Finding out about the good samples sales can be as challenging as finding the “It” bag or the perfect shoe. “Retailers need to move their merchandise from past seasons, and [hosting] a large event like a warehouse or sample sale is the last-ditch effort for them to make a profit off of their overstock,” says Denise Williamson, owner of the Williamson Showroom in New York City, where designers such as Trovata and Development participate in a two-day biannual sample sale. “The consumer loves it, for the most part. If you had your eye on something all season and it’s discounted heavily now, why wouldn’t you want to get it?”
Yes, you hear about these sales ALL the time but what about the exclusive ones, the Pradas, Chanel, Hermes. Do they have sales? You better believe they do. Most of these sales are by invitation only, most are in New York. Oh darn, you say. Dont worry, there are a few being offered in LA, Chicago, Dalla,SanFrancisco, Dublin, london and Canada.
Louis Vuitton- Late Fall/Eary winter. Ever wonder why Louis Vuitton’s merchandise never publicly goes on sale? The company tends to move its merchandise through an end-of-season sale held only for its employees. The only way you can be a part of that sale is to ask an employee friend or friend of a friend to go shopping for you. And the friend has to be in New York City.
Hrermes - You truly have to be an insider. You may not find bags but you will find accessories, scarves, clothing etc.
Wliiamson Showroom Sale- Labels such as Develpoment and Trovata. Bi-annual sales with up to 60% off. No dressing rooms and first day is open to Press, friends and family.
Diane Von Furstenberg- Twiceyearly - June and December . For more info go to www.dvf.com
Manolo Blahnik - 70% off. Access by invite only. Go to www.manoloblahnik.com
Prada -Sale is not advertised and you are limited to two one hour time slots. Sign up on their website www.prada.com.
Want to discount-shop outdoors? Super Saturday, in Bridgehampton, N.Y., hosts an all-day event each summer where designers from Juicy Couture to Christian Dior sell merchandise at major markdowns, all to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. General admission to the event is $400 ($600 if you want early access), but that’s nothing compared with the average of $4,000 to $6,000 shoppers will drop in one afternoon, according to Tracy Enright, events director for the Cancer Research Fund. For more info go to www.ocrf.org
For some of the best shopping ever, head down to Austin, Texas - San Marcos. Its a shopping Mecca especially at Neiman Marcus last call where you will find items discounted up to 80% off. Theres also a Gucci outlet, Zegna, Armani, Escada,Michael Kors,La Perla, Juicy Couture and so many more. My sister picked up 12 handbags on her last trip.
