Let's Talk About Sales

There are sales everywhere I know... But, some of the upcoming sample sales actually look promising in terms of frugalicious pricing

• What: Hugo Boss
  Why: New duds (spring/summer and fall/winter) for men and women at up to 80 percent off.
  When: Today, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  Where: 601 W. 26th St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves., 8th flr. (212-940-0800).
• What: Psycho Bunny
  Why: A spirited collection of scarves, ties, hats, and polo shirts for lads and lassies are 50 percent off.
  When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
  Where: Leffot, 10 Christopher St., at Gay St. (212-989-4577).
• What: Bindya
  Why: No-brainer. Spring scarves in ikat prints and plaids starting at ten bucks (reg. $80). Plus, tunics at 65 percent off.
  When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  Where: 49 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 9th flr.
• What: Kara Janx
  Why: Neon stripe tank tops, cute high-waist skirts, and other spring merch is 50-80 percent off.
  When: Apr. 22 & 23. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  Where: 242 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 8th flr. (212-594-4797).
• What: Mara Hoffman
  Why: Resort, spring, and swim ’09. Tops and bathing suits start at $15; dresses start at $50.
  When: Apr. 23-25. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Where: 120 W. 28th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 3rd flr. (212-505-3020).
• What: Miguelina
  Why: Breezy floral dresses, camisoles, and silk chiffon blouses are up to 50 percent off wholesale prices.
  When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Where: 20 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 6th flr.
• What: Ted Rossi
  Why: Save up to 75 percent on bangles, cuffs, clutches, and more.
  When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  Where: 15 E. 30th St., b/t Madison & Fifth Aves., ste. 300. (212-683-1726).

Another One Bites The Dust?

Tiffany Is in the Hole and Sees No Way Out

The high-end jewelry industry is not impervious to economic ruin, as we thought almost a year ago. Really rich people might still flaunt their wealth in carats, but a lot of that shiny stuff is on sale now. Like clothing chains fending off discount fever, nonconformist jewelry companies are hurting. Yesterday Tiffany announced that earnings fell 75.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Like Versace and Abercrombie & Fitch, the jeweler refuses lower prices — as competitors unveil rollback after rollback — to preserve the integrity of the brand. Sales in the Americas were down 33 percent, with sales down 34 percent in the New York flagship alone. But European sales only shrank 2 percent, which sounds almost promising! Still, Tiffany convinced 600 employees to accept early-retirement packages and closed its sixteen-store Iridesse pearl-jewelry chain, which was probably smart because who buys pearls, anyway? From Tiffany of all places?

Tiffany said that this past holiday season was the "most challenging" in 21 years. But they don't see any "signs of an upturn" in business. Perhaps they haven't heard that these days, rich people are embarrassed to be seen spending the money they'll always have. We'd suggest Tiffany take its sign down and open new stores in a secret underground space only accessible through subway barber shops, where rich people can shop in secret. Or bring door-to-door salesman back for the sake of job creation.

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