I have to admit that I've been conflicted about Cable Car Clothiers for many years, and I've begun several essays about them only to delete them each time before publishing. That's because Cable Car arouses strong emotions in me, both positive and negative. On the one hand, it's got one of the more interesting merchandise offerings of any store in the United States. On the other, its pricing policies are actually pricing atrocities. Everything I've ever price checked there has been at least 30% higher than I could obtain it somewhere else without much trouble.
I mean, how can a retailer expect to sell much when its goods are priced higher than the identical articles on the manufacturers' web sites? Do they think potential customers don't look at the home pages for Kent brushes, George Trumper grooming products and James Lock hats? Even their Atkinson's Irish poplin neckties, which can't be purchased directly, are tagged at $125 each when The Andover Shop and other North American retailers sell the same items for $75!
On the other hand, I walked around the store the other day with a couple of friends and we were impressed with what may be the best selection of tweed suits and odd jackets West of the Appalachians as well as a variety of wool challis neckties like the ones in the photo. And I've been known to pop in there for a package of linen handkerchiefs when I didn't want to wait for UPS to bring them across the country.
So in the end I'm just conflicted. I'd like Cable Car to prosper, but I can't recommend buying anything there unless you are in town and you need it right now. One thing that's certain, if you're a man who loves classic clothing it should be the first place you visit in San Francisco.
I mean, how can a retailer expect to sell much when its goods are priced higher than the identical articles on the manufacturers' web sites? Do they think potential customers don't look at the home pages for Kent brushes, George Trumper grooming products and James Lock hats? Even their Atkinson's Irish poplin neckties, which can't be purchased directly, are tagged at $125 each when The Andover Shop and other North American retailers sell the same items for $75!
On the other hand, I walked around the store the other day with a couple of friends and we were impressed with what may be the best selection of tweed suits and odd jackets West of the Appalachians as well as a variety of wool challis neckties like the ones in the photo. And I've been known to pop in there for a package of linen handkerchiefs when I didn't want to wait for UPS to bring them across the country.
So in the end I'm just conflicted. I'd like Cable Car to prosper, but I can't recommend buying anything there unless you are in town and you need it right now. One thing that's certain, if you're a man who loves classic clothing it should be the first place you visit in San Francisco.
1 comments:
Point well taken, Will. I was there in August, and yes, the selection of tweeds, Southwick suits, and odd jackets is wonderful. I have acquired several items from them in the past, including ties. But, as you say, their prices are atrocious. I can imagine the average Trad customer would feel an utter fool buying from them. It's a shame.
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