My goal is to buy less Anthropologie.
You heard correctly! Now please hear me out...
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Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011 Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011 Sasha Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy*s Orig $134 Sale $104, FS Promo - Sept 2010 Quilted Patent Ivy Stem Print In Black - by Orla Kiely AW10 - PerriBerri Orig $495 Sale $278 - April 2011 Bits of Ice Bracelet - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $5 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010 Black Stud Belt from Eva Franco Archer Dress - Aug 2011 |
Anthro has been trying to tell us something for months. For example...the Take Action Dress in Polka Dot I wore on Wednesday. Anthro left us no alternative but to purchase this dress full price. They also told us to grab the Pomflower Shift and the Mompos Dress before it was gone. Have you noticed how fast the Fall line-up of Chie Mihara's is selling out.
The Nightshades Heels are gone... at full price
The Points of Light Heels are just about gone... at full price
Anthro is stocking only a few pairs in each size of these very expensive items. They would rather sell out than put these items on sale. Granted, you can find these items elsewhere. That isn't going to keep Anthro in Business. So what will?
I plan to purchase as much full priced Anthropologie as my budget will allow
Which means in the long run I will have less Anthro in my closet
So be it
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Now You See Me
Do you see the connection? Then feel free to follow my lead.
If the Fall line-up is not everything Anthro has promised it will be, we will all be returning to the Medieval Pre-Anthro Mall shopping days. It was worse than torture then! Even more so now that we have experienced Anthropologie. It's my daily motivation I can't happily live without.
Now you don't
This is where Anthropologie will be if we don't do something soon. I am happy to do this alone. At least I can stand up and say I tried to make a difference.
Truth is... I can't make a difference by myself
It takes an entire community to save a town
I know this isn't what you want to hear. But you do need to hear it. I'm just a small Anthro Blogger carrying a big message that contains a hopeful suggestion.
Why does it feel appropriate to show my lace edged shorts in Black and White?
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| Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011 Sasha Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy*s Orig $134 Sale $104, FS Promo - Sept 2010 Quilted Patent Ivy Stem Print In Black - by Orla Kiely AW10 - PerriBerri Orig $495 Sale $278 - April 2011 |
Please shop at Anthropologie tomorrow. Don't make your goal to fill your closet with as much as it will hold. Instead, buy those special full priced Fall items that you really want.
I purchased a full price Dress Tuesday HERE
I will no longer link back to other retailers on this blog.
Not until the day I know that Anthro is sound in collective mind, body and soul.
Not until the day I know that Anthro is sound in collective mind, body and soul.
Nor do I plan to shop anywhere but Anthro
Sorry J Crew and Modcloth
I am a Proud Anthropologie Blogger in my Heart
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the employees and their families that depend on the success of Anthropologie.
On Friday I will share a very special happy ending with all of you...
Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
Logging you in...
eek! · 711 weeks ago
While I understand where you are coming from, I myself don't feel fiscally responsible to keep any place in business except my own house and home. Just different points of view :)
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
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Chrissy · 711 weeks ago
Like the previous commenter, I understand your viewpoint. Unfortunately, I am one of the Anthro fans who can't afford to buy their clothing at full price. To be honest, it is often a splurge for me to buy a sale item there. If Anthro's strategy is to limit quantities in an attempt to prevent items from reaching sale, they might alienate many of their customers who, like me, wait patiently for their favorite items to go on sale before purchasing. I am curious as to what other readers have to say.
KL_Eyes 91p · 711 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
I'm thankful Anthro was not around when I was in college.I learned how to shop second hand stores.Believe me I know how hard your struggle is. I was a single parent of a toddler living day to day. His Grandparents were very generous when it came to his cloths and toys.
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WHD · 711 weeks ago
I do understand your perspective, but I did not see anything in the article that made me doubt Anthropologie's long-term solvency as a company.
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
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respect_shoes 75p · 711 weeks ago
This is another sensational outfit, Laura - you do Anthro proud!
