Han ([info]archer823) wrote in [info]metrowest,
2007-09-10 10:24:00
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Natick Collection

I went down to the "new" Natick Collection this weekend a few times to check it out / do a little bridal registry homework. My fiancee and I wandered the halls, just oggling the crowd and the ultra high end "luxury" brand stores. The whole scene made her think about how we as Americans really do live above our means to such a point that we're going to hit a recession sooner or later if we keep this up. Me? I thought about the OnPoint show that talked about luxury products, what they used to mean (actual high quality products that were worth the price for worksmanship and quality of raw goods) and what it means now (a corporate marketing / branding extravaganza where a bag now isn't handmade but out of a factory in China and one's charged multiple times as much for a similar bag with the same materials and labor costs just because it's branded a "luxury" label, I mean how nice can a $150 T shirt really be?). I mean I'm glad that there are nice restaurants at the Natick Mall that I could be proud to eat at and take out from, like Finale and Sel de la Terre, because food to me at a premium price is worth it. Clothes on the other hand? Are not. And I refuse to call it "the collection" I'm still going to call it the mall.

http://natickcollection.com/
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2007/08/20070827_b_main.asp

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  • 10 comments

[info]hs4g

September 10 2007, 15:06:38 UTC 4 years ago

seconded... I went there yesterday and was just blown away with it all... I found myself asking, "Are people really going to shop here paying those prices?" I was really hoping the answer was "No, people have more sense than to spend $200 on a pair of pants." but I don't believe that to be the case.

[info]archer823

September 10 2007, 15:13:09 UTC 4 years ago

There's obviously very wealthy people in our area, that's no secret, so they're more than welcome to pay whatever they want because it's still just a drop in the bucket. What makes me sad is that people who aren't wealthy are living above their means on nonsense where your really not getting any more quality than you would if you bought something that didn't have the luxury name brand. And our fair mall is going to continue to feed that obsession on our consumerist society. The percentage of 15 year olds at the mall should be really really small (I mean under 1 percent) that go into Louis Vutton or Coach to buy a bag. Unfortunately it's probably a lot higher than it should be.

[info]zarex

September 10 2007, 15:57:34 UTC 4 years ago

I wandered around there this weekend myself, and thought the same thing. The prices for most items are outrageous, and the quality, while good, is nowhere near good enough to justify the cost. That's marketing $$ people are paying, primarily - and presumably high overhead (rent) of these storefronts.

Frankly, I don't think they'll be able to keep all of those stores in business long-term, unless they slash the rent they charge. It's very expensive construction, and very visible, but there aren't enough wealthy people to support so many high-end stores in the long run.

[info]archer823

September 10 2007, 17:03:32 UTC 4 years ago

You have to figure between Weston / Wellesley, would they rather go to the Copley or would they rather go to Natick for high end goods? I think there's a market to support the stores, my fear is that the people who will keep these stores in business aren't the ultra wealthy, but the middle class who can't afford these goods but are so obsessed with being in vogue, especially for their teenage kids.

I was actually a little surprised to know that most stuff Gucci or Valentino makes isn't acutally made in Italy anymore, but at some other place at 1/10 of the cost, but the retail price hasn't changed one bit.

[info]zarex

September 10 2007, 17:08:54 UTC 4 years ago

You might be right, it just seems like there's so many overpriced stores that they can't support them.

Those people are such suckers.

I guess the mall is trying to keep people from going into the city for high-end shopping, which does make sense, as it's probably less annoying, easier parking, etc. Though they might not want to mix with the riffraff (like me) there for the spectacle. Or accompanying my gf who's buying expensive makeup..

I've heard that many of the cheapo knock-offs of Gucci etc. are actually better made than the real ones.

[info]zarex

September 10 2007, 15:58:25 UTC 4 years ago

Also, anyone insisting on calling it the "Natick Collection" gets a punch in the face.

[info]lizzielizzie

September 10 2007, 16:31:27 UTC 4 years ago

Sears is still an anchor store. Sears is not upscale.

I guess they just changed the name, a few tenants, and the prices. Feh.

You didn't happen to see a beading/jewelrymaking kiosk there, did you? I heard there is one there now.

[info]archer823

September 10 2007, 17:05:20 UTC 4 years ago

I did, I mean that doesn't mean that it's an all exclusive mall by anymeans, but the combination of 7 figure condos and putting up lux brands stores at a mall just screams "I'm better than you when I'm really not" attitude.

[info]lemonlies

September 11 2007, 01:38:35 UTC 4 years ago

There is and I believe it's located by Macy's. I saw some pretty stuff when I was there helping out at a store last Thursday.

[info]hnybny

September 10 2007, 20:59:11 UTC 4 years ago

I was just there yesterday too. Though the place is attractive, its soulless. Its definitely aimed at a wealthy clientele with lots of disposable income. Its different from the other part of the mall in both design and item value. Its a long way from Spencer Gifts to Tiffany's.
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