Used to rock Coach heavily when I was in college.
Back then it was extremely durable, and affordable: two key factors, especially for a student. And when they had a store in Georgetown, DC.
I STILL have my men's satchel briefcase from college. Back then the leathers were super supple buffalo hides. I also still have a checkbook holder and a few other zippered pouches and such that I no longer use.
Today's Coach isn't nearly as nice, especially the men's line. Around 2000, the company shifted its offerings from simply designed, neutral-toned leather purses to bags made of mixed materials ― that is, leather paired with canvas or nylon ― available in an array of colors and logo prints. Simply put, in order to keep up with "trends" they started selling crap.
Called the Tyson's store last year to ask about having the straps replaced on my briefcase and was told that they didn't even repair bags (outside of warranty) anymore. Turns out that wasn't exactly correct since I just found a shipping and repair label on their website. Hmmm.... I guess the person I spoke to on the phone was probably too young to know what she was talking about.
Ended up using a local cobbler to replace the straps (which don't look as nice) so I may just send my bag in to Coach now after all.
Anyway....
Their quality fell off and I had long since moved on so I really didn't care. Flash forward to the year 2022 and I was considering something nice for my daughter's 16th birthday. Something nice but not "too" nice if you catch my drift. Something a 16-year-old girl would appreciate and I wouldn't be pissed if she lost or damaged beyond recognition.
Someone sent me a gift idea of a Coach keychain pouch - from Bloomingdale's, for $65. Remembering that there was a Coach store down at Tanger Outlets, I decided to check them out first. Fearing online fakery and running out of time as her birthday approaches, I knew I wouldn't have time to get anything shipped. Another deciding factor in going to Tanger.
Disclaimer:
Since it opened a few years back, I never really have gone down there to look at anything. Plus, I'm suspicious of "outlet centers" conspicuously placed in heavily populated areas.
Glad I went to check this one out however. Although the selection is somewhat limited versus main line department stores like Bloomingdale's, I was able to obtain a keychain ID pouch for less than half the Bloomie's price. This place even offers a 10% military discount. Deal was so good even got one for my older daughter. Two ($78) keychain pouches for $59? Yes please, and thank you.
Side note: the floor plan of this outlet center needs some work. By the time you see the big American flag and the building (in the very back of the mall) with COACH on it, you've already passed the actual store. I was about to give up when I walked into the Nike store - saw the ridiculous line - walked out, and looked ahead on my right and there the store was.... finally. I'd been walking around for close to 30 minutes...didn't see a security guard... didn't see a directory...or directional signage.... and was about to go home. I was having a conversation with the associate inside and she said, "yeah people get confused all the time."
Speaking of associates, the ones here greeted me quickly and repeatedly, so service is super friendly and efficient.
Maybe I'll check out a few other stores at Tanger Outlets now. If you are looking for the Coach store however you'd better bring a compass and coordinates, lol. I was so turned around after my "stroll" around Tanger Outlets that I couldn't even find my vehicle - which took me another 20 minutes to locate as I retraced my path - which was all kind of a blur at this point since ALL the stores now looked familiar. Had Blue Bell ice cream in the trunk that I'd just picked up from Walmart 30 minutes earlier. Luckily it was chilly outside this afternoon or I probably would have met a milkshake or two.
Got my Fitbit steps in though, for sure!
Thanks Coach! read more