Re-Tales: confessions of a shopaholic
by
Dara • Monday, December 15, 2008 •
- Zoë
- surprisingly luxe designer labels you won’t find anywhere else in Dumbo
- 3.1. Phillip Lim, Matthew Williamson, Miu Miu and Chloé, to name a few
- shopzoeonline.com
- 68 Washington Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- 718.237.4002
- info@shopzoeonline.com
- not cheap, but well worth the splurge
- take the F train to York Street
- Click here for a store map!
I discovered this Brooklyn-based shopper’s paradise whilst apartment hunting last summer. To be honest, I was “DUMBO-founded” to find such a stunning store situated beyond the island of Manhattan. The open and airy space reminds me of a mini version of Barney’s Coop, sans the attitude and bustling crowds. Now that I’m living next door (yup… new abode happens to be adjacent to Zoë), I constantly have first dibs on all the new arrivals from my favorite labels, including 3.1. Phillip Lim, Matthew Williamson, Miu Miu and Chloé, to name a few. And when I’m too lazy to trek downstairs, I’m typically clicking my way through their equally impressive e-store (pathetic, I know).
by
Dara • Monday, December 15, 2008 •
To deal with the sharp decline in consumer spending, apparel retailers are devising clever ways to move sale merchandise during this pivotal holiday shopping season. Arguably, the most critical period for retailers, the 4th quarter can make or break a company’s profitability targets for the year.
Consumer spending this holiday season also sets the tone for merchandising strategies in fiscal ’09. Since it’s crucial for retailers to push overstock inventory right now, they’re pulling out all the stops. While some sales strategies are tried and true (e.g., gift cards, downloadable coupons, one-day-only sales, friends-and-family discounts and ramped-up rewards programs) this season offers some newfangled techniques to get consumers’ attention. Dara Fleischer of FashionJunkie.com investigates.
Online Social Networking
US apparel brands are finally waking up to the benefits of low-cost, high-impact marketing and the viral buzz of online social networks. From setting up interactive, store-branded Facebook groups, flashy MySpace pages, viral YouTube videos and Twitter accounts, these targeted online tactics instantly help retailers attract new customers, generate site traffic and ultimately, sell more products.
For example, New York & Company, a leading specialty retailer of women’s fashion apparel and accessories, recently launched a Facebook group that incorporates videos featuring “Trendy Not Spendy” holiday looks along with celebrity stylist wardrobe tips, must-have holiday merchandise, current promotions (e.g., take 30% off every purchase on Cyber Monday) and branded “NY Style Notebook” widgets, which enable would-be shoppers to receive the latest offers directly on their desktop. Daily bulletins are also posted on their Facebook “wall,” informing fans about holiday sale stock, gift-giving selections as well as how to receive 20% off their entire purchase. The ultimate goal: to get New York & Company Facebook (group) members to spread the word about these irresistible deals and ultimately, shop in-store.
Alternative Distribution Channels: Blogger Outreach
Web-savvy fashion retailers such as Lucky Brand Jeans have begun courting influential bloggers to help boost holiday sales. The popular sportswear label recently reached out to Glam Media’s curated network of top-tier fashion bloggers (from over 700 leading women’s lifestyle websites) to write posts endorsing an exclusive Lucky Jeans holiday promotion. Each post, such as this one from Stiletto Jungle, included a blurb about the brand’s latest holiday offerings, an eye-catching image and the promo details.
Deeper Discounts
To compensate for unsold Fall/Winter ’08 inventory and to make room for pre-spring shipments, luxury department stores across the country such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman are offering deeper discounts than ever before. Mind-boggling discounts of up to 70% off (amounts previously unheard of) the original ticketed price are being offered. Even off-price retailers such as Loehmann’s, DSW, T.J. Maxx and Filene’s Basement are currently offering coveted designer merchandise for up to 65% off original department store prices.
Buy One, Get One Free
According to market research firm NDP Group, since stores are already offering up to 70% off and have mounds of inventory that merchants need to clear, retailers will likely be doing more two-for-one deals this holiday season. Pear, a trendy New York-based shoe boutique, is currently offering a “buy one, get one free” footwear promotion. And Gap Inc. recently launched a buy-one-get-one 50% off sweater sale for their online shoppers.
VIP Services
Independent boutiques are being crushed by big budget department store promotions so they’ve been forced to come up with their own innovative ways to move sale merchandise. Owner Lydia Burd of Shop, a cult clothing and accessories boutique located in New York’s Lower East Side, started hosting weekly trunk shows, whereby designers like Siwy (founder of the cult denim label) stop by to educate customers about choosing a flattering denim fit. All the featured styles were marked down an additional 20% off exclusively for customers that night.
