Few fashion events in NYC spark as much buzz as The Row Sample Sale NYC — and if you’re a fan of quiet luxury, this is your Super Bowl. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal experience at The Row Sample Sale in NYC, and giving you a full review of the TR1 bag I scored for over 70% off.
This post is part of my designer brand review on YouTube. You can watch the video here, where I walk you through how I had a chance to buy from The Row Sample Sale for the first time ever and why I’m still obsessed with this bag four years later.
The Row RT1 Bag
The RT1 Bag is mid size hand bag with the most luxurious silk leather outer design with suede interior leather and gold hardware zipper. The bag has a very small logo with two sided magnetic snaps to keep the design in shape.
Product Brand: The Row
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 2750
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.85
Pros
- Quiet Luxury Vibe – No logos, no fuss
- Superb Leather Quality – Smooth, soft, luxe
- Timeless Design – Doesn’t go out of style
- Perfect for Resale – Holds value due to brand scarcity
- Sample Sale Price Point – Incredible savings at $750
Cons
- Not laptop-friendly – Won’t fit 13”+ devices
- Discontinued Style – Must find pre-owned versions
- Hard to Spot – Limited availability, even secondhand
- Shoulder length is short like The Row Margaux Bag
My Honest Experience with The Row Sample Sale NYC
The Row: A Brand Close to My Heart
Let me backtrack for a second: The Row became my lovemark luxury brand in 2021, the same year I became a U.S. citizen. I still remember my first purchase — the cult-favorite Bare Sandals, which I styled with a beautiful DVF wrap dress. Surprisingly, I found these sandals in the colors of the U.S. flag — a little patriotic twist I didn’t expect but absolutely loved.
A few months later, I stumbled upon their NYC sample sale completely by chance — no plan, no line-sitter, no crazy preparation. Just a lucky fashion girl moment. I had only found out about the sale the day before, thanks to an influencer who casually mentioned it was happening. At the time, I honestly didn’t think I’d even be able to buy anything — The Row is known for being quite pricey, and I didn’t feel like I had the budget to walk away with more than maybe one piece (if that).
That day, I walked away with:
- The TR1 bag
- A second pair of Bare Sandals in a bright red color
- Chic slip-on sneakers
- And PVC clear sandals that I was very intrigued by for a very long time.
The Row Sample Sale NYC: What’s It Really Like?
Where It Happens:
While I was walking around Union Square, I passed by 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, where there’s a space called Metropolitan Pavilion — a familiar venue for fashion lovers in NYC. I noticed the sample sale signs and decided to ask someone if it was The Row Sample Sale. To my surprise, it was — and even better, there was no line at all.
Of course, it wasn’t such a mystery — it was already the third or fourth day of the sale, which usually means smaller crowds but still solid finds.
The Row Sample Sale is usually organized by 260 Sample Sale, and I highly recommend following them for updates on future events. You should also consider signing up for websites like Chicmi — it’s a goldmine for insider tips, early updates, and even reviews of each day’s inventory. It’s a great community if you’re trying to plan your strategy before heading to any major sample sale.
Do People Really Hire Line Sitters?
YES — some fashion lovers go all out, hiring line sitters to wait overnight just to snag the rarest pieces. And honestly? Bags are often gone within the first 10–20 minutes of the sale. If you’re serious about scoring a Row bag, a line sitter might actually be crucial.
Line sitters can charge up to $50/hour, so if you’re paying for 6 hours, that’s $300+ just to hold your spot.
But let me be honest — I’m more about the experience and the savings. Spending hundreds just to maybe get something on sale feels counterintuitive to me — unless you’re aiming for a $4000+ piece at 70% off.
💸 Pro Tip: The third or fourth day of the sample sale is a best-kept secret. I went on day 3, and there was no line at all. Even better? I scored amazing pieces — including my TR1 bag.
How? I simply went up to the register and asked if they had any idea whether new bag stock was expected that day. The lovely staff member checked around, and a few minutes later, came out holding seven bags on his shoulders — and I got one! 😊
Sometimes, all you need to do is ask.
TR1 Bag Review: Quiet Luxury at Its Finest
The star of this post is, without a doubt, my beloved TR1 Bag — a design that’s now discontinued, but still coveted in the resale world.
Specs:
- Material: 100% Leather with suede interior
- Hardware: Gold zipper + magnetic closure
- Original Price: ~$2750
- Sample Sale Price: $750
When I first held this bag, I immediately noticed the buttery softness of the leather. The interior is plush suede, and the craftsmanship is flawless — no loose threads, no glue residue, no logos screaming for attention.
