Not a winner
October 13, 2008
I talked to a few fashionable friends about where I should go to find some nice accessories, in particular a purse/handbag, and the store they all named first was Winners. Winners isn’t a store I frequent. It offers designer clothing and accessories at 20% or more off the original price, but when it comes to clothing, you have to really dig through because they generally have only one or a few of each style. The store, to me, resembles my room (disorganized and messy) too closely to be appealing, and always looks cluttered, as if a tornado went through it. The handbag section is more of the same, but it’s far easier to sift through handbags that are hanging at eye level than racks and racks of clothing.
The key to Winners is persistence: they receive new merchandise regularly, and you never know when you’ll hit the jackpot. Between Thursday and Saturday, I visited Winners six times, going to five of the eight stores in my city (and the neighbouring city). I found one bag but I am not in love with it (though its shape is cute). I bought it mostly to avoid feeling like I wasted all those hours busing and driving around town. I did find a cute clutch-like wallet to hold my passports and other important documentation, but it was damaged a bit on the inside and I wasn’t sold on the discount that was offered. Now I want it.
So, tomorrow I’m off to the store with the clutch, after I visit one of the three remaining stores that I have yet to visit. I’m hoping to emerge a winner.
You don't like Winners, really? I loved Winners, and I love the American equivalent, Marshalls (though I don't like Ross or TJ Maxx, which are similar but usually less-organized and have crappier stuff). I don't shop at Marshalls much anymore, though; it's hard to shop there with a kid in tow. Think of me tomorrow when you're at Winners and know that I wish I could be there helping you search for the perfect bag! *sigh* Ah, the good old days. :-)
So it's a good thing your "winners" store doesn't have online shopping cos lawd knows I didn't need another store with cool stuff with easy access to spend more money. Do you guys have Kolhs or Burlington Coat Factory there? There stuf is quality and inexpensive.
Oh Happy Belated Thanksgiving!
Haha! Did this post come before or after my "I'm a Winner" post yesterday? :)
I essentially never buy clothes, but I have been to TJ Maxx (like someone above said). I could never find anything good there, but I think you're right – it's all about persistence. Or luck! Some people are always finding great stuff at stores like that. Actually, Todd went in one for the first time in years and instantly found a great hat and belt. So…maybe I just don't have the necessary luck.
Good luck finding some treasures!
If you want to go to a GOOD Winners store, you have to come to Toronto. The store on Yonge and College has ALL the good stuff. It's also HUGE and better than the Avenue and Bloor store.