This Joe's Taryn Flat Tote is on sale at Ideeli for $104, $191 below retail.
Invitation-only luxury shopping websites, such as Ideeli and Gilt Groupe, seem to be popping up everywhere lately.
These retailers offer high-end designer goods for a reduced price to members, but the sales last only a limited time. Gilt Groupe’s sales start at 12 p.m. EST and last only 36 hours. Ideeli’s events have “secret starts,” which members are notified of a couple hours in advance.
There are a host of other websites of the same genre, such as RueLaLa, Haute Look and SecretStyle to name a few. But where did they all come from? Why do they have this designer merchandise for such a low price? And most importantly, how do you get an invitation?
I asked these questions and more of Robin Lawson of Ideeli and Gabriela Meriles of Gilt Groupe.
Both websites buy their merchandise directly from designers and the brands themselves, so they are able to negotiate a price beneficial to both parties. Cutting out the middleman is one of the reasons why their prices are so low, Meriles said.
The sites attempt to recreate the frenzy and excitement of designer sample sales by selling goods in limited quantities for short durations of time. Like most designer sample sales, they are invitation-only.
“We [Gilt Groupe] wanted to give the same ‘insider’ feeling that editors from Vogue or socialites get when shopping these sales to our members nationwide,” Meriles said.
Designer brands are very receptive to these websites, since it can be challenging for them to reach and engage an affluent audience, Lawson explained.
“They like how we [Ideeli] present their products, particularly the quality of our photography,” she said. “We are a marketing solution for them, not a discount site – so they can clear inventory in very high volume fast, but also get a measurable marketing benefit. This in turn helps us tremendously in scoring the best merchandise for our members.”
Gilt Groupe also allows designers heavy input on how they would like the clothing styled, what models are used and any marketing messages displayed, Meriles said.
“We are very respectful of each company’s branding and consult them on all details,” she explained.
These websites also provide an outlet for small, up-and-coming designers to sell their products to the masses, she added. Usually, niche designers can only be found in boutiques in large cities.
Buyer beware, however, because many of these websites allow returns for merchandise credit only. When shoppers get caught up in the excitement of the exclusivity and limited-time offers of these shopping websites, they might not take the time to think the purchase all the way through. Make sure you check out the previews and know beforehand which items will match your current wardrobe/lifestyle.
Ideeli and Gilt Groupe both offer in-season and mid-season merchandise. Right now they are carrying some Fall/Winter 2008 and Spring/Summer 2009 merchandise.
Here is a quick guide to the invitation-only shopping sites on the web.
Ideeli – partners with over 300 brands and continues to add more. As well as sales, the website also hosts giveaways. Sales and giveaways have “secret starts,” but members can preview the merchandise that will be available up to 10 days in advance. Items are priced between 50 to 90 percent off. Ideeli offers two types of membership. 2nd Row, which is free, is their main membership. They also have a 1st Row membership, which costs $83.88/year. These members can shop sales one hour earlier than 2nd Row members, and they have access to 1st Row only sales. Today, Joe’s handbags and Cerruti 1881 cufflinks are on sale. Ideeli has provided Examiner readers with an invitation code, “Examiner.” To join, click here.
Gilt Groupe – sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories to members at up to 70 percent off suggested retail. Each sale features a single designer for 36 hours starting at 12 p.m. EST. Today, Donna Karan clothing and handbags and Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry are on sale. For an invitation, click here.
RueLaLa – offers premier-brand, private sale Boutiques that are open for a brief period of time. Today, Junior Drake handbags and Sue Wong dresses are on sale. For an invitation, leave a comment with your email address.
HauteLook – offers new brands daily for up to 75 percent off. Right now, B.Chyll, Heidi Klum, Paige Maternity and Bump Couture are on sale. For an invitation, leave a comment with your email address.
Secret Style – offers designer brands for up to 75 percent off as well. Sales last for 24 to 48 hours, or until merchandise runs out. Right now, Aesop hair, body and skin care are on sale. For an invitation, leave a comment with your email address.
Editor’s Closet – offers established and “up and coming” brands for up to 80 percent off. Sales last from a few hours to three days, and members are notified 48 hours in advance of their start. Items sold include apparel, accessories, electronics, jewelry, watches and children’s products. Upcoming sales include Calvin Klein watches and jewelry and Karl Lagerfield. For an invitation, leave a comment with your email address.
Do you know of any other invitation-only shopping websites? Please leave a comment and let readers know how they can get invited!
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Comments
secret style and editors closet.
secret style and editors closet. Thx
You might want to check out; www.JETLIFELV.com
It's members / invitation only hotel and resort destinations up to 65% off.
They have all kinds of destinations. Destinations like the Dominican Republic, Paris France, NYC and resorts in Barbados..
When I found them it was cool because I travel alot for work, so to me it's a no-brainer.
Membership is offered through current members, feel free to email me if you need one.
getfocused@gmail(.)com
Thnx.
Same as above: Secret Style and Editor's Closet
Please & thank you!
Hi! I would love an invite for HauteLook, Secret Style and Editor’s Closet.
Thanks!
