07 Oct Fashion Discussion: How Much is Too Much at a Budget Retailer?
Last week, Dianna from the Budget Babe Instagrammed the photo above and I was absolutely baffled. She totally co-signed a trend I’m noticing more and more. Um, when did Payless start charging $60 for shoes? I can kinda sorta understand that price tag for a designer collaboration, but a basic pair of boots. At Payless. For $59.99?!I remember when I was a kid and my mom used to buy my shoes from Payless because the store was affordable. But now, have they lost that budget friendly appeal?
This post isn’t meant to single out or bash Payless {remember my two part series on Are Thrift Stores Becoming Too Expensive?}. I still occasionally find some great shoes there, including my faux croc pumps that lasted longer than my sample sale Manolo Blahniks.
But it’s clear to see the prices have steadily increased. The boots below are Dexflex by Dexter and are the perfect flat boot for fall. They feature a faux fur lining and faux leather. But they’re $69.99.
Of course all of the options aren’t overpriced. You can certainly find chic flats, comfy sneakers and neutral pumps for $20-$30 and some are on clearance for less than 20 bucks.
But if I’m going to buy a pair of sturdy boots for the season, I want genuine leather or if I go the faux route, I’m not paying $70! Or I could just go to a TJ Maxx, Macy’s or Loehmann’s, where I’ll end up paying even less.
Have you noticed a major jump in prices at Payless or your favorite budget retailer? How much are you willing to pay for shoes at an affordable chain? Does paying $50, $60 or $70 defeat the purpose of shopping at a cheap chic store?
ari
Posted at 06:32h, 07 Octoberyeah, their prices are crazy, and they have been for awhile.
Thrifty Chic
Posted at 11:34h, 07 OctoberHow are those boots $70?! They’re not even real leather. smh But yes, their prices have gone up. You can get something for the same price with even better quality elsewhere.
Alex
Posted at 16:38h, 07 OctoberYup, this has been going on for a while now. Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, DSW, Century 21, etc all have better deals and better quality. I’ve walked away from Macy’s with 2 pairs of shoes (using coupons) for less than $70.
DizzyDazl
Posted at 00:48h, 08 OctoberI have very much noticed Payless’ prices creeping up each year. Payless used to be my go-to store but not anymore. If this continues they may have to change the store’s name. However, I will say that I do like their BOGO sale. That is the only time I might buy one of their more expensive styles (NOT a $60-$70 one though!!). I also catch some deals on their clearance items from time to time. I must say that many of their shoes are not comfortable at all. With the current prices, I find that I don’t shop there nearly as often as I used to.
Suburban Style Challenge
Posted at 22:05h, 08 OctoberI’ve noticed this at PayLess as well. And if I’m going to buy cheaply made shoes, I’ll just buy online, where I can find clearance deals or coupon codes that get me really good deals. Marshall’s and TJ Maxx have also seen steep price increases. Used to be I could go there and find cute stuff on clearance for between $10 and $15, and even as low as $3. But now? Forget it! If you’re looking to pay less than $25 for something, take your wallet somewhere else.
Missgee62
Posted at 00:10h, 09 Octoberi dont buy from Payless as much as I use to. I usually wait til I get the 20% off coupon or wait til wed. to use my employee id card for discounts or wait on 25-70% off sales. Ever since Star Jones started that celebrity guest shoe designer for Payless, others jumped on the band wagon and the prices has steadedly gone up! Remember that one year when Oprah had a Payless SHoes store day of discount shopping…it was a special Oprah sponsored Payless shoes and accessory sale and all the payless shoe stores in the country were packed!!! I bought so many shoes that night!!! SO fun!
dogmomnyc
Posted at 10:38h, 09 OctoberAbout two years ago, I went to Payless looking for black sandals. I found the perfect pair. The only drawback was that they were $75. Yup, $75 sandals at Payless. At that price, I could and do shop other places.
http://www.thequeenofstyle.com/quee/
Lin Gorenkoff
Posted at 02:03h, 10 OctoberAgreed. It’s disappointing!
Carla Easley @ Work at Home
Posted at 11:37h, 10 OctoberI refuse to pay $59.99 for faux leather boots at Payless when I could find great deals at Burlington Coat Factory or Macy’s.