The Sample Guys are back with another warehouse sale. In time for the chilly season, they are bringing a large assortment of luxury parkas and accessories to Vancouver.
I was able to get in a day early for their VIP sale, to get the scoop on what they have in stock and to report if they are worth your time and attention.
Held in the old Vancouver Convention Centre in Hall B, don’t let the competing Estée Lauder warehouse sale line dissuade you.
This Toronto based sale concept has brought their wares across Canada by truck. And will only be in town for the weekend of November 22nd to 24th, 2024.
Having shopped their sales before I can attest that this new venue is a lot more spacious, has better ventilation, and makes for an overall better and friendlier shopping experience. Best of all, there is also plenty of room to try on coats in between the isles. Although there are mirrors lined up against the back wall if you want a full view of yourself doing so.
I came in with a budget in mind and had that dashed. In truth, I was expecting coats for $100-$200. This was not the case. Anything thick and puffy ran from $500 and beyond. Leather products were up to $700 plus. Anything with a moderate amount of down-filling falls between the $399 mark and upwards to just under $600. Full length wool coats are around $500 where as mid length ones run $100 less.
In truth, I am not in the market for a winter parka, as I have my staples, but was actually looking for more unique snd bespoke pieces. Typically sample sales feature limited release items that designers try out, that don’t necessarily make it to the market. Therefore, you can find some pretty original cuts or patterns, and that was what I wanted. Instead, it was predominantly a sea of black, grey, navy, white, the safe “standards” that make up majority of Vancouverites’ closets.
I did note some more unique pieces like a metallic silver puffer vest, a baby pink army fatigue bomber, a lilac robe trench, and an icy metallic blue raincoat.
I also appreciated that it wasn’t only winter coats as expected. Amongst the racks there were rain pieces, snow pants, and even a ski suit. There are also accessories tables with toques, caps, bucket hats, gloves, scarves, sweatpants, zip ups, and even a sports bra.
The dominant brand is Rudsak. There is so much in stock that they have offered additional 50% off its last ticketed price with the intent to clear out. There are also pieces from The North Face, Mackage, Save the Duck, Moose Knuckles, and Parajumpers for both men and women. Their flyers and advertisements also mentioned UGG, Canada Goose, Moncler; and that there will be boots. I saw none of that today.
There is also Soia & Kyo, a more fashion-forward outerwear brand for women. I myself have one of their trench coats and ended up getting another today. Theirs was the only patterned piece that I found worthy of my money. A cream base with brown splotches. It was giving me, giraffe mixed with cow, a southern cowboy Christmas. Not a staple, but a statement and I was only over my budget by $50+ dollars.
Honestly, I would have gotten more had the prices been sliced in half. I was in the market for a leather number as a find faux leather peels and breaks over the years. I was also looking for a basic black tie up trench for those more formal events. And I paused on The North Face gloves, an excellent pair, but honestly at only $10 off of the regular retail price, this did not constitute as a sale.
I sort of feel that a lot of the people shopping were purchasing because they came all the way down, and did not want to leave empty-handed for their troubles. However, if you are in the market for a new winter jacket and love the idea of rummaging through a series of racks, looking for a gem, then this is a sale for you.
For the rest of us lookie loos and so-so shoppers, here are a few tips to maximize your experience.
If you don’t have anything specific in mind, I suggest visiting later in the day for a shorter line and less bodies. The hardcore shoppers will be lining up to be the first and the reality is the Sample Guys are pretty good at restocking consistently and saving stock for each additional day. Not to mention, you won’t miss what you didn’t know they had.
To start, get a lay of the land. Do a drive-by once over of all the racks to see if anything catches your eye. Be sure to try on the first piece you pick up. You want to make sure you are actually shopping your correct size. Case in point, I am typically a medium, however, for these luxury brands it appears I am more comfortably a large. This opened up more possibilities and more racks.
Dress light. There is a coat check to check in your jackets and oversized bags. This is to deter theft, but having to do so slows you down, as you need to line up for the service. On the same token, you don’t want to have to carry either around. It is easier to shop hands-free. I don’t even advise a handbag or a side bag. If you have one, wear a waist pouch. It makes putting jackets on and pulling them off quicker and easier. And you will be repeating this motion a lot.
I just learned that there is an underground pass that connects the old convention centre with the new. So if you park under the latter, you can simply walk to the former in comfort, leaving your jacket in the car.
Make sure you are wearing multiple layers to try on jackets. Chances are you won’t be wearing a tank top or a simple T-shirt under your winter coat. I wore a turtleneck and a blazer, and found it a good gauge of fit.
Use your front facing camera in place of a mirror. I places mine on the ground, up against the wheels of the racks in a tilted at a 45° angle. With it I was able to back up and get a decent full body view of myself. This saved time and energy, not having to carry a whole bunch of coats to the row of mirrors, I mentioned earlier. Plus it is easier to put away all the “no’s”.
Hit the accessories table early on. They typically go quick as they don’t need much trying on. Not to mention they are difficult to sort through once disheveled. Although there are staff employed to consistently fold and organize; and their presence discourages chaos. These items make great stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts. Hot tip, purchase what you like, so if you don’t end up giving it away, you now have yourself an unexpected present.
My last tip is a personal preference. Shop alone to maximize efficiency. I like shopping by myself. I feel having anyone with me hinders my experience and speed, as I now have to look out for them and myself. I find myself trying to reconnect with them throughout the shopping, then waiting for them after it.
Sample Sale Guys Winter Parka Warehouse Sale
November 22-24 2024
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
