Chrome Industries

First of all: this is my first review on Unilocal and I am only writing this because I am very dissatisfied and wanted to share my view and opinion with fellow shoppers at Chrome
Dont get me wrong: I really think Chrome is a fantastic brand and delivers amazing high quality products! I own a bag, shorts, pouch and other merchandise and am very satisfied.
However, in terms of this specific store, I don’t know if it because they have a NYC attitude or what, but their customer service leaves much to be desired. I was repeatedly treated in a disrespectful manner, ignored by sales reps (too busy talking about way back in the summer of ’14 messing for Über) unless making a large purchase and when I returned to the store to have my 380 dollar bag repaired (it ripped twice!) the hipster sales rep with a comb hanging out of his beard was unbearably condescending and didn’t bother to attempt to conceal the fact that he was annoyed that I actually wanted the company to make good on their lifetime warranty policy. Mind you this is the same sales rep who failed to mention the fact that bike messengers receive a discount on merchandise the day I purchased the bag. The bag does what it’s supposed to despite the fact that the zipper is broken again, but I’m left with a sour taste in my mouth from interactions with those who work in this store– they represent everything cycling culture shouldn’t stand for.

Abhorrent service from a particularly grouchy cashier. She became argumentative about a sale and gave off a racist vibe as well, which was the last straw. She was combative and made some pretty aggressive comments. My «messenger» friends and I will no longer be patronizing this bogus store. Not without an apology.

Chrome industries. This name and icon brings about impressions of expensive tough bags and seat belt slings with friends pushing the button as a prank to make you drop the bag as you are slinging it. Chrome is amazing! I love their bags shoes tshirts and don’t get me started on their customizations and the amount of variations you can get from a bag. This store in nolita is particularly beautiful. Went there 4 times in the past 5 months and Brought many friends along. I have 3 chrome bags myself and will vouch for their quality, build and their durability. Compared to timbuk2, i would say they are slightly more sturdy and strong but pricier as well. Will recommend chrome this to anyone who wants a bag that will last and that looks really cool.
P. S: I think it’s really cool when the staff move the entire belt of bags and you see the chain moving with the bags hanging on them.
Keep it up chrome industries!

Friendly, forthcoming genuine employees. Repairs and custom work tues fri sat sun.
Repaired minor bag issues for free while I waited. Yes, the bags are expensive. You get what you pay for. I own 3 for work, photo and personal use, and they are well planned and tough.

I’ve purchased a backpack and a pair of shoes from this store. The staff is friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the quality is sub par, which I found surprising given their prices and marketing.
The backpack is comfortable and appears rugged, but after about a month, the stitching on the straps came undone and broke. I brought it to the store with the receipt, and they replaced it with a new one. A few months later, the same thing happened again. I guess I could keep bringing it back, but I’d really prefer a bag that is actually durable — not just easily replaceable. Also, the bag is made in China, not the USA.
I bought some shoes, slip-​ons with a stiffer sole for platform pedals. After putting them both on at home, I noticed that they are two different colors. One is a shiny new black, and the other is a sun-​faded black with a hint of purple, maybe it was in the window as a display?. I brought them back to the store, and the saleswoman said she didn’t think that was covered under any warranty, so she couldn’t help. That was pretty lame. They are also almost impossible to slip on — the salewoman said that’s how slip-​ons are and that they would loosen up a bit, but I still (literally) need a shoe horn to get them on. Once on, they fit perfectly, and come off easily enough. Just a poor design?

I’ve been struggling to find a decent bag for biking that isn’t a fanny pack, an awkward messenger bag, or a backpack that I could personally fit into. Having searched up and down NYC with no luck, I finally stumbled upon Chrome’s catalog online and found something that I thought I could tweak to my needs.
The staff were amazing in helping me locate the bag in the store when it looked like I couldn’t find it. It fit perfectly, and when I made happy noises about purchasing the bag, they pulled a new one from the back. Lifetime guarantee? Heck yeah! I’ve received so many compliments since I started biking with the bag, and I’m looking forward to returning when I need something more substantial for the work commute.
My favourite thing about visiting the Chrome store is that they’re available on-​site for both custom bags and repairs on your bags — how awesome is that?!

