skyvue
Call Me a Cab
- Messages
- 2,221
- Location
- New York City
I had a fine experience at the Broadway location of Bencraft yesterday. It was my first visit to either of the stores, but it won't be my last.
A young man named Robert was helping me decide on my first straw hat. I was after a fedora-esque look, and it took us a while to find just the right one, but Robert couldn't have been more patient and helpful. I don't generally wear a very broad brim, but I was surprised to find that, in a straw hat, a little broader worked better for me.
I also found I prefered a darker color -- not brown, but a dark tan color -- which limited my choices a bit (that, and my melon head).
We finally decided on a model called a Roma (Stephen, if you see this, perhaps you can tell me what brand that would be? It was a very soft and pliable straw, in a shade called Cognac. Is it a Borsalino?), though they were out of it in my size. I'll either order it online or stop back by in person in a couple of weeks. But I very much appreciated Robert's kind assistance.
I also took in a vintage felt Stetson I had bought on this board that was too small for me. Another of the store's employees (I didn't get his name) took it to the back for me and gave it a stretch (several stretches, actually). It's still the slightest bit snug, but at least I can wear it now, which I couldn't before.
All in all, a very satisfying experience (though I wish I'd been able to buy a hat on the spot without waiting -- an impulse buyer, that's me), and I commend Stephen on his helpful and friendly staff. I wish I'd gotten to meet Stephen himself -- I asked after him, but they told me he wasn't in.
I encourage one and all to pay Stephen's stores a visit when you're in New York City.
A young man named Robert was helping me decide on my first straw hat. I was after a fedora-esque look, and it took us a while to find just the right one, but Robert couldn't have been more patient and helpful. I don't generally wear a very broad brim, but I was surprised to find that, in a straw hat, a little broader worked better for me.
I also found I prefered a darker color -- not brown, but a dark tan color -- which limited my choices a bit (that, and my melon head).
We finally decided on a model called a Roma (Stephen, if you see this, perhaps you can tell me what brand that would be? It was a very soft and pliable straw, in a shade called Cognac. Is it a Borsalino?), though they were out of it in my size. I'll either order it online or stop back by in person in a couple of weeks. But I very much appreciated Robert's kind assistance.
I also took in a vintage felt Stetson I had bought on this board that was too small for me. Another of the store's employees (I didn't get his name) took it to the back for me and gave it a stretch (several stretches, actually). It's still the slightest bit snug, but at least I can wear it now, which I couldn't before.
All in all, a very satisfying experience (though I wish I'd been able to buy a hat on the spot without waiting -- an impulse buyer, that's me), and I commend Stephen on his helpful and friendly staff. I wish I'd gotten to meet Stephen himself -- I asked after him, but they told me he wasn't in.
I encourage one and all to pay Stephen's stores a visit when you're in New York City.
