The unofficial Drake's London Appreciation Thread

[henrip]

Ahhh I will definitely check out Anderson & Sheppard!

New Perfumer H store is nearby as well. Great perfumes in my opinion!

 

[The B.]

These two are about the same price (250 US$), however the latter (which I got at boujeepeople for a fraction of a fraction of the price)

How’s your experience with boujeepeople?

 

[justinpledger]

interesting. can you describe these pushy sales techniques if you don't mind? I visited the London branch earlier this year and they were very gracious. the fit of the clothes are definitely very specific, but the chinos have grown to become my no.1 trousers the past 3 years.

Sure, I’m happy to provide more detail on my experience.

I was really excited to try Bryceland’s. On my first two visits, I left with a couple of chore jackets, a bandana and some accessories. There’d been a mix up with collecting one of the chores, which was a pain as it was a wasted journey of over two hours but the team there were very gracious.

It was my third visit that things didn’t go well. I went there with a close friend to collect a half-zip chambray shirt that I ordered online.

Upon trying the shirt, it was clear that it didn’t suit me or fit me at all well. The staff member assisting us insisted that it looked great. It really didn’t. And so I asked if I could simply not take it home and get a refund. I was offered an exchange. This less than straightforward policy led me to feel compelled to choose something else. I tried on a few things, each time being told that they looked perfect, as they should, and that it really suited me etc. I left with a linen cabana shirt. Wholly impractical for the season and not really, ‘me’ (as I soon realised).

My friend commented on how pushy the staff seemed. Being disingenuous about fit when I was trying things that didn't fit well at all but was told that they did, and also guiding me towards a purchase that was not only stylistically unsuitable but also impractical given the time of year.

Reflecting on my experience at home, I decided to email the team and explain how I felt. I was given a credit note for the cabana (they themselves noted how difficult it would be to sell to someone else given that it was autumn).

My experience taught me several things. Firstly that it’s crucial for sales staff to balance being helpful and honest (and building a relationship with a customer) with the need to make a sale. They should ideally guide customers towards purchases that are not only stylistically suitable but also practical. Otherwise, customers can feel discomfort and it can lead to regrettable purchases.

Secondly, a more flexible, open return policy (when not abused of course) enhances a shopping experience and helps to build trust in a brand.

Thirdly, my initial positive feelings about the brand and significant expenditure during my first two visits set a certain level of expectation for customer service. I really wanted to build a relationship with them as I have with other stores. They showed little interest in genuinely building a relationship with me. Despite me already spending some pretty good money with them.

Fourthly, and probably most importantly, standing your ground, trusting your own judgment about what suits you and personal-decision making are paramount. But Bryceland's was a new brand to me and I was relying, in some ways, on the team there to show me around.

I feel sad about my experience because I know how different it can be. I know that I can rely on the team at Anderson, Drake’s and others to be really honest with me. To help guide me. I’ve built up good relationships with them and am deeply loyal as a result.

When brands get it right, when they show an interest in who you are, your style, when they're honest with you and open and genuine - it can be transformative. I love Drake's customer service and the team there. And, because they've taken me on this journey with the brand, almost everything I buy is now from them. Because I trust them. They're brilliant.

 

[alfredt]

I went there with a close friend to collect a half-zip chambray shirt that I ordered online.

Upon trying the shirt, it was clear that it didn’t suit me or fit me at all well. The staff member assisting us insisted that it looked great. It really didn’t. And so I asked if I could simply not take it home and get a refund. I was offered an exchange.

In the EU they have to offer a refund on an online order. Is it not the same in the UK anymore? It's not very customer friendly that's for sure.

 

[GabrielJF]

.

 

[nachobarro]

The Green Coverall is here, and in my regular size 38 is even bigger than I remembered hehe, I think the size 36 definitely suits me much much better.

Will upload some pics tomorrow with natural lighting, but I think I'm keeping it, it drapes a bit weird right now because the stiffness of the recently waxed fabric, but I think it will look a lot better after 5-10 wears.

Also, want to point out that Drake's Customer service and shipping/logistics is unmatched. Ordered yesterday at 8am and received today 1h ago. They even included a cloth garment bag that feels very substantial and nice quality (last year they shipped in paper bags, so a huge step up from them).

 

[Ibiscus]

The Green Coverall is here, and in my regular size 38 is even bigger than I remembered hehe, I think the size 36 definitely suits me much much better.

Will upload some pics tomorrow with natural lighting, but I think I'm keeping it, it drapes a bit weird right now because the stiffness of the recently waxed fabric, but I think it will look a lot better after 5-10 wears.