It’s the epitome of quiet luxury — and that’s exactly how this bag stole my heart and solidified my love for The Row.
I’ve had my fair share of luxury fashion experiences — from Chanel shoes to a Celine bag, and YSL heels and handbags — and one thing I’ve come to appreciate deeply about The Row is their uncompromising commitment to quality.
Every time I purchase something from them, I genuinely feel like I’m being taken care of by the brand. There’s no pressure to buy a new item every season. Instead, The Row designs with longevity in mind — each piece is meant to last years, if not decades.
And to this day, I’ve never been disappointed in the quality of a single item from them.
✨ I truly hope we never see the day when this brand sacrifices its top priority — craftsmanship — for trends or mass appeal. Because for many of us, that timeless, understated elegance is what makes The Row so iconic.
Q: How much is The Row sample sale discount?
A: Bags are typically 60% off, shoes up to 70%. My TR1 bag went from $2750 to $750.
Q: When is The Row Sample Sale in NYC?
A: It usually happens once a year in October. Follow 260 Sample Sale or sign up for Chicmi’s newsletter for updates on the 2025 event.
Q: Is it worth attending The Row sample sale?
A: 100% yes — if you’re strategic. Go later in the sale to skip lines and still find great pieces.But be ready that you will not find the most coveted pieces like ballet flats or loafers.
TR1 Bag Quality: Why The Row Stands Out
I get the skepticism. Many ask: “Why pay so much for something so… simple?”
But simplicity is the point. There’s no flashy logo, just a tiny, discreet ‘The Row’ emblem. And the bag itself? Incredibly well-structured, minimal, yet sophisticated. The kind of piece that makes people go, “Wait, Is that?” in the best way. If you know if, you know it most simplistically.
I’ve used it:
- As a weekender bag for upstate trips
- For brunch dates
- Occasionally for errands (although my 15″ laptop doesn’t fit)
This bag has been with me for four years, and it’s still in pristine condition — a true testament to its craftsmanship.
Pros & Cons of the TR1 Bag
Pros:
- Quiet Luxury Vibe – No logos, no fuss
- Superb Leather Quality – Smooth, soft, luxe
- Timeless Design – Doesn’t go out of style
- Perfect for Resale – Holds value due to brand scarcity
- Sample Sale Price Point – Incredible savings at $750
Cons:
- Not laptop-friendly – Won’t fit 13”+ devices
- Discontinued Style – Must find pre-owned versions
- Hard to Spot – Limited availability, even secondhand
- Shoulder length is short like The Row Margaux Bag
Alley Girl’s Scorecard
| Category | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design & Aesthetic | 9.5/10 |
| Quality & Craftsmanship | 10/10 |
| Versatility | 8.5/10 |
| Value at Sample Sale | 9/10 |
| Overall Score | 9.3/10 |
The Row slip-on sneakers
Want the TR1 Bag? Here’s Where to Find It in 2025
Since this model is discontinued, your best bet is resale platforms. I’ve curated some listings for you:
1. Poshmark & eBay Listings
- Some sellers offer near-mint versions
- Tip: Ask for extra photos before purchasing
- They are much more pricey than TRR finds.
2. The RealReal
- Verified luxury reseller
- Conditions usually rated A to C — check closely
3. Cuyana (My Favorite Alternative)
- Handmade leather goods
- TR1-inspired shapes, excellent craftsmanship
- Great price point for an everyday work bag
4. Etsy Find
- Small business, Italian leather
- Affordable and unique
- Great way to support indie creators
🛍️ Click here to browse TR1 bag alternatives and own a piece of The Row aesthetic — without the $3000 price tag.
Watch the Full Review on YouTube
Want to see the bag in motion? I show you:
- How I styled it
- What fits inside
- Close-ups of the leather + suede interior
👉 Watch my full The Row TR1 Bag Review here
Final Thoughts: Is The Row Sample Sale Worth It in 2025?
YES — if you approach it smartly.
Skip the line-sitter drama. Go mid-sale. Know what you’re hunting for. And most importantly, don’t overthink the simplicity. The Row’s magic is in its restraint — their pieces are meant to live with you for decades, not just one season.
If you’re eyeing the 2025 Row Sample Sale NYC, mark your calendars, set alerts, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll land your own iconic piece as I did.
Save This Post for Next Year
Bookmark this review or pin it to Pinterest so you’re ready for the next Row Sample Sale 2025 — because if it’s anything like previous years, pieces will fly.
