NYC VCA

[Yoshi1296]

That was funny! I thought the same when I saw it... this is it? It's so ugly! I actually made a specific point to see it due to all the hoopla. I guess I don't qualify as an art expert.

I will go down there again next time I get to NYC, if anything, to check out the high end jewelry stores before they all shut down.

Chatting in this thread about NYC makes me miss it so much. Even with all its ups and downs... there's no place like NYC.

haha right! It just seems so redundant and pointless since manhattan has so many shopping areas already, and the over-the-top luxury aspect of hudson yards just felt so tired and extra.

Yes, def check it out though! Maybe you'll like it!

Trust me, I live in the city myself (born and raised) and I miss it just as much as you do. The city is struggling a lot and it hurts to see that but just like always NYC will bounce back like before, as you said, theres no place like NYC and the reason for that is the city's resilience.

Please do visit! we need more visitors. Also, the VCA at hudson and 5th ave both are definitely quite pretty and very pleasant to shop at. The sales staff at VCA 5th Ave is just immaculate I must say.

 

[jp824]

haha right! It just seems so redundant and pointless since manhattan has so many shopping areas already, and the over-the-top luxury aspect of hudson yards just felt so tired and extra.

Yes, def check it out though! Maybe you'll like it!

Trust me, I live in the city myself (born and raised) and I miss it just as much as you do. The city is struggling a lot and it hurts to see that but just like always NYC will bounce back like before, as you said, theres no place like NYC and the reason for that is the city's resilience.

Please do visit! we need more visitors. Also, the VCA at hudson and 5th ave both are definitely quite pretty and very pleasant to shop at. The sales staff at VCA 5th Ave is just immaculate I must say.

I feel optimistic as well about the city bouncing back! I try to go into my office in midtown (2 blocks from VCA) at least once a week just because I miss walking around that area and need a break from wfh. My daughter and I try to do our part by exploring different parts of the city each weekend shopping and eating and patronizing the local businesses. It will be an East Village outing this weekend so maybe we will do Hudson Yards next weekend.

 

[Croissant]

i established a very good relationship with vca @ hudson yards and spent a lot of money with them. their service was also very personalized, thoughtful, & just phenomenal, precisely because it was a smaller store. the 5th avenue flagship, though more old school glamorous, is EVERYONE'S flagship...that being said, i initially started my vca collection via hudson yards because it was close to work. the 5th avenue store is actually within walking distance from where i live and work today. and i agree with the comment above...if any of the boutiques are set to survive this crisis, it will be the flagship on 5th, rather than Related's latest property venture.

 

[Yoshi1296]

I feel optimistic as well about the city bouncing back! I try to go into my office in midtown (2 blocks from VCA) at least once a week just because I miss walking around that area and need a break from wfh. My daughter and I try to do our part by exploring different parts of the city each weekend shopping and eating and patronizing the local businesses. It will be an East Village outing this weekend so maybe we will do Hudson Yards next weekend.

This is such a fabulous idea! I hope it has been enjoyable for you both so far! I have been going into the office about once a week too for the same reason.

But yes I've been trying to support local businesses too. They need our help right now.

 

[TankerToad]

No more special black VCA NYC packaging.
I guess another casualty of Covid.

 

[leannak]

I'd recommend 5th Ave. Much bigger selection available at the flagship and service is much better. I had a horrible experience at Hudson Yards, honestly the WORST shopping experience I've ever had at any high-end boutique. I'm Asian and the SA that helped me at Hudson Yards was rude and racist. Hudson Yards is actually much closer to where I live but I will never go there again.

 

[Emily1830]

I'd recommend 5th Ave. Much bigger selection available at the flagship and service is much better. I had a horrible experience at Hudson Yards, honestly the WORST shopping experience I've ever had at any high-end boutique. I'm Asian and the SA that helped me at Hudson Yards was rude and racist. Hudson Yards is actually much closer to where I live but I will never go there again.

I’m not sure if you feel comfortable posting about it but I’m dying to know what happened.

 

[Kmazz39]

I sent you a PM!

Do you mind PM'ing me with your NYC Van Cleef SA's info?

 

[880]

I'd recommend 5th Ave. Much bigger selection available at the flagship and service is much better. I had a horrible experience at Hudson Yards, honestly the WORST shopping experience I've ever had at any high-end boutique. I'm Asian and the SA that helped me at Hudson Yards was rude and racist. Hudson Yards is actually much closer to where I live but I will never go there again.

That’s so awful! Pls do post what happened, if you feel comfortable doing so. If you feel comfortable, you might als9 want to alert management there or corporate. (I’m Asian too and have only had good experiences there — similar to @Croissant ).

 

[chromemilou]

Random question. Do any of you work with an SA at the HY location and a different one at the 5th Ave location? I started working with someone from HY who is great, but I always get this feeling that she's a touch junior and I'm somehow not getting the full VCA experience going to the HY location so I was thinking of finding someone at 5th Ave. Would my HY SA find out about it? Maybe I'm over thinking things, but I feel a little weird about it like I'm acting disloyal or something...Txs!

