Bag Ladies

piece of toast — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 19:47:27 -0600

After years of creating and living a life of voluntary simplicity, I just started a job working in Nordstrom's handbag department (in desperation after being laid off). It is like I am a Martian on the moon. I guess I missed the whole handbag thing. I didn't know this accessory phenom was dying already. It seems alive and well at Nordstroms. It is amazing to me and appalling that these gigantic leather equipages studded with chrome and brass, loaded with chains and tchocthkes with leather that is gussetted, gathered, grafted on and weighing 10 lbs or more are the stuff of dreams for the fashion crowd. They look like something a medieval knight might throw over the backside of his horse for a long campaign to the Crusades. These babies are a steal at $350 to $590. But incredibly, a woman will pay up to $2,500 for a handbag. This is a serious Emporer's new clothes moment in fashion history.

As a former fashion designer turned political economist, I admit to being completely lost in this world. But I am a people person and genuinely enjoy chatting with the gals who are shopping so I am able to sell quite well. After day one, I began to feel like I should treat this short term job as an anthropological research gig. It's not about the bags, I am certain. But I am not certain what it is all about. So therefore I am taking good notes and intending on writing about this. From the selling strategy sessions, the contests and rules of engagement in handbag sales warfare to the correct footwear to be worn by a sales person, it is a hoot x's ten and I am really having a great time. Or maybe I just don't get out enough. Thanks for your story, I do believe that the execs were appalled by your bag, they are very serious about this subject. They might have felt that you were taunting them.

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Bag Ladies