Also, want to point out that Drake's Customer service and shipping/logistics is unmatched. Ordered yesterday at 8am and received today 1h ago. They even included a cloth garment bag that feels very substantial and nice quality (last year they shipped in paper bags, so a huge step up from them).

I recently received a wool chore and a 300 CHF scarf in very poor paper bags with only a ridiculous piece of paper as protection…

 

[Wim]

The Green Coverall is here, and in my regular size 38 is even bigger than I remembered hehe, I think the size 36 definitely suits me much much better.

Will upload some pics tomorrow with natural lighting, but I think I'm keeping it, it drapes a bit weird right now because the stiffness of the recently waxed fabric, but I think it will look a lot better after 5-10 wears.

Also, want to point out that Drake's Customer service and shipping/logistics is unmatched. Ordered yesterday at 8am and received today 1h ago. They even included a cloth garment bag that feels very substantial and nice quality (last year they shipped in paper bags, so a huge step up from them).

Good for you! Looking forward to the pics. I have some Barbours from their collaboration with Tokihito Yoshida in 2012, but I would like to go for a more classic model. And agree on the garment bags. Much nicer than those of more high-end brand suits I bought.

 

[justinpledger]

The Green Coverall is here, and in my regular size 38 is even bigger than I remembered hehe, I think the size 36 definitely suits me much much better.

Will upload some pics tomorrow with natural lighting, but I think I'm keeping it, it drapes a bit weird right now because the stiffness of the recently waxed fabric, but I think it will look a lot better after 5-10 wears.

Also, want to point out that Drake's Customer service and shipping/logistics is unmatched. Ordered yesterday at 8am and received today 1h ago. They even included a cloth garment bag that feels very substantial and nice quality (last year they shipped in paper bags, so a huge step up from them).

Did you order it in the 38 or the 36? Really looking forward to pics! The shape really calms down after wear. Also, the sleeves ride up a bit as well. It’s definitely a voluminous shape to start with though. Mine has started to take a better shape around the middle as I’ve been wearing it. As the marketing blurb goes though, it’s meant to be able to cover everything! I hope you’re pleased with it. And the service and logistics are fantastic. Those garments bags are awesome!

 

[justinpledger]

I recently received a wool chore and a 300 CHF scarf in very poor paper bags with only a ridiculous piece of paper as protection…

That’s a shame. You should let them know if you haven’t. I had something sent in a paper bag and I do hate it when brands do that. But if you let them know, they’re very responsive to feedback and ensuring that they send out orders in the way that the customer likes/prefers.

 

[billscoresby]

Hello,

Can I get an opinion on fit?

This is the Shetland mock neck in medium (fits large) and I’m wondering whether to keep or size down to a small. A little billowy towards the hem and not sure if the shoulders should be narrower.

Thank you 😁

 

[nachobarro]

Hello,

Can I get an opinion on fit?

This is the Shetland mock neck in medium (fits large) and I’m wondering whether to keep or size down to a small. A little billowy towards the hem and not sure if the shoulders should be narrower.

Thank you 😁


View attachment 2080375
View attachment 2080389

Looks pretty good to me mate!

 

[macgregory800]

Throwing my two cents in as well.


My navy Waxed Coverall (42) arrived today and is a thing of utter beauty.

Arm length is spot on and the more substantial build and lining will definitely keep out the cold weather better than some Barbour’s or Belstaffs I’ve worn before.

Loving the fact this piece has a couple of internal pockets compared to some other Drakes jackets I’ve got.

Even came with a Drakes dust bag which is fantastic.

I just wish my Chasseur jacket, costing near enough the same, came packaged as neatly and with the addition of the dust bag.

Nevertheless, this jacket has got to be my favourite purchase from drakes thus far.

I’ll try and upload pics over the weekend.

 

[Mood Indigo]

Hello,

Can I get an opinion on fit?

This is the Shetland mock neck in medium (fits large) and I’m wondering whether to keep or size down to a small. A little billowy towards the hem and not sure if the shoulders should be narrower.

Thank you 😁


View attachment 2080375
View attachment 2080389

I think the fit is perfect !

 

[Mood Indigo]

I ordered the mock neck jumper in a wool/mohair blend. I took my usual size, L. The fit is perfect. In the photo (sorry, it's not that great) I'm wearing a shirt underneath. The sweater is very beautiful, pretty gray, very beautiful speckled and I particularly like the very solid appearance of the sweater. A big flaw on the other hand, it is very rough and not very comfortable around the neck...