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
I haven't been in enough stores to grow sick of the smell. The first time I brought home Anthro from a B&M I didn't want to wash the scent away. I guess it's a different perspective when you live in a No Anthro Zone. What I would give to have one nearby.
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micheling 68p · 711 weeks ago
I love your retro pumps with your Take Action dress! And I can't wait to see how you style the Tupelo dress.
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
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rachel · 711 weeks ago
Also, in my possibly warped mind, I think, if I don't really really want it enough to buy it at full price, why would I want to buy it on sale? It makes perfect sense to me (and a few select other people), but a lot of people look at me like I'm crazy.
Anyway, I'm all about buying less but buying what you LOVE. Not that I'm great at following that all the time though.
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
I understand the difficulties Canadians face in regards to Anthro. At least shipping is 1/2 price for Canadians for the next month and a half.
Of course I bought a few sale things on Tuesday. Then I went for the Tupelo Dress as the Full Priced Item for Free Shipping. I think it was a smart move by Anthro. Do you? I will take advantage of the offer. No B and M can be rough.
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lisa · 711 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
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lisa · 711 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
Exactly! It felt like Anthro was trying to attract the Trendy women and phase us (Anthro Lover) out.
I didn't see Roxy's Post about UO's 2nd quarter earnings call until tonight. It explains a few things, but I'm still left uneasy. What was most meaningful to me was an admitted attempt to get Anthropologie back on track this Fall. I had already heard this statement. My biggest question is what caused the derailment in the first place. Unfortunately, Stocks have been taking a punishment the last 2 weeks and sales have dropped. Even Roxy herself admits that she is not purchasing because of the Wall Street down turn. The most disturbing part of the entire call, was the little blurb I linked back to at the beginning of my Post. I admit that I don't understand the numbers. Rocks yes! Stocks no! Roxy certainly explains this better than I ever can. I am confused by some of the financial jargon, but I think I got the gist of the issues. My post was just a feeling I had in my heart. At the time I had very little information to go on.
http://effortlessanthropologie.blogspot.com/2011/08/notes-from-urban-outfitters-q2-2012.html#idc-container
Leana_K 61p · 711 weeks ago
Mandy_Ellen 34p · 711 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
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jennifer · 711 weeks ago
Vintageglammz · 711 weeks ago
You look fantastic in the take action dress! I want o wear mine again now...
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 711 weeks ago
I am right there with you Jen. There isn't enough stock that appeals to the true Anthro Patron. On the flip side, there is too much stock that appeals to the Trendy masses. Something we are not. I'm wondering if the numbers of True Anthro patrons is dwindling and Anthro is attempting to draw the average Trendy Women to their stores. The problem is the styles they have been flooding the stores and website with can be found elsewhere for a lot cheaper. With the economy in the tank, more women are looking to satisfy there wardrobe with cheaper options. And Anthro's Fabric and Quality have been much to be desired lately. For example the Gathering Tank. The raw edged neckline, and unforgiving sheer jersey was a pass for me, even on sale. I had hoped it would feel like the Molded and Melded Tee.
From what I have heard, Anthro is working at making some of the changes we have been complaining about. Unfortunately it takes time for them to switch gears. Did you see Roxy's Post on Thursday? You might want to check it out. She outlines the highlights from UO's 2nd Quarter Earning Call. It's a real eye opener. I could believe it when the analyst described holding his hand under a blouse that was completely sheer, and asking who would wear something you can see right through.
The Take Action Dress is so much fun to style. I think this is style number three for me. I'll be on the look out to see you wearing yours.
From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Ayanna · 710 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 710 weeks ago
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Terrie 60p · 710 weeks ago
Not to mention Anthro's crappy customer service lately. Robotic answers, rarely a satisfactory solution, and no reaction whatsoever to a disgruntled regular customer. My spending at Anthro has decreased significantly in the last couple of months because of all these issues. There are a few fall items that I really like, but like you said, they're playing shenanigans with full-price items and they're disappearing at ridiculous rates (and being completely "zeroed out" in wish lists meaning no chance of pop-backs). Why treat your customers like that? And what the hell is the point of the Anthro card if it rarely gets you anything?? It certainly doesn't get you better customer service. I didn't even use my birthday discount--that's how fed up I am.
