Syms

I’m not very happy with the selection at Syms these days.
The three stars is the benefit of a 2 ½ rating given their spot on history.
Syms used to be one of my go to spots to pick up name brand slacks, jackets, ties, and the occasional suit. However, ever since they bought out Filene’s Basement, their selection and quality of clothing has dropped drastically. Adversely, Filene’s has had an increase in quality, but went from a cheaper place for that rare find to a more expensive higher end spot. What gives? Syms seems to be dragging their own name through the mud. The highlight of Syms is that they still have their Crazy discounts on Winter coats and fall jackets. The last time I was there, the clearance section mysteriously disappeared. Get you stuff together Syms, and don’t ruin Filene’s while you’re at it!

Quand j’ai demandé à ma copine Liza où aller faire du shopping à New York, elle a répondu sans hésiter: va chez Syms !
Liza est newyorkaise jusqu’aux bouts des ongles, et surtout, la femme la plus glamour que j’ai jamais connue !
Elle recommande ce magasin à toutes ses copines, qui reviennent ravies de leurs bargains, et dit c’est mieux que Century 21 (
), alors prévoyez un peu de temps pour les essayages
Juste à côté du Métro Rector St., les rayons de Syms sont vastes et aérés, sur 4 ou 5 étages.
Comme dans tous ces magasins de dégriffés, tout dépend des arrivages.
En Mai, j’y ai trouvé :
— une jolie petite veste en lin Evan-​Picone de couleur corail
— plein de petits bijoux Ralph Lauren ou Anne Klein dans les 10 $
— un sac à main Michael Kors à 79 $ à peine
— plein de polos Hommes à 10 $
— des pantalons homme, dont un chouette pantalon en lin beige que mon mari mettra tout cet été, j’espère !
Le rayon des tailleurs de boulot femmes était très bien achalandé, avec toutes ces super marques que j’adore pour leur design sobres et modernes, mais avec un je né sais quoi d’Ally Mac Beal: Anne Klein, Nine West, Michael Kors, Tahari.
Il y a également un grand rayon de robes pour toutes les occasions, et on s’amuse à essayer les belles robes habillées à la Dallas mais pas trop, pour épater les copines et vos chevaliers servants dans les soirées.
Les vendeuses sont aussi surannées que le magasin, mais d’une extrême gentillesse.
Quand j’ai craqué en m’asseyant sur une table à côté de la cabine d’essayages hommes (grande cabine collective, soi dit en passant), une vendeuse m’a indiqué un peu durement que je n’avais pas le droit de m’asseoir. Puis elle a été faire chercher une chaise pour que je profite à mon aise de ce moment !
Adorable, vraiment.
Bref, si vous n’êtes pas accro aux grandes enseignes luxueuses de New York, et acceptez de farfouiller parmi les parmi les vieilleries pour trouver les jolis vêtements que vous mettrez tout le temps, filez chez Syms !
Et en sortant, né manquez pas de faire un tour à Trinity Church (
), dont la façade néo-​gothique en brownstone se détache au milieu des buildings, un peu en hauteur de la rue.
Photo link:
Et pour une balade utile et agréable mêlant shopping dégriffé et tourisme dans ce quartier, rendez-​vous ici (
).

Either I’m getting better fashion sense, or Syms’ buyers just aren’t finding the deals these days. It’s probably a combination of both.
Walking through here recently was like a trip back to 1991 (fill in your own corny era here) and the selection of standards like Dockers casual slacks for men is just too light and limited. In the changeover to office casual dress for most offices these days, this place just hasn’t kept pace.
Some rearrangements to their layout. (i.e. the shoes are downstairs now) also threw me off.
The one bright spot was their men’s active sportswear, for inexpensive workout clothing.
The staff and checkout people are always very nice and helpful, so if their stock can inch up a bit, then these guys can compete better with Century 21, just down the street.

