Why is high-end shopping so abysmal in Austin ? (Houston, Dallas: limousine, Home Depot)

[alexiana]

Why is it that high-end retail, particularly clothing stores, can't seem to find a large enough niche to stay in business in Austin? Outside of Neiman Marcus and By George there's little else. In the last year we've lost Saks, Barney's Co-Op, and Lacoste. Lacoste? Austin can't even support a single Lacoste?

I understand that Austinites are largely laid back but as the city continues to grow, and become a city of greater economic and international significance, I think it's a shame that these retailers can't seem to find a market here.

What are your thoughts?

[hoffdano]

Please don't take offense but I couldn't care less about high end clothing stores. I care more about high end cars, electronics, and cowboy boots. $1000 for a purse is perhaps the least sensible thing I can think of spending $1000 on.

[sxrckr]

Because it is already 3 hours (Houston) and 4 hours (Dallas) away.

[TXEX06]

Since when is clothing made of hemp and Birkenstocks not high end?

[Tralfaz]

San Marcos is closer, and the prices are better

I wouldn't mind seeing some stuff from Austin migrate out east to Bastrop/Smithville though.. Heck, there's a Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot/Lowes, etc.. Maybe get a Tesla Supercharger at the Bucees?

[Kayak4fun]

Because Austin doesn't have as many ****ty vapid useless woman that LA, NY, and South FLA has. You know, the types who spend unfathomable amounts of money on vanity.

[Idlewile]

Because Austin ins't a top tier or second tier city -- I wouldn't expect it to have a plethora of high-end stores.

That said, the indoor malls here leave a lot to be desired and are entirely sub-par and out of date for a city of this size.

[TXEX06]

Originally Posted by Kayak4fun

Because Austin doesn't have as many ****ty vapid useless woman that LA, NY, and South FLA has. You know, the types who spend unfathomable amounts of money on vanity.

Wow. For living in such a "liberal" and "progressive" city, you sure do like to judge what other people spend their own money on.

[10scoachrick]

Any number of problems...lack of exclusivity of brands, more casual attire throughout Austin, lack of a central 'market' in which to locate(with exorbitant rents, multiple locations are out of the picture for many and just where would that ONE location be?)...younger demographic less interested in 'high-end' clothing, etc. etc. I'd say there is likely a general lack of value in 'high-end' clothing compared to 20-30 years ago...like so many other consumer goods, it seems the concentration is on price/profit and that usually means 'affordable'...which in turn often means cheap.

Doesn't mean there shouldn't be SOME high-end shopping; but where would you put it?

[radiolibre99]

Originally Posted by TXEX06

Wow. For living in such a "liberal" and "progressive" city, you sure do like to judge what other people spend their own money on.

I think that would make it more progressive that they don't care about elitist symbols of clothing.

NYC is limousine liberal now not really progressive.