The late FJ Benjamin Sale Field Report (reached home very late last night after tennis):
Was on afternoon leave as I mentioned, had to drop by town for a doctor's appointment. Upon reaching Hyatt hotel at around 2pm, I was bracing myself for quite a scene when I started hearing the busier-than-normal lobby area buzzing with whispers of "Hi, sorry, where's the FJ Benjamin sale?" and seeing small packs of two or three people lugging around big, red plastic bags, two in one hand, like wolves returning from a successful scavenge.
The queue to deposit my bag so I could get in was about 10-15 mins, as somebody already mentioned. I was given a shiny clear plastic bag by the rather cute lady at the door to contain my trophies, if any.
MOTHER OF GOD the place was a warzone.
Compartmentalised quite clearly into different areas for different brands, it's not hard to find a specific brand. From what I recall, take your pick from Raoul, Banana Republic, Guess, La Senza, Gap. Actually finding something you would want to buy is a whole new thing. I guess not many people shared this sentiment in the crowd, since they were RAVENOUS. Pushing, shoving, flinging, turning shirts inside out. I swear if you look straight into their eyes you could see a vindictive glint.
The queue to pay was snaking around the cashier area and most of the main ballroom area. I had neither the mood or time to hang around for much longer, so I took a few quick pictures (mostly of the prices) and left. It has to be said that I wasn't the only one who crushed my plastic bag into a pulp and leave the room once I saw the carnage; A few other people, mostly guys, did too.
Can't post the pictures due to being at work, but some prices for anyone who's braver than me.
Raoul Ties:
1 for $30
3 for $75
5 for $100
Raoul Shirts/Tops:
1 for $50
3 for $120
5 for $150
Banana Republic Pants, Sweaters, Woven Tops and Dresses:
NOW $50
GAP Sweaters and Woven Tops:
1 for $15
5 for $63
8 for $96
GAP Denim, Pants, Skirts, Dresses and Outerwear:
1 for $25
5 for $115
8 for $175
GAP T-shirts was something like 1 for $10, 5 for $40, 8 for $56.
Lots of cheap Guess stuff and La Senza as well. No idea about the quality, since I wasn't anywhere near those areas. Actually, I'm afraid I can't give too much useful information about the variety and quality of nearly all the brands, since I didn't actually browse closely enough.
Might edit the post tonight to show one or two pictures of the bag deposit area.
Was on afternoon leave as I mentioned, had to drop by town for a doctor's appointment. Upon reaching Hyatt hotel at around 2pm, I was bracing myself for quite a scene when I started hearing the busier-than-normal lobby area buzzing with whispers of "Hi, sorry, where's the FJ Benjamin sale?" and seeing small packs of two or three people lugging around big, red plastic bags, two in one hand, like wolves returning from a successful scavenge.
The queue to deposit my bag so I could get in was about 10-15 mins, as somebody already mentioned. I was given a shiny clear plastic bag by the rather cute lady at the door to contain my trophies, if any.
MOTHER OF GOD the place was a warzone.
Compartmentalised quite clearly into different areas for different brands, it's not hard to find a specific brand. From what I recall, take your pick from Raoul, Banana Republic, Guess, La Senza, Gap. Actually finding something you would want to buy is a whole new thing. I guess not many people shared this sentiment in the crowd, since they were RAVENOUS. Pushing, shoving, flinging, turning shirts inside out. I swear if you look straight into their eyes you could see a vindictive glint.
The queue to pay was snaking around the cashier area and most of the main ballroom area. I had neither the mood or time to hang around for much longer, so I took a few quick pictures (mostly of the prices) and left. It has to be said that I wasn't the only one who crushed my plastic bag into a pulp and leave the room once I saw the carnage; A few other people, mostly guys, did too.
Can't post the pictures due to being at work, but some prices for anyone who's braver than me.
Raoul Ties:
1 for $30
3 for $75
5 for $100
Raoul Shirts/Tops:
1 for $50
3 for $120
5 for $150
Banana Republic Pants, Sweaters, Woven Tops and Dresses:
NOW $50
GAP Sweaters and Woven Tops:
1 for $15
5 for $63
8 for $96
GAP Denim, Pants, Skirts, Dresses and Outerwear:
1 for $25
5 for $115
8 for $175
GAP T-shirts was something like 1 for $10, 5 for $40, 8 for $56.
Lots of cheap Guess stuff and La Senza as well. No idea about the quality, since I wasn't anywhere near those areas. Actually, I'm afraid I can't give too much useful information about the variety and quality of nearly all the brands, since I didn't actually browse closely enough.
Might edit the post tonight to show one or two pictures of the bag deposit area.
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