This place is great for purchasing suits. The staff is friendly and knowledgable. The best part is Syms is not packed with tourists like century 21 up the street
I don’t really recommend for men for anything but suits. The dress shirt selection is very plain. Walls and walls of white dress shirts.
Plus all the casual clothes they offer seem very ghetto

Theres a slight caveat to this review; I LOVE Syms. I just hate THIS Syms.
Syms is AWESOME. They have great deals and some REALLY nice stuff, for usually pretty cheap. Theres one around my way in Cherry Hill that is absolutely fantastic. But the one down here in Manhattan is meh. First, its pretty small by Syms standards, so the selection isn’t that great. Theres a floor for mens, and floor for womens, and a floor that has shoes and (used to have) luggage. I can’t speak on the womens floor as my cross dressing days are behind me, but for the guys, its broken down into a little corner for ties and dress shirts, a section for coats, and the rest casual stuff. The problem is, in the casual section you will find the same shirt like 30 times, so in the section of the one floor, you will have repeats of everything. And, its not exactly a deal either. $ 30 for a button up is hardly saving money. Century 21 down the block is cheaper than that and has approximately 1 bazillion times the selection variety. For that reason, I can’t even recommend Syms over Century 21. And as anyone who knows, KNOWS, Century 21 is not without its problems, but its got much better payoff if you can stand the crowds.

Love this place, though it has dented my bank account. I moved to NY recently after 15 years in the Southwest, where «cold» was 50 degrees, and «dressed up» means wearing pants instead of shorts. As such, I’ve been needing to stock the winter wardrobe.
The main floor of Syms seems to be very seasonal. In Sept. it was mostly jeans and light jackets. In Oct., it was pretty much all coats.
The 2^nd floor is mostly suits, sports coats and formal wear, which is pretty stoic.
In both cases they have very reasonably priced things as standard, with great deals mixed in. But it all depends on inventory. I needed a Tux for an event and everything in my size was magically under $ 90, whereas the next size up was $ 200.
The employees definitely have some personality… some sharp, some gruff, but overall I’ve managed to find ones who are ultimately very professional.
Everything they sell can be tailored in house for not much extra. The shoe selection is decent as well. Not the best place for women’s ware, but women have 43,600 other places!
Bottom line: If you need/​like to dress sharp, check in Syms from time to time and possibly score a deal.

I think this is the real best kept Secret of NY Shopping. It’s down the street from Century 21, but after 5pm, I never see too many people in Syms because it’s in the Financial District, so it makes my shopping experience pleasant everytime. I don’t have to fight the maddening hoards of women like I do in Century 21. In fact, Syms has a few floors, including a basement, of items for men, women, and children, and there is plenty of room to run around.
I’m not a guy so I didn’t really look at the guy’s stuff, but they have walls of dress shirts that look pretty organized. I also fell in love with the tie selection, and I saw they had brands like Penguin. If I were a guy, I would have totally bought a tie from Syms because they were only like $ 15 or so.
There is a pretty decent selection of brand names here, like Calvin Klein, AG, Kensie Girl, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Anne Klein… to name a few. There are a few racks of sale items on the top floor for women, and you can score stuff that’s priced anywhere from $ 5-​$ 100. I found a good bit of Dolce & Gabbana stuff for $ 50, Anne Klein stuff for $ 20, etc.
Sizes are color-​coded here, and there are signs posted around the clothes that remind you what color tags correspond to what sizes (¾, 5/​6, etc.) Surprisingly, even the sales racks were rather consistent with keeping groupings of sizes in one place, which made browsing a bit easier since I knew which racks probably didn’t apply to me.
Thanks to my patience for browsing the sales racks, I found a Michael by Michael Kors white shirt for $ 10 (retail: $ 89), and a fluffy black bathrobe from Vera Wang for $ 10 (retail: $ 78). The regular Syms prices usually range from $ 19.99 to whatever. They often group stuff by brand names, so I found a BCBG section, a Calvin Klein section, etc.
Just have patience browsing the loads of clothes here, and you’ll probably find something for you in your right price range.