Pip
Can I have an invitation for Secret Style and Editor's Closet? Thanks so much!
Actually, the secret sale site started in France in 2002 with Vente Privee, and all of these US sites are chic American copycats built on their model. We wrote about it over at Shoestring Magazine (shoestringmag dot com) last year in the article, "Cheap & Chic: 2008, The Year of the Private Sale Site."
As we updated in November on our blog, Shoe Leather (blog dot shoestringmag dot com), there's also Regent's Secret in the US and a few others in the UK, like Cocosa, Koodos, and Brand Alley.
Hi can I get one for Ruelala. Thanks
RueLaLa inviation link http://www.ruelala.com/invite/10credit4u
Editor's closet please
Would love an Editor's Closet and Secret Style invite please! Thanks!
would love invites to all of these!
Thanks!
Add me to Editor's Closet and RueLaLa please!!
http://www.ruelala.com/invite/10credit4u
thanks for the great article. can you pls add me to these sites please:
RueLaLa
HauteLook
Secret Style –
Editor’s Closet
thanks so much!
can you add me to secret style?
thank you for your help.
Please add me to Ruelala, Hautelook & Editor's closet...thank u!!
Hello!Could you sent me invites for Haute Look, Editor's Closet and Secret Style? Thanks!
Can you please add me to these sites:
RueLaLa
HauteLook
Secret Style –
Editor’s Closet
thanks so much!
Hey Anna can you please invite me to Editor's closet and Portero Private when you have a chance!? Thank you so so much
This article is right on time. I lost a previous bookmarked article I had plus this one has even more sites. Add me to:
RueLaLa
HauteLook
Secret Style –
Editor’s Closet
You da best!
mooref_2000 at yahoo.com
Could you invite me to RueLaLa, HauteLook, Secret Style, and Editor's Closet please?
Thank you so much!
meredith [dot] millar@gmail [dot] com
Can you please do an invite for me with Secret Style and Portero Private . Thanks so much
bbowdon@horizontalsi.com
Ruelala
Hautelook
Secret Style
and Editors Closet, please !
n.pizzo[at]yahoo[dot]com
can you please add me to gilt groupe and editors closet?
Thank you!
jbwaldes@gwmail.gwu.edu
jessica.m.johnson09@gmail.com i would like invites to all except gilt group. im already a member.
Can I have one for Secret Stye and Editor's Closet?
Thanks!
Can you please send an invitation to: britt@south-music.com
I'd like to get an invitation from all those websites listed! Thankyou!
tchristina898@gmail.com
Not sure if I'm too late for this, but I would like an invite to Editor's Closet:
hkarkanias[at]optonline[dot]net
Can I get an invite to Secret Style and Editor's closet. Thanks
Luma_Sheet(at)hotmail(dot)com
LuxeChoice has links and invitations to all the hottest members only boutiques... luxechoice.com
Please add me to all of the websites!
Thanks!!
peters(dot)kristim@gmail(dot)com
poretro private and editors closet inites
For mens accessories there is josephd.com. I know im getting an invite very soon from a friend of mine. I dont think the website is actually kept at josephd though - anyone know?
Hey! Can you send me an invitation for Editor’s Closet:
katerinasanchez@yahoo.com
Thanks!
E-mail: KimloanMai@gmail.com
Can you send me an invite for: Ideeli, HauteLookSecret, and StyleEditor’s Closet please? Thanks so much! :)
Please send me invites to Haute Look, Secret Style, Rue La La, Editor's Closet, and Gilt Groupe. Thanks
Email: usfchris24[at]aol[dot]com.
Please send me invites to Haute Look, Secret Style, Rue La La, Editor's Closet, and Gilt Groupe. Thanks
Email: Rockgal81[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would like invitation codes for RueLaLa, Editor's Closet, and Secret Style. rinny427@gmail.com
Hello, please invite me to RueLaLa, Secret Style, Editor's Closet, Gilt.
thank you.
meishan(at)shaw(dot)ca
hi
can you please invite me to RueLaLa, Editor's closet, and Secret style?
Thanks!
ariel.jcomen@yahoo.com
I've been blogging about invite-only
sample sale websites for over a year now on FashionInvites.com check it out, we have a list of over 50 similar invite-only sales sites!
i would like to apply for Haute Look, Secret Style, Rue La La, Editor's Closet invite code
my email = lmc6909 [at] gmail [dot] com
thanks in advance
Please send me an invite for :
Secret Style and Editor's Choice.
Thank you!
my email address is: cjscatlove1@yahoo.com
I would love an invite to JetLife, Secret Style and Editor's Closet (lacroixe@garnet.union.edu)
Thanks.
INVITES FOR NEW CLOTHING WEBSITE!!!! Send me your emails argishtimv@mail.ru
Thanks for the great article. can you pls add me to the following please too:
RueLaLa
HauteLook
Secret Style –
Editor’s Closet
jetlife
thanks again!
namnamnaz@yahoo.co.uk
Nice article Anna,
we are proud to annouce the launch of our new flash sales site for luxury Hotels.
check it at http://www.e-booking.com
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