 

[Yodabest]

Random question. Do any of you work with an SA at the HY location and a different one at the 5th Ave location? I started working with someone from HY who is great, but I always get this feeling that she's a touch junior and I'm somehow not getting the full VCA experience going to the HY location so I was thinking of finding someone at 5th Ave. Would my HY SA find out about it? Maybe I'm over thinking things, but I feel a little weird about it like I'm acting disloyal or something...Txs!

I own a lot of VCA and never deal with the same SA. This isn’t something I’d think twice about, personally.

 

[chromemilou]

I own a lot of VCA and never deal with the same SA. This isn’t something I’d think twice about, personally.

Interesting. Txs for sharing!

 

[BigAkoya]

Random question. Do any of you work with an SA at the HY location and a different one at the 5th Ave location? I started working with someone from HY who is great, but I always get this feeling that she's a touch junior and I'm somehow not getting the full VCA experience going to the HY location so I was thinking of finding someone at 5th Ave. Would my HY SA find out about it? Maybe I'm over thinking things, but I feel a little weird about it like I'm acting disloyal or something...Txs!

If it's at a different boutique, it will not be awkward at all. I would just find a new SA, but still keep your options open with your old SA. I think many clients are not super loyal mainly because there are so few VCA boutiques nationwide, and many buy when they are on vacation. This is especially true of the NYC stores... there are SO many tourists that come in and out. Money just flows to these SAs and they don't really need to try (at least not in the past). I shop at the Chanel flagship on 57th, and I had one SA at Chanel tell me, "the Americans come in and mull over one bag and keep thinking about it. The Chinese tourists come in and say I'll take this style in all the colors you have". I had a Tiffany SA tell me he had a European client from overseas come in and purchase two 3ct engagement rings for his two teenage sons to someday give to their brides.

So... with NYC stores... I learned... no need to be loyal unless you are a big repeat regular spender. I used to try and go back to the same SA, but nah... they don't really need me. That's just my opinion.

 

[Notorious Pink]

If it's at a different boutique, it will not be awkward at all. I would just find a new SA, but still keep your options open with your old SA. I think many clients are not super loyal mainly because there are so few VCA boutiques nationwide, and many buy when they are on vacation. This is especially true of the NYC stores... there are SO many tourists that come in and out. Money just flows to these SAs and they don't really need to try (at least not in the past). I shop at the Chanel flagship on 57th, and I had one SA at Chanel tell me, "the Americans come in and mull over one bag and keep thinking about it. The Chinese tourists come in and say I'll take this style in all the colors you have". I had a Tiffany SA tell me he had a European client from overseas come in and purchase two 3ct engagement rings for his two teenage sons to someday give to their brides.

So... with NYC stores... I learned... no need to be loyal unless you are a big repeat regular spender. I used to try and go back to the same SA, but nah... they don't really need me. That's just my opinion.

That has not been my experience with the VCA on 5th. I LOOOOOVE my SA. We talk all the time, and I am definitely not the biggest spender - just passionate and loyal. Same with my Hermès SA (who, admittedly, I clicked with when he was down at Wall Street and is only now at Madison). I haven't even bought any Bulgari but my mom and I are going in tomorrow, invited by an SA I've become friendly with, basically just to look at their new things and have a fun hour playing with jewelry. I think these SAs appreciate the relationships and people who love and appreciate the brand - I mean, I'm sure there are plenty who just like the random tourists who come in and buy 12 of something, but it seems to me that at least some are gratified by the relationships, too.

Now my SA knows I'm much closer to the Manhasset boutique so she knows there may be a few random purchases there. I know she can see purchases I've made elsewhere so it's definitely something I consider when planning them.

 

[TankerToad]

That has not been my experience with the VCA on 5th. I LOOOOOVE my SA. We talk all the time, and I am definitely not the biggest spender - just passionate and loyal. Same with my Hermès SA (who, admittedly, I clicked with when he was down at Wall Street and is only now at Madison). I haven't even bought any Bulgari but my mom and I are going in tomorrow, invited by an SA I've become friendly with, basically just to look at their new things and have a fun hour playing with jewelry. I think these SAs appreciate the relationships and people who love and appreciate the brand - I mean, I'm sure there are plenty who just like the random tourists who come in and buy 12 of something, but it seems to me that at least some are gratified by the relationships, too.

Now my SA knows I'm much closer to the Manhasset boutique so she knows there may be a few random purchases there. I know she can see purchases I've made elsewhere so it's definitely something I consider when planning them.

This 100%
When you have developed a VCA relationship it’s rewarding on both, still something to be said for the long term relationship.
I do not think you are penalized when you purchase VCA from another SA, like say with Hermès - however.