Pockets sewn shut

[Espee]

On Stafford topcoats at Penney's... even in a low-cost brand, I'd expect the side pockets of a TOPCOAT to be functional. They hope to sell more gloves I guess.
To be fair, thumb and pinkie could go in, and other similarly-arranged digits could take turns getting warm.

 

[Nick D]

They are basted shut. This is common with off the rack menswear, along with basting the vents shut at the bottom. This keeps everything in order from the factory to your home, but then the basting must be removed.

 

[Shangas]

You're supposed to cut the thread off to open the pockets when you buy the coat...