Jos A. Bank — Local services in Town of Guilderland

I went to Joseph A. Bank looking for a suit for New Years Eve. My wife had been invited to the Planet Fitness VIP party at the Hard Rock Cafe right in the middle of Times Square in NYC. I just wanted to look good and not be underdressed for the event. That is where I first met Tom, he showed me a few suits off the shelves that were what I was looking for. The hard part for suit shopping for me is I’m 5’7 with the shoulders and neck of a pit bull hahah. My jacket size is a 36S which is often hard to find, so either way this suit was going to have to be altered and or ordered. So that is when he had asked me what the suit was for so he could better understand my timeline and level of urgency. Like most people to avoid anxiety I plan, prepare, and execute accordingly. So we had almost two months before New Years give or take. And that’s the moment Toms wheels started turning. He then asked me what my budget was and I replied I just wanted to look good for the occasion. This is New Years Eve in NYC at the Hard Rock Cafe and we also had a private showing of the ball and all that. So he then walked me to the back of the store where the custom suit fabrics are displayed. I had originally wanted a grey suit or a blue suit not to flashy, just wanted to blend in, and look the part. He picked out two beautiful fabrics that I absolutely loved and couldn’t refuse. That’s when the customization really started to take place. We did pick stitching on one, accent stitching on both suits on the lapel, and the first button hole. Beautiful contrasting liners in both, along with my initials on the inner pocket. These suits really became a work of art and a one off that not only was I proud to own but reflected my personal style to a T. After that he took all my measurements put them into the system and we finalized the transaction. After about four weeks or so the suits came in as expected based on what Tom had told me. I tried on the both suits, and all I can say is they fit absolutely perfect. Enough room to be able to move around comfortably but when standing still hugged me enough to give me shape and to not looked lost in the suit. He then marked the pants for the length, and that was the final alteration which I believe took a few days to get back if that. As if Tom hadn’t already done enough we took both suits to the front of the store and laid them out on the table. He picked out multiple shirt and tie options for both along with pocket squares. We then narrowed it down to one final option for each suit and they both look red carpet ready. I’m glad I had asked for his help because I would have picked solid color shirts in a complementary color or maybe a slight contrast. Tom said “nobody is wearing solid color shirts under suits anymore” he said “it’s all about texture, and layers, subtitles.” The shirts and ties he picked out I would have never even looked at, and I have good taste but not like this. Tom knows the ins and outs of men’s real world, modern day fashion, for any occasion. A few quick pictures to send to my mom for her approval to which she responded “love it” hahah that’s when I knew I was good. With out a doubt I was the best dressed man at that party! I wouldn’t have been able to do it had it not been for Tom and his profound literacy in men’s fashion. Thank you so much for everything and I’ll be back again for round three! If you want to look good go see Tom at Joseph A. Bank, It’s that simple. Tell him Adam from...

Overall a really poor experience due to erroneous charges to my card, poor communication, and mediocre customer service. Really a shame because the store is in a prime location for business on the west end of Albany. I don't think I would ever go back into a Jos A Bank after my experience here, nor would I recommend the business to friends/family.

How to do better: When somebody comes in with a group discount code for suits (like a wedding party), charge them the locked in price that the original purchaser paid instead of letting them find out by talking to the groom that you overcharged them by $100 and waste your time trying to sort it all out. Call people when their order comes in, don't tell them to just show up after an arbitrary date. If you place an order for an item, and then that item becomes unavailable on the back end, when you do in fact call the customer at least give them some options other than "I can't order that for you". What do you want me to do? Ask for a refund on the whole order? Do a charge back? You're supposed to be trying to retain the customer and give them options if there is an issue not currently in your control. Follow up on that damn order and CALL THEM. When something goes wrong, at least say "I'm sorry" or "I apologize", I don't recall getting a single apology the 4 separate times I had to visit the store in the 3 months it took to get my suit. On several occasions I asked "Should/can I try this on?" you know, to make sure it fits, so I can take care of any issues right then and don't have to come back in later. My concerns were brushed away each time. Why don't you want people trying on the clothing? Do you just want them to hurry out of the store? If there really is an issue I'm going to come back and waste more of your time. Encourage the customers to try it on, let them ask questions, help guide them especially if this is...

Two Year Later Update: Don’t go here. I don’t fully regret it, but legit all I think about when looking at my wedding photos is “why didn’t I just go to Men’s Warehouse?” $700 and three visits should’ve yielded far better results. Nice interior though.

Update: still mildly satisfied. Been looking back at wedding photos from a few months ago…ya know I kept feeling and asking if my suit was too big and/or if it’d be tailored to proper size. Everyone kept insisting it was good. And it’s FINE, but I’m looking at all these photos and yup this suit jacket with alterations done was definitely too big. Should’ve just gone to the Men’s Warehouse in Vermont (the Albany one’s interior is pretty not great).

Overall satisfied. Bought suit for my wedding. I’d probably go elsewhere if I could do it over (Men’s Warehouse, but not the one in Colonie—that one looked and felt like a dump. Got married in Vermont, and they have a much nicer one up in Burlington…where I ended up getting a waistcoat from the week of the wedding anyway). Full disclosure—only shopped here because I had no idea what I was doing and felt physically comfortable in the store. Had 3 kids help me out, I liked one of them and basically put all my trust in him lol. I’m a thinner guy (36R) and I think I’m just not crazy with how the Jos A Bank suits fit, even after “alterations” (don’t think they did much to the jacket, maybe just adjust sleeve length). I bought a lower quality (BAR III) after-party 3 piece suit from Macy’s the week before the wedding and liked it SO much more. Back on subject though, I don’t have any regrets. My brother showed up to the wedding in a suit from J Crew that looked like what I’d wanted to go for. Again, didn’t know what I was doing. Don’t come here if you don’t know what you’re doing I guess I’ll wrap up with. The store itself is nice to be in. I stress ate at Chipotle next door every...