11/07/06

Bags for boys in a store with a clubhouse vibe.

by Contributor

The Scene
There's no hastily scrawled sign proclaiming "Girls keep out!" outside the Jack Spade store, but that's certainly the feeling inside. The brainchild of Andy Spade (yep, that's handbag queen Kate Spade's hubby), Jack Spade sells boxy, functional bags for boys in canvas and waxwear.

The Goods
While the totes are quite nice, it's really the other stuff--most of it for sale--that is to be admired. Function is the overarching theme. Emblems of preppiness--Tretorns, stripey scarves, wellies--mingle with vaguely mod vintage Braun stereos. Issues of Playboy from 1964 rest next to taxidermied animals. And the iconic (Timex watches and Ray-Ban aviators) hang out with the uber-boyish (model rockets, microscopes, model cars, a bench from a locker room and trophies). This is classic cool--not downtown techno cool or snarky hipper-than-thou retro cool, just good, old-school cool.

09/04/06

Cool bags, eclectic gifts.

by clavicle

Purchased my first Jack Spade messenger bag in 2004 and have been returning since. Jack Spade provides high quality and functional bags, wallets, and other accessories which are uniquely functional and masculine (yet women enjoy their products as well) The service in the store is top-notch --- they are attendant (without being overly so which is key for me) and most importantly, friendly. Prices vary from different product lines (e.g. Warren St. vs. Greene St.) which from my understanding is based on the fabric used (i.e. canvas vs. waxwear) I just recently purchased a $700 Macintosh raincoat from Jack Spade with the help of one of their sales-clerks and have been quite pleased with the look and quality of material. I was initially hesitant buying a random product from a company not known for coats or clothing but was reassured once the clerk told me that Jack Spade lined up with Macintosh in Scotland to make these jackets --- It confirmed to me that the company/store isn't about finding products, putting a "jack spade" label and marking up the prices. It's stylish, masculine, w/ a touch of bohemian wit mixed with functionality and high quality.

• Pros: Stylish, masculine bags and other eclectic products.
• Cons: None.

09/08/04

Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick!

by flipcityboy

I have always wanted a Jack Spade messenger bag because its lines are clean and the overall structure is functional. I recently walked into the Greene Street store to exchange a J. Spade bag I purchased on line. It was not the classic model one I wanted originally but I liked the look. Anyway, the store manager, Jill Tennant, was very quick to apologize for the defective model and offer an exchange. All I had to do was pick a bag and it will be done with no fuss. That impressed me a lot. There are other things worth looking at the very cozy store. Now, I have to save up and get the wax wear version! It's worth every dollar you spend.

• Pros: Prompt Service, Easy Exchange, Nice Bags

09/23/02

Great Bags!

by bbegarly

Jack Spade carries the coolest, most fuctional bags for guys. I love his line. The SOHO store is awesome and the sales people are always so friendly and helpful. The bags are a bit pricey, but I always say "You get what you pay for, if you can't afford it, don't go in there.."

• Pros: Friendly salespeople, great product variety
• Cons: cramped store space