Censored at Sample Sales, But Never Restricted... Until Today. At Soiffer Haskin.

While entering sample sales, I introduce myself to an employee of the brand or the hired host, depending on the size and predicted popularity of the sale. In many cases I am censored in some way: “Please don’t take photos of the merchandise,” or “Please limit your pictures to this area,” usually fair and understandable requests. Never, in my entire time at The Stylish City, have I been censored entirely – restricted from entering and reviewing the sale.

“Ralph Lauren does not allow press,” a Soiffer Haskin employee growled.

“That’s impossible, why wouldn’t they want free advertisement?” I questioned with extreme confusion.

After various whispers and back handed comments, occurring within a swarm of suits, I was informed that I would not be allowed admittance into the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale on 33rd Street. Feeling as though I was a thief of sorts, or about to hold up the place, I left with my tail between my legs as another employee stood in front of me, crossing her arms and narrowing her gaze, as if I was going to plummet my way through like an angry bull.

For frequent readers of The Stylish City, you may recall the recent Armani Sample Sale Review, which was hosted by the same folks at Soiffer Haskin. While scoping out the place in the interim of their discussions, I took notice that the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale was arranged in a complete opposite fashion of the Armani Sample Sale. Things were tidy, less clothing clogged the aisles, and tables with neatly folded sweaters dotted the middle of the room. Albeit, nothing truly caught my eye, everything seemed bland and ordinary. I spied on a few buyers at the Credit Card Only cash register and it seemed women were passing up clothing, for the most part, and purchasing leather handbags instead.

According to various reports, this sale is strictly Ralph Lauren Black and Purple Label, which is disappointing for fans of the empire as a whole, unless you were able to make an appearance at the Polo Ralph Lauren sale a few weeks back or the “Friends and Family” Ralph Lauren Sample Sale in November. SampleSally.com reviewed Ralph Lauren’s Spring Sample Sale earlier this year, reporting that Black and Purple Label were the exclusives then as well. Although everything is marked 75% Off, there is no guarantee that the items at the sample sale are from Winter 2011, considering the clothing is only simply categorized under “Winter.”

Founded in 1982, Soiffer Haskin is the originator of the organization of overstock for high-end designers, or in fewer words: the sample sale. Needless to say, they are old school. A word to the wise for employees of Soiffer Haskin: this isn’t the 80’s, the 90’s, or even the 00’s any more my friends. Thanks to the Internet and social media, virtual word of mouth is the best, most valued form of advertisement, and every public relations department on earth is aware of this, including Ryan Lally, Ralph Lauren’s New York Director of Corporate Communications. “We don’t have any policy regarding coverage of sample sales,” Ryan Lally revealed as I contacted him to clarify, unclear as to why Soiffer Haskin would restrict any form of press from providing them with free press.

Ralph Lauren is a classic American company, with successful decades under their belt, just as Soiffer Haskin is, but people don’t say, “I’m going to a Soiffer Haskin sale,” they state, “I’m going to a Ralph Lauren sale.” Perhaps next time Soiffer Haskin will be more careful as to not taint the brand who is paying them big bucks, by being rude and self important. This is the Internet, this is America, this is the tail end of 2011 – freedom of speech is our right, we should not be censored.

WHEN: 12/9 – 12/12, F-Sun (9-6:30), M (9-5)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
718-747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Caitlin Colford at 10:41 AM
bargain news , SALES , Sample Sale Reviews |