It’s back! After an agonizing two-year hiatus, Viberg is reconvening its honestly pretty legendary sample sale in New York City, beginning February 10th. They’ll have some boots, most likely. Also shoes, probably. Who’s to say. (Surprise update: they’ll have both.)
I’ll be posting updates and photos on the @stitchdown Instagram once the thing is live and happenin’, but for now here’s what you need to know…
When is this thing and how long does it go on for?
The Viberg sample sale starts on Thursday, February 10th, and will be active through Sunday, February 13th. Here’s the full hours:
-Thursday 2/10: 11am-7pm
-Friday 2/11: 11am-7pm
-Saturday 2/12: 11am-6pm
-Sunday 2/13: 11am-5pm (so you can wear your new boots to watch my Bills once again not win the Super Bowl)
Where am I going?
Depends. I don’t know your life! But if you want to go to the Viberg sample sale, head to 27 Mercer St in Manhattan. Here’s a map.
What kind of stuff can I expect to be up for sale?
Well the surprise is the whole thing, right?!?! But you’ll see old stock Viberg.com makeups from around 2019 to summer 2021—about half service boots and half other stuff—along with some special makeups from retailers as well.
Will there be shell cordovan? Preferably in boot form?
Yes! And yes. About 100 pairs total, mostly pre-order samples dating back to 2019, along with some seconds.
What are prices looking like?
They’re going to start at $370 and get up to $640 for some of the really real stuff. While it’s not clear if it’ll happen this time, typically in past years prices for remaining stock have dropped over the weekend.
What kind of money do they want in exchange for boots?
The plastic kind. Credit card only.
Can I return or exchange what I buy?
You cannot—all sales are final.
Something tells me you’d enjoy the #viberg-talking channel in the Stitchdown Premium Discord. And literally everything else about SDP. Learn more here.
Is there still a pandemic happening?
Uh, yeah man. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required for everyone who goes in.
What kind of wait should I be expecting?
At least something! Only a limited number of people will be allowed in at any given time, and it tends to be, uh, kinda popular. So even if you show up early, you can definitely expect to wait at least an hour or two. I’d recommend talking to the people next to you about boots. Or, like, me!! (I’ll definitely be there Thursday, and possibly Friday).
Do you have any podcasts in which you talk to Brett Viberg that I can listen to while I wait on line?
Sure do! Here’s one. And here’s another. Enjoy.
I hate using my ears. What about a printed interview with Brett?
You betcha. It’s an oldie but a goodie.
What about a story in which you took pictures of people on line at the Viberg sample sale and asked them about their favorite Nic Cage movies?
Oddly, yes, that also exists.
What should I eat for lunch?
Chinese food! I mean you’re right there. Nom Wah, Joe’s Shanghai, Peking Duck House, and Xi’an Famous Foods are some of the classics, and all quite good. Deluxe Green Bo is a sleeper I’ve spent way too much time at. Same with Big Wong. Get after it.
What else do you have to tell me?
Um, I’ll be at the sale! At least on Thursday, when I’ll be bouncing between the line, and Standard & Strange’s NYC shop at 238 Mulberry St just a few blocks away. If you see me, flag me down! I’d love to chat. Possibly about boots.
