Demystifying the Big Rock
We had only heard two things about the “big red door”: 1) It’s home to great deals on designer denim, and 2) it has a warehouse location. We can deal with that. We are not above warehouse as long as designer is involved.
Designer, there is. We laid eyes on many a Seven, Diesel, Paper Denim and Rock and Republic label at Big Rock Clothing Co. (1003 W. 3160 South, Salt Lake City). That part was impressive and enticing.
Call us over-critical, but we weren’t impressed by the designs themselves. Though there’s no certainty, the duds here appear to be not just out of season, but barely worthy of style points, save a rack of super-cute grey skinnies by Plastic by GSL (who we had never heard of), still priced at $69. And if you’re going to pay that much, wouldn’t you rather fork over a little more and get a prize pair that’s a little less safe and will last a few more years?
The same went for the guys’ stuff. The selection is good, but just about every pair we pulled out had too-ornate butt pockets, overdone whiskering or legs so wide two dudes could fit inside of them.
But there’s more at Big Rock than jeans. You’ll see a wall-to-wall spread (and this is a warehouse) that includes tops, jackets, belts, sunglasses, bags, thermals and more, though few of the brands were memorable.
It’s not that Big Rock isn’t worth checking out, it’s that we don’t want you to be disappointed. We’ll set the expectation-level low. That way, you’ll be super stoked if and when you find something fabulous. When you do, we want to hear about it. We’re not above being proven wrong, either. A good find is always good news.
January 17th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I visited Big Rock last summer for jeans and came away with a pair of shorts. I agree–it looks exciting when you first walk in and see all the designer names, but I left disappointed. Urban Blues gives me a much more fulfilling experience.
January 17th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I am glad that you mentioned Urban Blues!! I actually just went there for the first time on Saturday and loved it! Not too overwhemled and great selection, plus currently, good sales!! I will have to agree with the warehouse…went for the jeans and left with two shirts!! It is a hit and miss, I think!! You might just check out Name Droppers too!! I LOVE that store!! Great deals:)
January 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Thanks for the heads up about Big Rock. I’ve always been curious about it. But if it’s not tops on you gals list, I’m sure it won’t be on mine either!
January 18th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
This is exactly the kind of stuff that makes this sight super useful. The writing is good, the discoveries are great, and I feel like I’m in-the-know even though I’m out of town. Every time I’m back in UT, I know where to eat, shop, and what’s cool in my favorite little city.
When are you guys going to do some real marketing???
Keep up the good work.
January 18th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Wait, where is Urban Blues? I have heard tales of it but never addresses to go with those tales….
January 18th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
2319 E. 3300 South, in the same stripmall that hosts the Skyline Cafe Rio location. Urban Blues was opened by two ex-Nordstrom ladies and they got voted best carriers of men’s jeans by City Weekly in 2006. My experience has been a little hit-or-miss, but it looks like these ladies have had many a hit! Good luck, Ecce.