Family-friendly clothing line, Lands’ End launched its Canadian pricing site last Wednesday. Not only will it be shipping to Canada, but prices will also be listed in Canadian dollars. To celebrate the launch, an event featuring its latest looks was held at The Fifth Social Club on Richmond and University where media had the chance to not only view the pieces, but also ask representatives questions and to explore the website (there were also some delicious nibblies, including truffle-infused mac and cheese and mini cupcakes).
The site is not an actual Canadian site. This means that unlike GAP Inc. brands, pricing is not actually in Canadian dollars, as if it were priced in a store in Canada, but US dollars converted to an estimated exchange rate. This also means that duty is not included in the listing (like J.Crew). Instead, one won’t see the total cost until check-out. Lands’ End may want to consider changing that. In addition, gift cards do not work online (at least as of last Friday) outside of the US. Perhaps that will be fixed as well!
Screenshot of the homepage
Not all is bad! I have to admit that I went in believing that Lands’ End wasn’t exactly a line for stylish “DINKs” (Dual Income, No Kids) or hip, city-dwelling parents and kids, but to tell you the truth, the styles aren’t pretty similar to its competitors, J.Crew and Banana Republic. It’s just a matter of how one styles the looks. In addition, their cashmere cardigans are super-soft and come in a wide range of colours – more choices than J.Crew and at slightly lower prices (after duty (but before taxes), the Lands’ End price is about $190, while J.Crew will run you about $220). Their floral print cardigan (cotton) is pretty, too (according to a rep from the company, an in-house artist designs the pattern). Lands’ End also has a line of outerwear, with coats that are Toronto winter friendly. There is definitely a good selection when it comes to colour.
Someone who has a 25″ waist is 00P? Since when? That’s a 0 or 2 at competing brands!
Considering that 0P is 25.5-26.5″ waist size, this skirt should come in a 00P or even 000P!
Unlike the competition Lands’ End is size-friendly, with not only regular sizing, but also plus, petite, petite-plus and tall. However, that’s only if you’re more on the “average” side. Lands’ End’s generous sizing isn’t exactly small-frame friendly, according to their size charts. For example, 00P has a measurement of 33-24.5-34 (waist can be up to 25.5),while competing brands tend to be closer to 32-23.5 (or 24)-33. That’s pretty big for the size – at least one size larger! Perhaps they’re not used to the smaller customer, demographically speaking? As a smaller person, who typically takes a 00P at Banana Republic, J.Crew, LOFT and Ann Taylor, I will have to try the clothes to make sure. That is, however, for another post.
