Are Loehmann's Liquidation Prices Actually Cheaper?

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We checked out both Manhattan Loehmann's locations this weekend—Chelsea and the Upper West Side—to get the low down on the liquidation sale. Both stores were packed, with shoppers scooping up everything in sight. Surprisingly, the discounts were about the same as promotional offers the chain had been offering pre-bankruptcy (when the stores were a lot emptier), and significantly less of a deal than the pre-Christmas promotions. As for the stock, things are definitely getting picked over, but there are still good buys to be had, if you're willing to look.

Much of the merchandise, including most designer brands, is now 20% off of the Loehmann's tag prices. There are still a lot of Theory pieces at both stores and some Rag & Bone. There's plenty of eveningwear, a fair number of handbags, and a lot of trend jewelry in both locations.

The majority of the clothing in both stores' first floor Young Contemporary sections are only 10% off—think brands like BCBG, Kensie, and Romeo and Juliet Couture. Most activewear and swimwear are also only 10% off, as are bras, panties, and stockings. Other lingerie, like pajamas are 20% off.

If you're really willing to dig through the racks, some of the best deals can be found on previously discounted merchandise. All of that is 30% off the lowest discounted price—which can lead to some significant savings. Mixed into this group is quite a bit of designer merchandise. We found some very old Valentino, Rag & Bone and D&G designs, but a few of the pieces were fairly beat up, so be sure to check everything out closely.

Coats are 40% off the ticketed price, but there isn't much stock—Loehmann's didn't have many coats before the sale started and there are even fewer now. Much of the stock they do have is wool, but you'll find some leather, and a few down jackets. The Chelsea store has some coats, but the Upper West Side has very few.

Although Loehmann's Gold Card members can still use their 10% discounts, other than that, shopping conditions at the liquidation sale are less than ideal. Receipts are marked "Final Sale"—if you buy it, you're keeping it.

Dressing rooms are packed, with particularly long lines at the Upper West Side store, so a lot of people are trying on clothing on the sales floor. This means that sizes and styles on the racks can get very mixed up.

The Chelsea store has a marginally better selection than the Upper West Side location and definitely has more dressing rooms. They also have a small selection of designer wedding gowns, which looked to be in decent condition—although at a sale like this, we can't imagine they'll stay that white for long.

The sale goes on until March and we'll keep you up to date on the discounts and the selection until the very end.
· Loehmann's Online Store Is Already Down For The Count [Racked NY]
· Loehmann's Set To Shutter In March [Racked NY]
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