I am conflicted about this place. I’ve found some great deals when I had the time to kill between work and dinner plans with friends. That being said, 80% of the workers seem unhappy at best and rude at the worst. I guess it’s not the most exciting place to be but really, not even a half smile? The other day I wanted to return something and the guy was rolling his eyes and clearly uninterested in doing his job. It just makes the place look bad and the customers uncomfortable. I felt like I was interrupting his conversation with a coworker and was just a bother.
There was also another time when their «pm» dresses were on sale and when I reached the register (after a huuuge line) with a satin cocktail dress, the guy said it didn’t have the «PM» sticker and therefore didn’t qualify. Errr… it’s a friggin shiny COCKTAIL dress, where in the «AM» will I be wearing this, to work or to the beach perhaps?
I just went on another line and the lady didn’t even do a double take and I got the discount. Just use common sense people.
Go here if you are more of a «hunter» and not a «gatherer» and if you don’t care too much about service. Some of the clothes DO seem really outdated but I still managed to find a super cute betsey johnson sweater dress that became one of my favorites.
EDIT 6÷28÷10
So as I previously wrote, I returned an item and the guy was rolling his eyes and had an overall «I don’t give a S hit» attitude the whole time. Well that was last Thursday and today is Monday and the refund is still not reflected on my bank account.
Since I didn’t trust this guy to have done his job correctly, I just called SYMs and asked how long it takes to go back on your debit card.
The rep said that they normally like to give cash back because it takes at least 10 business days for the amount to be refunded to your debit card.
W T F? It would’ve been nice to be given the option since obviously, I would’ve asked for cash instead of waiting at least 10 days for my money.
Like I said, the guy was miserable and couldn’t care less.
When you return things bought from debit, ask for CASH BACK!

You have to take the time to rummage thru the racks but you may find something!!!
Dont think about driving there.
Just take the train.

If you want to go to an 80’s party, look no further.
They have all your essentials, from antiquated big collared shirts to retro paisley designs, all at significantly discounted prices.
Cyndi Lauper called. She wants her helium voice back.

I wasn’t sure if a decent $ 150 suit could be had anywhere on Manhattan Island, but my concerns were allayed when I reached the second floor of this establishment. Assisting me in my endeavor was a friendly and sprightly 100-​year-​old man who took my measurements, instructed me to take my time, marked-​up my the suits for alteration and provided sage advice about the need for at least one non-​black suit (I ended-​up buying three). It’s encouraging that the experience was as pleasant as it was, and that Syms supports our troops by hiring World War I veterans.
My only complaint, and this cannot be attributed to Syms, was that when I reached the check-​out line, I was forced to stand behind an old and confused-​looking woman with five large bags. Indeed, each time a customer was summoned to the register, the woman in front of me moved each of her bags one by one.
On the date of my visit, there was a 26% discount on all items. Thus, instead of paying nearly $ 800 for my items, I paid less than $ 600.

YOU ARE an educated consumer if you shop Syms. This place is the store that time forget, BUT that adds up to savings.
You have to be a smart shopper here, the sheer volume of clothing is a bit unnerving, but the sales help is super knowledgable, although usually tied up with other customers. If you need help, wait. They know their stuff, and will patiently answer all of your questions (This was in the Mens dept)
It also helps if you go on an off day/​time — Wall Street turns into a ghost town on the weekends and after 5pm Mon-​Fri. So plan your trip.
Large selection of sizing for men. My hubby is a 48L and he got some great sport coats for under $ 50. each. And a men’s wool coat for $ 109.!! Women not so good in the plus size dept. After size 16, you’re on your own.
Shop often and be patient. Found lots of miss marked sizes, and mixed up racks, but I chalk that up to frantic holiday shopping demands. Selection is hit or miss, but mostly hit for traditional suiting and overcoat needs. If you need zazz, try Century 21 a few blocks over.
Syms offers $ 10. pant hemming while you wait, but its a long wait. Better off doing it at your local tailor unless you are desperate. All in all Syms is THE BEST place to restock or re-​create your professional wardrobe.
I was there on Black Friday 2009, at 10 am. No crowds, no lines. Just $ 50. off all overcoats and additional sales on top of existing discounts.
The bathrooms are pretty gross, but other than that, I was in heaven. Highly recommend you give this place a shot.
RIP Sy Sims

This place carries some great stuff — but it is ihit and miss. They do tend to carry a wide selection of plus sizes.
I scored a great pair of Evan Piccone pants for $ 15, running shoes for $ 30.
A must visit when I am in NYC.