Thanks for starting this discussion--I hope some Anthro execs will read through all the comments and learn something.
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 710 weeks ago
Did you read Roxy's post on Thursday that focused on UO's 2nd quarter earnings call. It's hopeful, but at the same time confusing. There was mention that UO has not been with-holding mark downs. What? That's a blatant lie! We know Anthro has. But the news was promising concerning change.
I think the biggest problem will be timing. Can they switch gears fast enough, before Patrons jump ship. I'm in for the long haul.
I haven't purchased a top from Anthro in 8 months. Untailored peasant does me no favors. It's possible see through, unfinished, and riddled with holes is a fashion statement to some, but not Anthro Patrons.
After reading the responses, it's clear to me Anthro is in for a bumpy ride. Testing the water for support has clearly netted very little understanding or patience from the Anthro Blogging Community.
I learned to shop online because Anthro was the only store that offered great quality and an abundance of flattering and fun choices. Without those Anthro has lost me. Modcloth is riddled with the same holes. Occasionally I find a dress. The only winner I have found from J Crew is the Jackie Cardigan. Not keen on their concept of dressing.
My favorite brands tend to be expensive. I prefer a few great items that cost more over a lot of cheap staples. It comes with age. Shoes I can find all over the web. As long as Chie Mihara keeps pumping out Lovelies I'm in shoe heaven. I would miss the Anthro exclusive brands though.
Regardless of what some say, in this economy, no company is immune to failure. If anyone thinks that, I wonder where they have been over the last 2 years while behemoth's have dropped off the map. Company's don't stay in business if everything goes to sale.
I had hoped to see a show of loyal customers that are willing to see Anthro through this rough patch. But the comments suggest they are few and far between. I am even more concerned about the future of Anthro. But certainly there are far more important issues to worry about.
blondmom3 · 710 weeks ago
I have loved Anthro for many years and still covet my items I boughtat a sale price because they have lasted and I still pull them out to wear today. I have not seen the quality or the classic style that could last more than one year lately. I use to keep myself from walking in the store because I could not leave without buying something. I no longer need to hold myself back- grandma clothes do not appeal to me. Anthro is blowing it big time- how dare raise prices in this ecconomy? That is not the way to save your company. Go back to your old ways and you will get a lot of us back.
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 710 weeks ago
You just suggested that I am behaving irresponsibly by paying full price. I'm not sure where such an idea comes from. But you are entitled to your opinion. However, your argument is weak.
Paying full price is my prerogative. It also gives me firstchoice on the best items and insures that I can find the item in my size. I don't waste valuabletime, energy or gas running around to Anthro sale rooms. I don't even have an Anthro with-in a 2 hour drive. Not to mention that I work full time, have this blog to maintain, and a house to take care of, so sale hunting isn't on my busy schedule. My one child is grown and on his own. I have no credit card debt, pay my bills on time, and pay my taxes. My income is mine. I depend on no one.
To suggest that paying full price makes me irresponsible is absolutely ridiculous.
Seriously, do you think any Company can stay in business if all their stock went to sale and customers never paid for anything full price. I hope that most of the general population doesn't think like this. Teaching your children such an idea is irresponsible. But that is your business.
Please don't take my statement above the wrong way. I want you to understand why your idea is detrimental to the economy, and generalizing such an idea on others is not sound judgement. I would never expect someone that can't afford to pay full price do such thing. It is a choice that should be made responsibly. I would assume that anyone who commonly reads my blog would understand that.
From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
anon · 710 weeks ago
It may seem like Anthro is just raising prices, and while it appears they are being greedy, in reality they are not. Bottom line is the dollar is weak.
Expect to pay more for everything from food to clothing. That is the sad truth about our economy right now.
Autumn · 710 weeks ago
Virginia · 707 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 707 weeks ago
I am seeing some change over the last month. The Fall Collection has more to offer.
From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Kerri · 706 weeks ago
GeoInCalifornia 99p · 706 weeks ago
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