Expensive bags. Waited several months for the anniversary sale online. The bag and shoes I purchased are extremely well-​made, quality, and also look terrific. Coworkers were asking who made the backpack and shoes. I’m a new fan of Chrome and will be looking for new fall items like outerwear and future sales.

Chrome has always been my favorite store for biking and lifestyle bag needs. They have a size and shape for everything you could ask for. I myself have a four chrome bags and I love each one. The fact that they are water proof and durable makes them great, plus if you need repairs, they are more than accommodating. Look out for flash sales when you can find great deal on shoes and bags. You might not find the color you want at the sale but you might get lucky and get the last bag you’ll ever use. I own two pairs of the shoes as well. Apparel is on point too. I’ll have to pick up a jacket in the fall.

I had a really great experience when I recently went to get minor repair done on my 9 year old Chrome messenger bag. They did the repair for me at no charge even though I was prepared to pay for it. On top of it, they were super-​friendly. The bags are amazing too.

Love my new bag from them. I am getting compliments on it and seems really durable. Feels great on the shoulders. It might be a touch heavier than my last bag, but it doesn’t feel that way when I am wearing it.
I have only been in there once, but the staff was really helpful and personable. I felt like they liked and took pride in the store.
I am thinking of going there tomorrow to get shoes. I liked their selection.

The bags are pricey, but very durable. I have visited this store 5 times in the past year as I work nearby. I dealt with Brianna on 2 custom bag orders, and she was awesome to deal with. The staff in the store are all very friendly and helpful. You won’t be greeted by the unfriendly attitude characteristic of some other Nolita shops. I have purchased some sneakers, as well as 4 messenger bags. I have been happy with the overall quality, and service at the shop.

Just went in today. The bags are durable, fashionable, have a laptop case and multiple methods of carrying. I came in once before and the employees were not pushy at all and explained to me the differences between each bag. When i came in today, again, they were very kind and helped a ton. Would definitely recommend.

Awesome bags and awesome staff. I have been looking for a nice bag to put my computer and personnal stuff when I travel for a couple of days. I just found the perfect bag. The girls that can make you a custom bag in 3 hours spend sometimes showing me the different model and explaining the benefits of each bag. Too bad they don’t do wheeled luggage!

I am so grateful that this place is here. You always think a place like this will snobby but it’s really not. Just a cool shop selling rad stuff. Their Merino sweater is one of the most amazing garments I’ve ever worn. I am going back to pick up another!

I was lucky enough to hit this location during a clearance sale. I was able to pick up 2 pair of (SIZE 14) shoes for $ 40 each. T-​Shirts were also on sale for $ 10 down from $ 30.
I think there bags are pretty cool but they seem so heavy compared to Timbuk2 bags. I do not understand the desire to use heavy metal buckles. I guess the extra money you spend on your ultra light weight fixy you can cary around heavy bags.
Making size 14 shoes earns Chrome 4 starts over 3. I would have still purchased one pair at $ 75 but not two. There is no way in hell I would pay $ 30 for a casual cotton cycling t-​shirt.

Stopped by the store today — very nice showroom, lots of stock, sale staff was terrific. Very helpful, nice, not pushy — just right. Can’t believe that you can have a custom bag made up in like 3 hours right there — how great is that.

Great Store —
Great Gear —
Great Staff —
Great reason to shop for the best bags ever.

This store makes me DROOL… spacious storefront with the full product line — you can try on any bag in any color, any shoe in any size. Employees are extremely helpful but not overbearing; you can tell that they believe in the product that they are selling.
I walked out with a Citizen messenger bag and couldn’t be happier. Durable, waterproof, COMFORTABLE, and nice-​looking, in a utilitarian kind of way.
4 stars instead of 5 because they don’t give discounts for Transportation Alternatives members. Which is strange because Crumpler offers 20% and Chrome’s West Coast store offers discounts to San Francisco Bicycle Coalition members… Chrome management, are you listening?

Nice sales staff, cool space. Wish they had more women’s wear on the floor. Worth a visit. Check out the back of the store where they sew custom order bags.

A little bit of SF right here in NYC. Made me feel like home and I must have been a little sick because I made a purchase or two…
The best bags hands down even if you don’t have a bike between your legs at work.