November 19^th: 3 PM - 8 PM
Friday the 20^th: 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday the 21^st: 10 AM - 6 PM
123 West 18^th Street, 4^th floor Gallery, Chelsea
• CHRISTIAN LACROIX & ISAIA - NAPOLI will be holding a joint sample sale with up to 75% off women's Prêt-à-Porter from Lacroix and men's hand tailored suiting, shirts & accessories from
Isaia
Tuesday, November 17^th - Friday the 20^th: 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday the 21^st: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
260 5^th Avenue
• CHRISTOFLE silver flatware, crystal, porcelain, holloware,  JUDITH LEIBER evening & exotic handbags, eyewear & GARRARD fine jewelry, silver, leather goods & men's jewelry will all be combined in one big, luxury home and accessory sale at Soiffer Haskin with prices up to 70% off.
Monday, November 16^th: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday the 17^th: 9 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday the 18^th: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday the 19^th: 9 AM - 5 PM
317 West 33^rd Street, just west of 8^th Avenue
• NANCY GONZALEZ will have a special sale on her famous crocodile clutches.
Tuesday, November 17^th - Thursday the 19^th: 10 AM - 6 PM
50 West 57^th Street, 8^th floor
• TWINKLE by Wenlan will feature up to 75% off  retail prices of signature knits and sportswear featuring Wenlan Chia's inventive prints.
VIP Preview on Tuesday Nov 17^th
Wednesday, November 18^th & Thursday, the 19^th: 10 AM - 7 PM
545 8^th Avenue, 17^th floor between 37^th & 38^th Streets
• STRENESSE will offer up to 80% off of dresses, sportswear, ad eveningwear from the popular German label.
Tuesday, November 17^th - Thursday the 19^th: 10 AM - 6 PM
50 West 57^th Street, 8^th floor
• ISABELLA FIORE's ornate handbags will be marked up to 80% off retail.
Thursday, November 19^th - Friday the 20^th: 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday the 21^st: 10 AM to 7 PM
42 Greene Street, Second Floor
• MCM promises handbags, totes, clutches, wallets and more at up to 80% off retail
Tuesday, November 17^th - Thursday the 19^th: 10 AM - 6 PM
50 West 57^th Street, 8^th floor
• THE ODEGARD WAREHOUSE Pre-Holiday Sale in Queens will offer up to 80% off samples, overstock, discontinued, and one-of-a-kind rugs, furniture & accessories
Tuesday, November 17^th - Sunday the 22^nd: 10 AM - 6 PM
30-30 47^th Avenue, Ground Floor, Long Island City, NY
• MARA HOFFMAN's eclectic, nature-inspired sportswear will be 70% off.
Thursday, November 19^th - Friday the 20^th: 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday the 21^st: 10 AM to 7 PM
42 Greene Street, Second Floor
• GILT GROUPE's various sites have a bumper crop of online sales this week including Carolina Herrera, Woolrich, Halston, John Hardy Jewelry, Oscar de la Renta, Bric's luggage, AG Jeans, Clae sneakers, John Varvatos Shoes, Jil Sander Men's, James Perse men's, Vilebrequin, C&C California, Orla Kiely, & Diesel Black Gold, and that's just to name a few. If you are not already a GILT member, then click HERE for an exclusive invitation.

Commenters Respond: A Sour Banana

Thanks to the folks at Jezebel and RACKED a lot more people than usual read our account of visiting the smothering, newly renovated SoHo Banana Republic, and naturally, a few of them had something to say in response.
From Emma:

I worked at Banana for a soul-crushing two weeks some time ago, and I promise you, most of those sales staff would like nothing better than to leave you alone. But the managers (of which, like you said, there are ALWAYS too many of) stand around doing absolutely nothing, just watching the sales staff and how they interact with customers.

From VA:

HA HA, i've worked in Banana Republic for years and know exactly what being pressured into modeling a behavior that you know will actually turn customer off rather than "welcome them in" feels like.

Of course, there is always the contrarian, who sounds suspiciously defensive of Banana Republic, like Christophershawn:

The store is beautiful and I found it refreshing that the staff was excited about it's opening. YES it's rude, lacks class and any sort of maturity to enter a store with headphones on. Stay home. shop online. Going shopping is about engaging with people and enjoying the EXPERIENCE. Retail is lacking true excitement, passion and inspiration a store. Apathy is so common.
I thank the team at this store for the amazing energy they brought into this gorgeous store, I look forward to making this a must visit when in SOHO.

