Focus, Steve and Barry's - and not much on the web

In an article in this week's NY Times, the "cheap chic" of Steve & Barry's retail clothing chain is trumpeted for, among other things, an $8.98 Sundress designed by actress and fashion plate Sarah Jessica Parker.

From the Times:

"Steve & Barry’s, for the uninitiated, is to fashion what Tower once was to music. Steve & Barry’s is manna, a store that sells stylish celebrity-branded clothes at prices that are absurdly inexpensive, lower than those at Old Navy, H & M or Forever 21, undercutting even Wal-Mart by as much as half."

Steve and Barry's has also worked with NBA star Stephon Marbury to develop the Starbury line of "urban inspired" clothing and shoes. The "Starbury II" shoe that Marbury wears, priced at - $8.98.

They have a lot of stores, are opening more. In what appears to be an increasingly cost-sensitive time, their uber low prices would seem to be very right for right now.

But here's the kicker from their website FAQ:

"In order to provide the best service possible, Steve & Barry’s is devoting all resources to the continued improvement of our retail stores. We currently do not have a catalog or online ordering available."

Focusing on bricks and mortar. And building the brand. We'll see how that works out, but for Steve & Barry's for right now, it seems like a focused approach.