Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

simcitymayor t1_j920taz wrote

I suspect the business model of these discount stores relied on an inefficiency in the business model of main brand stores, and that inefficiency no longer exists. Those main stores now sell excess inventory via their own websites, and that gives them away to sell the pieces that still were in demand and what remains is no longer good fodder for C21 in terms of price or desirability.

C21 may come back, but there is no secret supply of fashion that will distinguish itself from other department stores.

48

virtual_adam t1_j92s28k wrote

That ended more than a decade ago. Probably closer to 2 decades. Outlet stores sell stuff that’s made for outlet, many times without any connection to the original company who is licensing their logo

this article is a pretty good summary

It was always easy to identify the real leftover stuff at C21, there was usually a single rack for the entire store, stuff had extra protections on it for theft

The rest of the store was just licensed crap tourists thought was “good quality” because of the logo

31

onemanclic t1_j933gv5 wrote

Yes, it hurt them, but C21 still had a stash of high-fashion pieces that were unique and excess. That is what the commenter is saying the store may lack going forward.

16

BlankishGaze t1_j93tet8 wrote

Your right, but it wasn’t one rack at C21 downtown fidi - it was like a large corner. The $2000+ marked down to about $500 😂😂😂

7

LittleBlueBudgie t1_j965p2o wrote

I thought the Bay Ridge and UWS C21s had bettter selections than downtown, probably because they weren’t catering to tourists.

4

Luke90210 t1_j92yhfb wrote

There were stories of discount store buyers/owners going to main brand stores with wads of cash to make on the spot deals. Absolutely no way is that happening anymore.

3