STORE WARS: Nordstrom vs. L.L. Bean Signature
Starting March 13th and running through April 2nd, Dappered.com is hosting a bracket based tournament with the purpose of eventually crowning the all around Affordable Men’s Style Retail Champ for 2012. For a full introduction see this post. The bracket on the right will be updated as the tournament progresses. Click on it for the full size. Make a case for your preferred competitor in the comments section, but don’t forget to vote at the bottom of each match up. On with today’s showdown:
Strengths: Arguably the premier retailer for a wide variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories that land on the high end of what most would call “affordable.” One of if not the biggest mass retailer to offer free shipping and free returns all the time. The legendary “half-yearly” sales for men, and the additional markdowns that usually follow. A sale section that’s usually decently well stocked. Designer brand list has wild range. In-house brands like Calibrate, 1901, and the plain ol’ Nordstrom line offer more than a few items with incredible looks and high quality for very reasonable prices. Website is clean and easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: They hardly ever have large-scale sales, so those higher than Macy’s-level retail prices won’t come down real often, if at all. Could use a few more affordable suiting options. Their in-house brand Calibrate seems to make blazers and jackets that look a little chopped/too short.
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Strengths: Probably one of the strongest “lower” seeds in the tournament. Has a devoted following. Hasn’t over-saturated itself or tried too hard. Has stayed true to their outdoor, rugged roots, while still appreciating style and more contemporary fits. Free shipping to you, and a real nice guarantee. Their affordable warm weather and cold weather suiting options. Produced the greatest duck-sweater picture of all time.
Weaknesses: Prices on some of their basics (shirts, pants, etc…) seem to run higher than competitors. They do run sales, but the markdowns usually aren’t all that deep. The number of items they produce seems awfully limited (but again, good on them for not stretching the brand) so if you don’t like the direction the styling for one season is headed in, you might be out of luck for a few months. The upgraded outdoors-man look might not be everyone’s cup of tea (or flask of bourbon?) Sleeves on their blazers seem like they often run long, and with those functioning buttonholes, tailoring can be a pain if not impossible. Have had a few “WTF” pieces (points for taking risks though.)
Your votes determine who goes on to the next round. Cast your ballot below. Voting ends at midnight ET.
UPDATE: Despite a strong following, L.L. Bean Signature falls to the #1 seed Nordstrom. Who looks strong.
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Store Wars: Nordstrom vs. L.L. Bean Signature
- Nordstrom (69%, 608 Votes)
- L.L. Bean Signature (32%, 282 Votes)
Total Voters: 882
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Close call but I’m going with Nordstrom just for sheer variety and the quality of the Calibrate brand. LL Bean Signature has inexpensive summer suits, but the pants are so poorly fitted that I end up $40 something dollars on tailoring to have them fit (waist brought in, the seat trimmed, and legs tapered.
I’ll go with Nordstrom, I got some shoe trees from there.
I keep forgetting that LL Bean Signature is there, so Nordstrom I guess.
The fit on anything from LL Bean has yet to impress me. Nordstrom it is
I think I’m gonna sit this one out. The fit on LL Bean is still too loose and billowy for me. Almost seems like they are being stubborn about it. I do really like the twill blazer I got from them, but had to get it taken in and probably should have sized down. I’ve had no experience with Nordstom.
going for Nordstrom just for their half yearly sale. I’ve never bought anything from the sale but they are pretty good prices for high quality items
I love LL Bean Signature. My vote.
Gotta go for the Nord.
If Nordstrom Rack is also considered, definitely Nordstrom
I’m considering Nordstrom Rack in my vote as well.
Nordstrom’s awesome (albeit infrequent) sales can’t be beat. Throw in the Rack and it’s a no-brainer.
Yeah, Nordstrom. No contest from my experience.
This is a tough call for me. I want to like LLBS but their offerings are just so… weird. I wish they would stick with some solid basics rather than making everything “unique” and heritage-y. Some of the stuff they sell is just plain wacky. At the same time, I finally managed to snag one of their searsport flannel suits with a discount coupon and I love it (even if I won’t be able to wear it all summer).
Nordstrom, on the other hand… never bought anything from them. They’re just too expensive, even on sale. So if it’s LLBS vs. Nordstrom, then LLBS will probably win. But I really enjoy looking around at Nordstrom Rack, even though I rarely buy anything there. I’ve picked up a few shoe trees and a shirt on clearance. Some decent metal knot cuff links, as well. And I like that they actually have a decent selection of shoes in my size (7.5-8), even I’ve yet to find a pair I couldn’t live without. So if it’s LLBS vs. Nordstrom + Nordstrom Rack, then the balances might tilt more toward Nordstrom.
Fus ro dah?
L.L.Bean Signature all the way. Can’t beat that classic New England “preppy” style.
my vote goes to LLBS