A|X online: schnell
Written: Jul 11 '03 (Updated Aug 08 '04)
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| Full Review |
Giorgio Armani may be the last great designer to deal with fashion as an art. His creations are never pretentious or overly showy; no flagrant colors or odd shapes adorn them. The people who wear his labels, Armani Collezioni, Giorgio Armani, and Emporio Armani, may want to stand out, but not to a point where they seem ostentatious. Gucci and Versace are so showy (just check both brands’ runway photos) that they’ve lost touch with professionalism. This is a mistake that Giorgio Armani has vowed to avoid, and this has distinguished him for years. The legendary designer’s understated style has earned him more patrons than any other brand.
As you can probably tell, I was pretty excited when I discovered A|X. Could Mr. Armani manage to cater to teens and twenty-somethings without compromising his legendary name and quality? Could he finally be the one to save me from buying Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle? Thankfully the answer to both questions is yes. You see before A|X, there were basically two factions/choices for teens. You could go with the urban-American brands (Enyce, Aeropostale, etc.) or the outdoor/preppy-American brands (Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, etc.). The only thing remotely similar to Armani Exchange was Structure/Express Men. And that brand definitely did not reach A|X’s level of sophistication.
Armani online
Aside from emporioarmaniwatches.com, armaniexchange.com is the only place to buy Armani online. That’s good news for the people who don’t live near the brand’s 43 nationwide stores. The site is very professional and chic, much like the apparel within. Pictures are big and clear, the music is just right, everything is well organized, and the interface is simple. Extensive information and meticulous details are provided in additional photos of each product. Prices are reasonable, but if you disagree, don't fret- there’s always some kind of sale going on.
Selection
Maybe I’m being a little harsh (I am used to perusing the flagship A|X store on Fifth Avenue), but the availability on the site is definitely insufficient; the clothes at armaniexchange.com have now-you-see-them-now-you-don’t demand. Not long after a new season rolls in, everything is gone, with the exception of XXL or Small sizes. This is the only problem I have with A|X online, though it is a major problem.
Expect to see most apparel in actual stores on the site.
Ease of ordering
Shopping online could not be easier. After adding a purchase to your virtual bag, click to checkout, fill out shipping information, type in a credit card number, and you're finished.
Delivery
All of Armani Exchange’s products are shipped from Secaucus, NJ, so the closer you are, the shorter your wait. I live in the New York area, and purchases are on my doorstep in less than 36 hours. Needless to say I’m happy with A|X’s efficiency, and assume it can’t be that bad for the rest of you.
Customer service
I haven’t experienced A|X’s customer service firsthand, but from what I’ve heard, it’s good. And just in case you have a change of heart, all online purchases can be returned at any Armani Exchange location within 30 days. Store credit will be issued after that.
Extras
To promote sales, A|X has an E-points system. For each dollar you spend at armaniexchange.com, you’ll receive one E-point. Obtain 500 of these, and a $50 gift certificate is yours.
If you want to stay current with what’s happening at Armani Exchange, join the A|X mailing list. Every so often you’ll receive information on special events, sales, and new styles, and eventually you’ll reach insider status. This will get you special discounts, previews of the upcoming season, and double E-points.
Conclusion
Armani Exchange is a godsend for fashionistas. It shares the name of the legend himself, yet it remains within reach of the moderately-affluent teen. Aside from poor availability, A|X’s online store is perfect; delivery is quick, customer service is generous, and ordering is easy. It’s undoubtedly my favorite place to shop online.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Scratched Leather Messenger Bag
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Epinions.com ID:
babyeddy7
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Member: Derek
Location: New York City
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
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