Should I buy winter clothing in Utah or London?

January 14, 2008 5:36 AM

Would I be better off buying a winter coat and heavy shoes in Park City, Utah or London?

Later this week, I am travelling from the UK to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. I will also be in New York later this month. I currently only have a fleece and sneakers, so I clearly need more a substantial coat and pair of shoes.

My question is, would I save money by waiting until I get to Park City. It's a tourist town which may even hike up prices for the out-of-towners during Sundance, but it presumably has a better range of winter gear. Remember the British pound is currently worth quite a lot in the U.S.

posted by caek to clothing, beauty, & fashion (17 comments total)

Kinda sounds like you answered your own question. Personally, I'd buy when I get there. I can't imagine Park City being MORE expensive than London, plus you'll only have to deal with the extra baggage for half the trip.
posted by ISeemToBeAVerb at 5:49 AM on January 14

I know nothing of London, but I do know Salt Lake City, which is about 30 miles away, and which your flight is likely to arrive in. Shop in Salt Lake instead of Park City and you will have way more options, from major discount stores, such as Wal-Mart, to specialty ski shops. You will certainly pay much less in Salt Lake.
posted by The Deej at 6:00 AM on January 14

As someone who just got back from the UK, I would suggesting buying here. It's not on the exchange rate that is better, the prices are cheaper here in the states.

When I was at the London Meetup on 20 December a few UK MeFites said that going to the States is like going on a free shopping spree.

I don't think that the stores could get away with marking up something so much that it would be less expensive in the UK.
posted by terrapin at 6:00 AM on January 14

Also: you'll have less to pack on your way to Utah. But make sure you leave enough room in your suitcase to bring your new gear home... or buy a new suitcase here... it will be cheaper.

please don't shop at Walmart.
posted by terrapin at 6:02 AM on January 14

Absolutely the US. The exchange rate is great, and you can get some really hard-wearing gear. I got a Carrhart jacket and work trousers for less than fifty quid (over there it's what all the road crews wear, rather than the fashion brand it is in the UK).
posted by Happy Dave at 6:34 AM on January 14

Having not long returned from a trip to the the US, where I brought a lot of winter clothes, I can promise you things will be significantly cheaper --a third less at least. Its worth leaving some extra space for general clothes as well, Jeans, in particular are incredibly cheap by comparison -- its not uncommon to find them at a quarter of the price they would be on the UK high st.
posted by tallus at 6:35 AM on January 14

I'm planning on buying a pair of snow boots on my next trip to the US. UK prices run at around £150 a pair. It's about half that in greenbacks.

You'll also find better quality and more choice in the US than the UK, even in London.
posted by essexjan at 6:37 AM on January 14

Check out REI in Salt Lake City if you get a chance. They have some high quality gear at excellent prices, and that's even before you factor in the discount you'll get due to the exchange rate.

I just got back from my annual trip to the States, and I spent around $500 at REI to get cold weather gear that would have cost roughly twice that here in Austria.
posted by syzygy at 6:47 AM on January 14

If you want brand-name clothes, Park City is slightly famous for outlet-shopping, meaning discount prices on designer stuff.
posted by blue_beetle at 7:11 AM on January 14

OK, that's a pretty comprehensive vote for waiting until I get there. I don't think I'll be spending any time in SLC, and I don't have my own transportation, but thanks everyone for the pointers to specific stores.
posted by caek at 9:15 AM on January 14

OK, that's a pretty comprehensive vote for waiting until I get there. I don't think I'll be spending any time in SLC, and I don't have my own transportation, but thanks everyone for the pointers to specific stores.

Just a heads up, transportation to and from SLC and Park City shouldn't be too much of a challenge.
posted by iamabot at 10:13 AM on January 14

Yeah, I do get that impression, but it's more getting around SLC once I'm there that concerns me. I suspect I'll lose more in time getting there and around than I'll save in money by buying on Main Street in Park City.
posted by caek at 10:33 AM on January 14

If you want brand-name clothes, Park City is slightly famous for outlet-shopping, meaning discount prices on designer stuff.

D'oh! I forgot that I went to the Tanger Outlet Mall in Park City. Everything you need, and more, is there! I got some fantastic deals on very nice stuff. I ran out of money before I ran out of bargains.
posted by The Deej at 11:05 AM on January 14

REI rocks, but it focuses on outdoor & travel gear more than stylish gear. If you're looking for a nice thick wool pea coat, REI is not the place to look. If you're looking for a big puffy ski jacket & shell, and hiking/backpacking boots with leather uppers, REI is exactly what you want. The REI brand is almost always 20-30% cheaper, and is usually made by another respected, established company anyway (iirc REI's boots are actually made by Merrel, who make very good footwear). If you're buying a lot, an REI membership will give you a % back at the end of the year, which may or may not justify the $20 (they just raised it) they charge for it (it's a lifetime membership).
posted by devilsbrigade at 11:22 AM on January 14

If I remember correctly, the outlets aren't really anywhere near the Main Street area, so they may be difficult to get to. But you'll have the best luck there if you can get there. Main Street is quite expensive and surprisingly limited in its selection, although you'll probably be able to find something decent, especially with your powerful British pounds.

Some of the film screenings for the festival are actually in Salt Lake, and I believe there are shuttles between Park City and Salt Lake during the festival, so you could take a day and go shopping and see some flicks in SLC.
posted by doift at 2:26 PM on January 14

Seconding the Outlet Mall in Park City. It's on the West end of town, right next to the freeway. You can't miss it.
posted by SlyBevel at 9:20 PM on January 14

Check the Patagonia Outlet - 2292 Highland Drive - just off I-80 (the road to Park City. High quality, good looking, outdoor gear at substantial discount.
posted by troubleon14thst at 11:35 AM on January 16