Working Shoe for Young Exec - Part 2

[J.T.M.]

Here is my FR for Carmina

I came in with high hopes for a fair pricing close to online + shipping costs.

But....

Shell Cordovan - 4 models. Price from $2.2 to $2.8k. (WTF??)

Non shell cordovan - >10 models. Price range $700 to $900+

Conclusion : buy online if you are looking for shell. Non shell can consider.

The markup is even higher than KS. Wow.

 

[dark_aLLeY]

have fun trying the fits?

their mto price still stand - store price + 50%

 

[urbanturban]

have fun trying the fits?

their mto price still stand - store price + 50%

Won't the MTO price be crazy to do at the Singapore store? It goes into hand-welt territory.

 

[dark_aLLeY]

At these price levels I cannot see how they will still entertain Singapore orders on their official estore..

Better buy shell ones fast before estore rejects Singapore orders... shell carminas are pretty exclusive to estore and not other online retailers.

Then I'll ship to my m'sian fren's home and bring in.

 

[All in a Day]

Then I'll ship to my m'sian fren's home and bring in.

Pls extend that option to me too. If that day comes. Your msian friend can do brisk business taking a small comm to use his address lol

 

[urbanturban]

Actually, the calf prices are rather similar to Armoury HK.
Which is also quite similar to retail stores in the US.

That is the cost of having fancy showrooms and nice sales assistants.

 

[TUV2008]

Here is my FR for Carmina

I came in with high hopes for a fair pricing close to online + shipping costs.

But....

Shell Cordovan - 4 models. Price from $2.2 to $2.8k. (WTF??)

Non shell cordovan - >10 models. Price range $700 to $900+

Conclusion : buy online if you are looking for shell. Non shell can consider.

can someone educate me what so good about Cordovan? ... more comfortable than calf or lasting?

 

[likehotbutter]

can someone educate me what so good about Cordovan? ... more comfortable than calf or lasting?

Just different character, qualities and aesthetic appeal, high sheen, rolls etc. Just like deciding on Jeans, chinos, dress trousers, all pants yet same same but different.

 

[likehotbutter]

You beat me to it... The prices were much higher than I had hoped they would be.

What a batshit crazy markup.

Sales people are locals? Maybe need to justify a couple of expat packages

 

[stormcontrol]

So lots of people going in today just getting the sizing sorted out and not buying anything? Wonder if the SA starting to get black-face already anot...

 

[PetiaC]

Hi all,

I went to check out the Carmina store today. Met the second gen sisters, Carmina and Marlene. Went to take peektures and chit chat with the ladies.

The local store is the first in Asia and is owned by local franchise HMZ Pte Ltd. Yes HMZ not HWZ, so no discount for forum members.

The elder lady told me her she and her son invested their family fortune for this business to happen. They encountered Carmina in their travels and fell in love with the shoes so much they kept going back for more, until a point of time they decided why not open a store here.

She did mention to me that the cost of setting up shop here is rather high, which I totally understand and agree. I wish her all the best for her new business.

Even though the price range is out of my budget, I still think it is better to buy a pair of Carminas at this price range than the even higher priced high fashion junk.

Somehow I forget to ask the price for the shoe polish. Anyone can do me the favour?

 

[Darknight55]

Surprisingly, shoe trees are the same as online pricing.

 

[dark_aLLeY]

Surprisingly, shoe trees are the same as online pricing.

How much is a pair of shoe trees from the boutique?

 

[urbanturban]

How much is a pair of shoe trees from the boutique?

$70.

(10 chars)

 

[beatific]

Hi all,

I went to check out the Carmina store today. Met the second gen sisters, Carmina and Marlene. Went to take peektures and chit chat with the ladies.

The local store is the first in Asia and is owned by local franchise HMZ Pte Ltd. Yes HMZ not HWZ, so no discount for forum members.

The elder lady told me her she and her son invested their family fortune for this business to happen. They encountered Carmina in their travels and fell in love with the shoes so much they kept going back for more, until a point of time they decided why not open a store here.

She did mention to me that the cost of setting up shop here is rather high, which I totally understand and agree. I wish her all the best for her new business.

Even though the price range is out of my budget, I still think it is better to buy a pair of Carminas at this price range than the even higher priced high fashion junk.

Somehow I forget to ask the price for the shoe polish. Anyone can do me the favour?

I saw a bunch of indians (no offense intended, thats the only way i can describe them) at the counter, are they the investors/franchisees?

 

[grenharware]

Guys any recommendation for a decent cobbler? The ones I've been to won't fix the wear on the toe tip of the shoe and said they have to replace the whole sole (what?!)

 

[josephkjc]

can someone educate me what so good about Cordovan? ... more comfortable than calf or lasting?

Cordovan is stiffer and doesn't crease as much. Last longer than calf IMO. It is also shiner by nature. However it's more prone to fine scratches but can be polished away

 

[josephkjc]

Cream and wax $15 each but they brought in limited colours only

 

[TUV2008]

Cordovan is stiffer and doesn't crease as much. Last longer than calf IMO. It is also shiner by nature. However it's more prone to fine scratches but can be polished away

Thank you ... I will go and check it out !

 

[PetiaC]

I saw a bunch of indians (no offense intended, thats the only way i can describe them) at the counter, are they the investors/franchisees?

Bunch doesn't really sounds polite oh well, nevermind not your English teacher.

Should be the friends or kin of the local franchise boss.