Henri Bendel Inc

Henri Bendel is not fashion. It is cheap goods like costume jewelry, with pretentious pricing. 125 dollar socks. When the goods are received in their distribution centers much of the fake jewelry is broken because the vendors are suck. There main distribution center is in Columbus Ohio in a small area of the Limited brands that Henri fights with constantly over the pathetic rent for the pithy space allocation. the cage actually has a whole in the floor that goes outside where rats actually enter the building. those who purchase products from this company are being taken for a ride.

On a recent outing to New York I decided to stop by Henri Bendel's for a spell to see if I could do some Christmas shopping. My word how the prices have gone up. One perfume costs more than what I would spend on food in a month! Don't get me wrong. The clothes and decor were absolutely gorgeous. If I was a rich woman I'd been shopping up a storm.

This store is a gem in midtown. It's very pretty inside and the winding staircase is fab. They have a great selection of makeup on the ground level and always offering makeovers. On the other floors, there are the latest offerings from hip designers, clothing, an agent provacateur boutique and a hair salon.

The only two downsides are the prices and the lack of shoes. How can they not sell shoes? This store is totally a girly-girl's store sans the shoes.

Right on the main strip on Fifth Avenue is The Henri Bendel Store. The downstairs is mostly perfume and cosmetics artfully displayed with plenty of sales help to assist you. Upstairs they have a bunch of little boutiques which seem to change from time to time which makes the store fun looking to see what's new. Great service, great stuff and even though they have been around for many years they are much hipper than Saks or Bergdorfs.

Henri Bendel's is located a block away from Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue and is the place for make up fiends. The multi level shop is gorgeous and carries all the important make up especially the new cutting edge makeups and perfumes. They also sell a nice assortment of accessories. Be prepared to be spritzed by a dozen or so perfumes as you navigate the store and be prepared to have fun.

Going to Bendels for me is like a visit to a small museum. It's Lalique glass displays and beautiful staircase showcases the merchandise as no other store can.

For expensive designer clothing when price is no object this is a shopping experience that is hard to duplicate.

At Christmas time the store goes all out in their decorative skills but without too much excess. Sort of an adult look.

The staff is efficient and somewhat helpful though if you look like you are just browsing they will leave you alone which I like since I browse a lot !

PROS: Beautiful store, quality designer merchandise
CONS: expensive

For all lovers of Chanel, Diane Von Furstenburg and any other name brand product Bendel's is the place to shop. A very large store it's easy to get lost without assistance. Everything in this store is very expensive and they do not have sales too often. The staff is very nice and usually very helpful. You can try on some products to see what you like.

Although this store may be too high priced for 90 percent of New Yorkers to actually buy things, it is a treat to pretend you can afford it by browsing the racks of unique clothing and jewelry and taking the spiral staircase up the many flights of costly goods. The salespeople won't bother you if you don't look like a celebrity anyway...

PROS: Beautiful, one of a kind items, elegant setting
CONS: PRICE

Up until 2 weeks ago...Henri Bendel's WAS one of my favorite stores. I had a rather miserable experience with bitter associate at the T. LeClerc counter. In general the store carries wonderful items and the most gorgeous clothing.

PROS: Great high-end variety
CONS: needs to keep associates in check.

Bendel's beatiful townhouse oozes with sophistication. The 1920-s Paris meeth the new atmosphere is created here. Check out the magnificent Lalique windows and fabulous oval staircases in lieu of elevators. Look for their sales.