Well it could be, if you join one of the top members-only websites.
When I first started seeing these members-only sites pop up, I thought they probably sold wholesale merchandise and required a business licenses to join. Or perhaps they were selling our email addresses to make up for the lost revenue from discounting their merchandise by 50% and more. Come to find out, none of what I originally thought is true. It is true that they offer discounts in the 50-60% and sometimes above range, but you still need a lot of money to shop at any of the top members-only sites. (I didn't investigate any of the sites I've seen ads for on Facebook. Primarily because when I tried to seek one out, I couldn't find one. That said, I believe the sites advertising on Facebook are probably not meant for designers to sell their merchandise, which are the only sites covered in this blog.)
The site called Gilt started in 2007 and was the first of the members-only Web sites in the U.S. Today it's over 2 million members strong and according to Gilt's website it "provides instant
insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. Once you're a member you can find something new every day for women, men, kids and home as well as exclusive local services and experiences, and one-of-a-kind travel packages". (The Phillip Lim Kimono at right retails for $495. If it made it to Gilt's members-only site and they offered 60% off, you could pick this up for about $200.)It didn't take Gilt long to be on its way to fame and fortune, or to have their competitors begin to emerge. There are now several such sites in the market place selling clothing for men, women and kids, accessories such as watches and jewelry, shoes, home goods and even beauty products.
What made the designers choose a site like Gilt? Well it was at the end of a season of lackluster retail sales, and one of the top designers of handbags found she had greatly overestimated the amount of merchandise she thought would sell in the upscale retail stores. Instead of consigning her merchandise to a bargain-basement rack that would tarnish the reputation of the brand, she began selling the excess inventory for half-price on the members-only web sites. She wasn't alone. A lot more of the stock comes from makers of luxury apparel as mentioned earlier; such as home furnishings, and other high-end goods and the memberships were fueled by the designer names who were selling on the site.
It was reported that Gilt was on track to generate sales of $400 million in fiscal 2010 and that analyst were saying it was a strong candidate for an acquisition or a public offering. I found it interesting that none of these members-only sites carry any inventory, and must rely on the mistakes, if you will, of the latest and hottest designers. Somehow, I can see the word 'dotcom' being loosely applied to this scenario. However, I am not a stock analyst so don't worry about my opinion.
Although I didn't see it mentioned in any of my research, the realization hit me that these member-only sites seem really like an online version of an outlet store found in an outlet mall. The only difference really is with the members-only site you have to be a member in order to purchase, which I think is only a ploy to make us think we are being given the exclusive right to purchase on their site. The problem is, and as usual, you still have to be Rockefeller to afford to buy anything from the top four sites.
Now on the flip side, if your name does happen to be Rockefeller, you've hit the jackpot by being a member of one of these exclusive sites. What's the jackpot worth? You can purchase a Chaiken trench coat for $175 plus tax and $7.95 shipping—saving $411 over retail- according to one web site. That's enough of a substantial savings to not worry one bit about anything I've said here and to just dash on over to one of these members-only web sites and sign up!!
Or, you can dash on over to our Men's Wear Category and save yourself over 70% on a Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Trench Coat, because every man's wardrobe needs a coat like this if you never want to be cold again. NEW-NO TAGS
The information contained in this blog is only my opinion and you should do your own investigation before relying on anything I've said.
