Bally of Switzerland

I have entered the season of change, I am graduating. Its only proper to arm oneself with the necessary tools to enter a new career market. A grown man’s work bag is one of those essential items. I made my inquiry through the shops at Tyson’s II. For the stratosphere I was embarking on, I needed to see the products through my haptic senses, I couldn’t rely on sight alone. This review is based on my end-​to-​end search for the ultimate work bag. I looked at Bottega, Prada, Vuitton, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Versace and of course, Bally.
I ultimately decided on the Sommet Jumbo, a men’s large leather tote in black. The Sommet Jumbo is stellar. It is understated and opulent; a masculine and sartorial version of the eponymous Celine bag (same designer). I didn’t reach this decision halfheartedly. I had just come from Bottega, disappointed. At this point in my search I wasn’t sure I was going to find what I ‘thought’ I was looking for. I have always liked Bally. They are never the ‘go-​to’ for those obsessed with conformity but after attracting millennial designers, they have become a relevant factor, again.
On my initial visit, Edward, a most kind gentleman, showed me possible options they were functional and stylish enough, but, they just didn’t say, «I’m a Boss.» I decided that day that one of those bags would have been my default. I took Edwards card and told him I would call upon him in a few weeks after I continued my search.
After shopping the other stores at Tyson’s II and revisiting all of their websites, respectively; I found ‘my’ bag, Bally’s Sommet Jumbo. I immediately called to store. Chad answered the call. I had asked for Edward, whom I was informed was at lunch and Chad offered his services. He informed me that there was only one in the country, and I had a contender. «Who else could conceivably be pursing MY bag,» I thought. Well, boy was I wrong. I explained to Chad my circumstance for not being able to acquire the bag immediately but he still pressed on to secure the bag. While it was in transit, from NY to Tyson’s II, it sold. Chad still delivered and I picked it up last week.
Even returning to the store for pick up was a treat. Edward greeted me and the store Manager provided the cava, enough for me not to think about being late for a telecom I had upcoming that day.
In short, 5 stars for securing the bag, for the associate named Comfort for showing me that my tote could indeed have a strap (that actually is a belt) where the B is killer, the superb service, and the cava the most amazing store manager provided whose name I forgot but will always remember his stellar gift wrapping skills.
Thanks, ya’ll!

The sales person did a fabulous job working with both us and another patron while giving us all great service. The items are expensive and it is hard to find the price tag on the inventory. The seating is sparce but the sales associate made up for it when he offererd me water and helped us.
My husband was there to buy shoes and we accomplished that. Although the pair he initially wanted was not in stock in his size the sales person offered to order them and suggested we try other similar shoes in the correct size. My husband is an inpaitent person so being told that an item would be shipped upset him but when we realized it would be in store in 48 hours were happy again. He was patient and ultimately we found another pair to buy. We plan on returning…

I’ve been in a few times and have noted a good reception each time regardless of whether they know you. In my experience however, if they get to know you, they really turn the charm way up. That’s not to say that everyone through their doors doesn’t get attention, but once they dial you in, you get a very personalized pitch. Things I or my wife have taken an interest in are noted and brought up on subsequent visits, and it’s actually a fairly hands off technique so you don’t feel smothered or hovered over.
One thing of note is that their products are not just made in Switzerland and Italy anymore. They’ve snuck in some China made products. I did notice that at least in their shoes, within the same style you could find shoes made in both Italy and China. Now you know to check and insist on the Italian made one since they are the same price.

Sorry to be the first reviewer, and to give such a (deservedly) harsh review.
I went into Bally with my much-​loved, several-​years old Bally bag. When I bought it about four years ago, it was about $ 3000 — which is actually embarassingly extravagant. But is was worth it — the bag is still gorgeous and I will use it forever… it’s the service that I have an issue with.
For the record, I own three purses from Bally, two of which were bought at the Tyson’s location. The one I brought into the Galleria recently is my favorite, every-​day bag. There is an area on one of the bag’s straps where the leather has separated. When I went into the store, (following a very high school-​esque up/​down scrutinization), an amazingly rude and almost laughably pretentious saleswoman told me that «my bag was soooo old» that I should just «super glue» it back together and get some leather conditioner «at a shoe store» for the outside. She then showed me a similar purse and commented that, at nearly $ 4000, it «wasn’t all that expensive…»
Maybe I didn’t look polished enough (I was wearing sloppy jeans). Maybe starting out with a question about service rather than purchase made her less interested in helping me. But for sure, she made me feel very uncomfortable and was aloof and unhelpful. I wish I had gotten the saleswoman’s name to post here, but I was all too happy to leave her store before finding out that information. But I can tell you, I will never shop at this location again.
I am often in Houston, and any future purchases from Bally will be made at the store at their Galleria! The contrast with the sales representatives there was shocking — so, so much better. Bally of Switzerland is definitely better in Texas! My bag is being sent to Bally’s leather restorer through their location.