Shopping Fry’s: A Day Trip

by Dan Birlew

Thanks to the rough economy there are few brick-and-mortar stores remaining where a guy can run to pick up the odd PC internal power cable adapter or a cheap SATA cable on the fly. With CompUSA closing all locations and becoming solely an Internet retailer, West Coast techies are relegated to one major franchise for same-day computer needs: Fry’s. While you can find a few (very few) PC components at Radio Shack and can probably find cheaper deals at NewEgg.com or CompUSA.com, there really is no alternative for immediate-need items.

On New Year’s Day I found myself in just such a predicament. I needed to install a 1TB hard drive into my PC. I got a great deal on a Western Digital from Best Buy, but failed to read the packaging where it clearly stated that no cables were included. After examining my PC’s innards, I also realized all my SATA device power cables were taken, servicing other devices such as the DVD-RW and three other hard drives. I needed to convert a four-prong power cable into a SATA line. So I needed a SATA cable and a power cable adapter, roughly $8 worth of stuff. My plan was to run in to Fry’s and run out.

Yet since the Las Vegas Fry’s is located at the intersection of The Strip and the 215, there is no such thing as “a quick run to Fry’s.” With a front façade designed like a giant slot machine, turns out the Las Vegas Fry’s is a major tourist destination in town. On any given day of the week it’s crowded, it’s hectic, but it’s also worth the trip.

The sheer spectacle of giant televisions, computers and video games in action makes for an entertaining half-hour to hour, which is the minimum amount of time you can expect to be in the store anyway. The great thing about Fry’s Las Vegas is that you can try out whatever’s on sale. And if the gizmo or game you want to try isn’t available, you can probably talk a sales executive into setting up a demonstration for you.

So on your next trip to Vegas plan to take a cab from your hotel just a few miles south to the Fry’s near the 215. The slot machine outside is worth photographing, and there are hours of fun to be had just trying the latest gadgets, games and hardware. Even if you don’t buy anything, Fry’s Las Vegas is worth a stop for the techies in your group. Plan for crowds, and plan to be there for a minimum of an hour or more. Relax and enjoy the rush

Fry’s Electronics
6845 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 932-1400

Tom Ford Opens in Las Vegas

by Dan Birlew

These are good days to be a guy who likes to shop in Vegas. After dazzling Hollywood stars (and having recently directed the indie film, A Single Man), designer Tom Ford’s new store is now open at Crystals in Las Vegas’s City Center. The location is difficult to miss, thanks to the contrast of bright-lighted letters on stained wood paneling. The interior is also dark and relaxing, with comfortable and elegant décor styled after Tom Ford’s own home, including modern sofas, a sleek marble coffee table and an impressive beaver skin rug.

But the real attraction of the Tom Ford store is the complete line of elite men’s wear, sunglasses, scents and accessories you can’t find anywhere else, even at Neiman Marcus stores. Though sparsely stocked, the racks provide a wide variety of the elegant suits, great shirts and bold ties Ford is so well known for. The staff makes your shopping quite an elegant experience, and it’s an impressive place to take a date before or after dinner.

Having always admired Ford’s fashions from afar, the experience of shopping in his store was honestly a little overwhelming. While perusing the marble backroom full of eyewear and colognes, a helpful salesperson showed me several of Ford’s signature scents. The perfume Black Orchid was so compelling that I found myself reaching for my credit card. Luckily Ford’s fragrances are affordable on any budget.

Though I managed to get away with some funds still left in my account, I will say that the Tom Ford store is not a place for men requiring standard shopping contrivances… such as price tags. You’ll find none in the store. If something catches your eye, be sure you’re ready to spend and spend well before asking for a fitting. Getting the same great look and cut in a suit Daniel Craig had in the last Bond movie will cost you plenty.

Aside from the suits, the shirts, fragrances, and accessories can be had for reasonable prices. For giggles, check out the brown men’s swimming trunks hanging on the rack. Most of you will skip it, you’d have to be a 12 year old boy to pull it off.

Tom Ford
3720 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Editor’s note: Visit Go Shop Vegas often for details on an upcoming Tom Ford store appearance by the designer himself.