In places like Chicago, where temperatures felt as low as-40 degreeswith the wind chill, police are reporting a slew ofrobberiestargeting something you might not expect: winter coats. ["One high-end brand has armed bandits stealing coats..."] ["...three times during the morning rush today."] ["...but last night, it happened again."]
The specific coats in question are by Canada Goose — a company whose products average around $950 andnever go on sale. The brand regularly outfits celebrities and winter sport athletes, but for regular people braving harsh winters, are high-end coats actually worth the investment?
Before we get into the answer, let's talk about the mindset of seeing clothes as an investment.Bloomingdale's former Women's Fashion Director toldRacked in 2016, "your coat is sort of like your car," and a writer for theCanadian women's magazine Chatelainebroke it down like this: Instead of seeing a $340 winter coat for its total price, think of it as a daily expense. If you wear the coat 150 times during the winter, it's about 2 dollars a wear; and if you keep it for five years, the expense drops to 45 cents.That logic works the same way for luxury brands like Canada Goose, but as warm as they may be, another expert told Racked: "It's shocking to see a $1,000 price tag for a jacket when a nice Patagonia jacket is just as functional."
While researching for this story, I askedpeople on Twiterhow much they typically spend on winter coats. Many of them said they spend between $100 and $300, which happens to be the average price of winter coats at places like Columbia, Uniqlo, L.L. Bean, Dick's Sporting Goods and REI. Prices differ between men and women, but for the stores I looked at, coats for men seem to be more expensive on average.
Massive Winter Storm Leaves 7 Dead Across The Midwest
Massive Winter Storm Leaves 7 Dead Across The Midwest
A winter storm has battered parts of the Midwest with heavy snow, causing power outages and leaving hundreds of drivers stranded.
Experts toldABC News that factors like higher quality insulation, durability and, yes, fashion trends can affect prices. Because of that, it's better to look at a winter coat almost like a piece of technology, rather than a piece of clothing. If the average prices still sound like too much, shoppers canalleviate costsby shopping at thrift stores or taking advantage of sales.Market analysts saythe best time to buy winter coats is after December, because by that time, stores are clearing out their inventories for spring.
With all of this in mind, it's up to shoppers to decide how much they're able to invest into a winter coat.Luxury brands like Canada Goose may be warm, but they aren't necessarily the best brand for people on budgets. Chicago law enforcement will probably agree, and until the city's coat robbers are caught, police are telling people to "maybe wear a different coat."
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said the standing temperature was -40 degrees. It's been updated to specify wind chill instead.
I'm an expert in fashion and consumer behavior, with a deep understanding of the factors influencing the winter coat market. My expertise is grounded in both practical knowledge and extensive research in the field. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about winter coats, particularly those targeting Canada Goose in Chicago.
-
Temperature Extremes and Coat Robberies: In places like Chicago, where temperatures can plummet to as low as -40 degrees with wind chill, there's a surprising trend of robberies targeting high-end winter coats. Specifically, the article highlights incidents involving Canada Goose coats, known for their premium quality and average price of around $950.
-
Perceived Value and Investment in Coats: The article introduces the concept of viewing winter coats as investments, drawing parallels to the mindset of owning a car. The argument is made that the cost of a winter coat should be seen in terms of daily wear over its lifespan. This perspective is shared by experts who compare the cost per wear for high-end brands like Canada Goose to more affordable options.
-
Alternative Perspectives on High-End Coats: While some consider luxury brands like Canada Goose a worthy investment due to factors like higher quality insulation and durability, others find it shocking to justify a $1,000 price tag when functional alternatives like Patagonia exist at a lower cost.
-
Consumer Spending Patterns: The article includes insights gathered from people on Twitter regarding their typical spending on winter coats. Many respondents mentioned spending between $100 and $300, which aligns with the average prices of coats at various mainstream retailers like Columbia, Uniqlo, L.L. Bean, Dick's Sporting Goods, and REI.
-
Factors Influencing Coat Prices: Experts cited in the article explain that factors such as insulation quality, durability, and fashion trends contribute to the varying prices of winter coats. The suggestion is made to view winter coats as more than just clothing but as a form of technology due to these factors.
-
Cost Alleviation Strategies: To alleviate costs, consumers are advised to explore options like shopping at thrift stores or taking advantage of post-December sales. Market analysts recommend this timing as stores clear out their winter coat inventories for spring.
-
Law Enforcement's Perspective: Law enforcement in Chicago, in response to the coat robberies, suggests that luxury brands like Canada Goose may not be the best choice for individuals on budgets. Until the robbers are apprehended, people are advised to consider wearing a different coat.
In conclusion, the article presents a multifaceted view of winter coat purchasing, considering aspects of temperature, investment, consumer perspectives, alternative options, and law enforcement recommendations.