+ good prices
+ great business/​office ware
+ large bags
— no petite sizes
— no restrooms
— hit or miss — either very good or leftovers
— no accessories
— no staff around to ask questions

I highly disagree with the review that states Syms’ «styles [here] are clearly outdated, by at least 5 – 10 years» b/​c the Spring 09 designs of Betsey Johnson, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors are clearly NOT 1999.
I love frequenting the 4^th floor women’s dresses section where each Syms tag has the date the item reached the selling floor and what dates the item will be decreased in price.
For example: the Michael Kors dress I bought today (retails for $ 149) was priced at $ 79, but the tag stated that it would be reduced to $ 71 today, May 1^st. More than 20 days on the floor, the dress would be $ 63, and a month and a half: $ 58 final price. Yes, the tag tells you all of this so you can keep coming back to see if what you want is still on the rack and further reduced!
Sadly, Syms does not have a great bathing suit or lingerie section, however, my boo has scored very cute Kenneth Cole button downs for less than $ 20. While Syms has far less inventory than Century 21, it has many of the same items but NOT the same crazy crowds.

If you are a guy in need of a suit or a coat, this is the place for you. Right off of the Rector St. stop on the N-​R-​W line (the *N*ever, *R*arely, and *W*henever it gets there trains), this place has an amazing selection.
I was looking for a cashmere long overcoat (because a poofy down jacket doesn’t really look good on top of a suit). I came in, told the salesguy what I wanted. He looked like he had been doing this for a while and immediately told me my suit size, immediately proving my theory.
Ended up getting a 100% cashmere coat for just under $ 300. I’ve seen scarves that cost more than that. Anycrap, amazing place. Great selection. Unbelievable prices.

This place has been wonderful when I am in need of a birthday, Christmas or baby shower gift. The store is behind my job so when I am done with work, I will go in to check out what’s new. The selection of dresses are great. It can go from casual to dressy and prices are not wallet breaking either. Their rack of petite suits has definitely help this shortie out many times.
The store does not spend a lot of money for décor and the elevator looks like it’s been around since the 1920s. The black walls are depressing. However, so as long as the prices are low, I could care less what the wall color was. Syms is open on the weekend which is great because there is a lack of stores opened on the weekends in the BPC area.

Not much for women, though the prices and selections for men are good: pajamas, hats, gloves, pants, suits, shoes, ties, shirts, umbies, etc.
Beware:
No place nearby is open for lunch in Sunday and the subways often have odd schedules or non-​running lines.

Searching for a suit for the b/​f is not easy task… as the event we’re attending is only a couple of days away & the b/f’s measurements are your not everyday thing.
Unfortunately, we were not able to find a suit to our liking in his particular size. However, the staff there was quite helpful. The gentleman that personally attended us was pleasant & nice enough to give us pointers on where to possibly find what we were looking for.
I can’t vouch for the women’s section of this place, but their men’s suit section definitely held some sweet suit deals… I’m talking about possibly better than their local competition, ol’ Century 21.

Located in the Financial District where it serves this area and, yes, direct competion with Century 21 but not as crowded. «I’m an educated consumer» is their slogan. Personally, I find their clothing very dated to the 1980’s and 1990’s era. This store somewhat looks a battalion of infantry just went through as there is merchandise scattered all over the place and if you can actually find what you are looking for it is a miracle. The times I went there the top of a suit has gone MIA but I found the pants to the set.
The price of their clothing are somewhat reasonable. The décor of the store is extremely dated and screams for a renovation as it looks dilapated.

The clothes here are solid and the prices here are fabulous, especially for the area. They remain in direct competition with Century 21 just around the corner, which they claim to have the upper hand in quality, price, and service. The place is not nearly as crowded, skimpy floor levels with elevators tend to keep things a bit muddled as people walk around looking for the next best deal.
The suits were my main reason for being here, afterall a Hugo Boss suit can be had for $ 400 or less here, which from the retail standpoint is an absolute bargain. The male sales associates here during my initial visit were as annoying as they were rude, and one of them was trying to sell me on his racial propaganda speech, of which I thought lacked professionalism and was tasteless to discuss. I was astounded that these guys even attempted to sell me a suit. Aside from that, there seems to be a bit of everything here at near Conway-​like prices for much better quality.