Hello all:
I thought I should write in and share about my recent visit to the Seattle store. I am a relative newcomer, and own just the medium cafe bag which I love. I read all the forum posts, mostly cos I find everyone here seem to have fun interesting lives, and are more bag obsessed than I am--which I thought was not possible! hehehehe.
anyway, I was in Seattle for a conference, and a visit to the Tom Bihn store was high on my must-dos. I called and they said they would be open Mondays. My friend and I walked down all the way on First Avenue from the Convention Center--downtown; a good hour long walk. It was a great day for a walk in Seattle, and I got to see the city in ways that you don't when you drive around.
When we arrived at the store, it was closed. There was a note that said the store would not be open cos of the weather. I was so disappointed that I was willing to cry; and trust me, I am not even young!!! I went to Outdoor Research, and they were truly helpful and gave me a number for June who works at TB.
And wonder of wonders, June said she was up at the factory, and she brought us up on the elevator; and for the next hour, she left us to our devices in the store....I was completely taken aback. The place was completely clean, clear, uncluttered; and the folks acted like I was just visiting their home. No one hovered around; or watched; or sold me anything. They just let me explore. I walked around the factory---and watched the bags being made.
June put on two O-rings for me in my Cafe Bag, and finally allowed me to pick an assortment of organizer pouches to take with me, and said I could add it to the cost when I got the Western Flyer. I was so taken aback, I am still reeling. Whoever heard of this kind of trust and openness in business today?
I tried on every bag to my heart's content; am getting the Western Flyer. Have to say that I love the Smart Alec a lot more than the Brain Bag..it really is a smart-alecky kind of bag..feel like I must draw a smiley face on it!!! Just loved the Imago.
The TB wallet is sheer genius and I have never been happier with a wallet for travel than this one....just totally love it. The pictures and description don't do justice. Just get it.
Quite apart from the bags, I just want to say how much I appreciate this very different, off beat company of people. Thank you June for letting us in; and everyone else.
I missed seeing TB and Darcy...maybe next time!
I thought I should write in and share about my recent visit to the Seattle store. I am a relative newcomer, and own just the medium cafe bag which I love. I read all the forum posts, mostly cos I find everyone here seem to have fun interesting lives, and are more bag obsessed than I am--which I thought was not possible! hehehehe.
anyway, I was in Seattle for a conference, and a visit to the Tom Bihn store was high on my must-dos. I called and they said they would be open Mondays. My friend and I walked down all the way on First Avenue from the Convention Center--downtown; a good hour long walk. It was a great day for a walk in Seattle, and I got to see the city in ways that you don't when you drive around.
When we arrived at the store, it was closed. There was a note that said the store would not be open cos of the weather. I was so disappointed that I was willing to cry; and trust me, I am not even young!!! I went to Outdoor Research, and they were truly helpful and gave me a number for June who works at TB.
And wonder of wonders, June said she was up at the factory, and she brought us up on the elevator; and for the next hour, she left us to our devices in the store....I was completely taken aback. The place was completely clean, clear, uncluttered; and the folks acted like I was just visiting their home. No one hovered around; or watched; or sold me anything. They just let me explore. I walked around the factory---and watched the bags being made.
June put on two O-rings for me in my Cafe Bag, and finally allowed me to pick an assortment of organizer pouches to take with me, and said I could add it to the cost when I got the Western Flyer. I was so taken aback, I am still reeling. Whoever heard of this kind of trust and openness in business today?
I tried on every bag to my heart's content; am getting the Western Flyer. Have to say that I love the Smart Alec a lot more than the Brain Bag..it really is a smart-alecky kind of bag..feel like I must draw a smiley face on it!!! Just loved the Imago.
The TB wallet is sheer genius and I have never been happier with a wallet for travel than this one....just totally love it. The pictures and description don't do justice. Just get it.
Quite apart from the bags, I just want to say how much I appreciate this very different, off beat company of people. Thank you June for letting us in; and everyone else.
I missed seeing TB and Darcy...maybe next time!
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