Seriously, Christohershawn, it's kind of up to the customer to decide what shopping is all about. Perhaps you have read too many books about retail management. And by the way, do you think that we can't smell a plant or a shill from miles away? We wish you the best of luck with your career at Banana Republic.
Previously:
Renovations Unveiled: Banana Republic Will Welcome You To Death

Apple West Side: Curtain Up

In anticipation of Apple's Upper West Side Store opening this Saturday, the red-curtain window coverings have been removed to reveal in interior that looks like ...an Apple Store.
Seriously, since this is Manhattan's fourth unit, we are probably all pretty familiar with what's inside one of these things by now, and we are not expecting any major surprises here. The main thing we are excited about is that it's close to us, and also, the more Genius Bars there are in the city, the better. The sidewalk in front of the store is now once again open for the public to trod upon, and the dramatic glass storefront offers a clear view of exactly what's inside. The patented spiral staircase leads to a lower level, and as you can see above, the signature glowing Apple logo is suspended in a way that echoes Fifth Avenue's glass box entryway.
In the past, the promise of free merchandise like iPods, or even a few laptops for a lucky few has encouraged shoppers to stand in line all day for an evening opening. So far, we have heard no reports of such giveaways this time around (which doesn't necessarily mean that there won' be any), and the store will be opening in the morning, so the promotion machine appears to have been dialed down just a bit.
Nonetheless, we are still expecting a mob scene on Saturday. Brace yourselves.
UPDATE: It turns out that there will be giveaways after all. The first 2,500 customers will get a free commemorative T-shirt. No purchase necessary.
That's a t-shirt, folks.
Line up if you must.
Apple's Upper West Side 1981 Broadway at 67^th Street

A few more images after the jump

White Collar Update: In Which Our Shirt Arrives

We were starting to get a little antsy waiting for our Thomas Pink shirt that USA Network promised us after we spent several hours waiting in line a few weeks ago. We didn't want to complain just jet —after all, it's a free shirt— but it has been a bit longer than the promised 10-business-day wait, and we were starting to wonder if it was ever going to arrive, or did we truly waste a perfectly good afternoon?
Just moments ago, however, FedEx appeared with our shirt, gift boxed and packed with a thank you card from USA, promoting its new original series and subject of the promotion, "White Collar" (which we are kind of enjoying, partly thanks to star Matt Bomer's sleek and stylish wardrobe).
Our only disappointment in the pristine, new shirt was discovering that Thomas Pink now manufactures its shirts not in the London workroom on Jermyn Street we had pictured in our mind, but somewhere in Thailand.
Thailand!
Our illusions are shattered.
Previously:
Today In Complimentary Items: How Long Would We Stand In Line For A Free Shirt?

Alex K Returns! Kiddie Designer Edition

Today's Thursday Styles seemed slightly empty without a Critical Shopper column, and yet we almost missed that the original shopper herself, Alex Kuczynski, made a return appearance in Sunday's T Magazine. Alex's presence has been scarce from the Times since she relinquished her Critical Shopper duties popping up only occasionally in T, and her own special brand of crazy appears to have dissipated with her absence as she takes on one of The Shophound's own pet peeves: overpriced designer children's clothes.
Alex is remarkably (and, we'll admit, disappointingly) clear headed this week, but the Park Avenue matron is still trying to masquerade as a regular gal:

The last sweater I bought myself cost $34.95 at H&M, and I wasn’t going to lose my lunch on it. So why create children’s clothing that is so expensive?

Ok, she shops at H&M (who doesn't?), but, just before this, she has already betrayed her station:

...when I gave birth to my second child, whose conception was one of the great surprises of the century, a white suitcase from the French children’s clothier Bonpoint arrived. Inside was a neatly packed duo of bodysuits with Peter Pan collars and a cashmere romper, in the wrong size. Returning them to the store for an exchange, I discovered the bodysuits were $90 each and the cashmere jumpsuit was $280.

Hasn't every new mother gotten that big box from Bonpoint full of cashmere for kids?
No?
Of course, we are not really used to agreeing with Alex. We miss her trademark loopiness and disingenuousness (is that a word? You know what we mean). In this case, however, we really don't believe she is secretly running around buying her kids Little Marc Jacobs outfits, even though we are pretty sure she doesn't dress herself exclusively from H&M. Who can argue with the fact that there is no greater waste of cashmere than putting it on a toddler? At best, you are spoiling the child for the one day when they may have to wear the dreaded, pedestrian lambswool or, heaven forbid, shetland.
Obsessions: The Best-Dwessed List By Alex Kuczynski (T Style Design/NYTimes)