Jackie Atkins, owner of nearby Pear as well as Plum, a high-fashion boutique, has also tweaked her holiday shopping strategy due to the crashing economy. “I’m offering customers more specialized services such as free styling sessions to make them feel special and ultimately shop,” exclaimed Atkins. If a customer buys something that’s suggested during the styling session, they automatically receive 50% off each item. Plus, if they spend $200 at Plum, they’re also entitled to a 15% discount at Pear.
Back To Basics
Despite all the new tactics and tools available, some retailers such as The Shoe Box, a contemporary New York-based footwear boutique, use a more traditional approach to push holiday merchandise. Store manager Sean Kirsch and his staff regularly contact customers by phone and send hand-written notes informing them of special promotions and in-store events. Explains Kirsch, “We’re making a concerted effort to stay on top of customers so they come into our stores to shop. At the end of the day, communication and consistent service is what sells.”
by
Dara • Monday, December 8, 2008 •
Check out my Yahoo! Shine “Holly Days” blog post to learn How To Score A Holiday Wardrobe… Without Spending A Dime! Read the article after the Jump!
3 Foolproof Ways For Scoring A Holiday Wardrobe… Without Spending A Dime!
Blame it on the current economic crisis or Suze Orman on-the-brain, but I’ve finally decided to smarten-up and tighten the purse strings. That’s right. Aside from no longer blowing my hard-earned cash on impulse clothing purchases at ShopBop.com (read: $475 sequin-encrusted Pedro Garcia pumps), I’ve also put the kibosh on weekly manicures and Sally Hershberger designer haircuts (well, at least as of yesterday). I’ve also found a a few sure-fire ways to score a red-haute holiday wardrobe… without putting pressure on your pocketbook! Here are some insider tips for sprucing up your holiday look on a recessionista’s budget.
Recessionista Rule #1: Start Shopping In Your Closet!
Don’t ditch your clothing castoffs just yet! You can get more mileage out of your existing wardrobe with just a few simple tweaks:
• Raid your boyfriend’s closet! Over-sized items like a black vest, boxy blazer and the classic white button down shirt look beyond stylish when paired with skinny jeans and even short skirts.
• Add life to any lackluster coat by throwing it on with a cinched patent leather belt.
• Transform a dull jacket into dazzling by sewing on some of granny’s glitzy antique buttons. Plastic is so passé.
• Befriend your tailor! Simple alterations such as shortening a skirt hem will make a world of difference.
• Modernize any dated ensemble by throwing on vintage accessories such as chunky jewelry or a print neck scarf.
• Punch up a faded frock in a flash by tie-dying it. Believe it or not, acid-washed denim is back!
• Instantly update your look by layering unexpected fabrics. For example, pair a chiffon floral dress with opaque tights and a fitted ¾ length belted cardigan. Add a pair of chunky cowboy boots and you’re good to go!
Recessionista Rule #2: Host A Swap Shop
Is your wardrobe in need of a minor modification or a major makeover? Either way, a “swap shop” may be just the ticket. This ingenious girls-only shopping soirée allows you to acquire coveted clothes while leaving your wallet at home. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other clotheshorses and swap war stories from the women’s front. Ready to say good riddance to your garb? Read these top tips for hosting a successful swap:
Swapping 101:
• First, send out an e-vite, the easiest way to get a gaggle of girls together. Just make sure you give people enough time to clean out their closets and pack up the goods.
• When guests arrive, dump all the clothing into a central pile, making it easy to rummage through. Trade treasures for items of equal value. To avoid catfights, have each guest pick a number out of a hat (like a holiday party grab bag) giving first dibs to the person with the lowest number.
• Clothing and accessories should be gently used. Any garments with holes or stains are taboo. Launder or dry clean items before bringing them to the swap.
• Donate unwanted items to charity. Many organizations such as Housing Works and The Salvation Army offer free pickup services. Soles4souls.org will gladly accept gently worn shoes.
Recessionista Rule #3: Frequent Clothing Exchange Stores
Are you a frugal fashionista who can’t live without the latest “it” brands? Then don’t discredit clothing and accessory resale stores such as Buffalo Exchange, which boasts 33 locations across the US.
Looking to trade in your closet castoffs for something cooler? If you donate clothing, Buffalo Exchange will offer you 30% of the total – they add up the total amount of all the items you bring in and you get 30% of that price. OR… you can accept 50% of that total in store credit. Brace yourself for an ever-changing roster of luxe designer labels, including the all-mighty Prada, Marc Jacobs (haute handbags for $100!), Betsey Johnson (party dresses for only $40!) and Dolce & Gabbana (killer pumps for $50!). They also stock a well-edited assortment of vintage, denim and other to-die-for threads. Sounds too good to be true? Visit buffaloexchange.com to see for yourself!
I’m curious… how has the current economy made you rethink your holiday shopping strategy? Don’t be shy… share your stories with the Fashion Junkie community!
by
Dara • Thursday, November 20, 2008 •
Who knew that the tanking economy would actually be a boon to holiday shoppers? Well, sort of. Due to the sharp drop in consumer spending, big name department stores across the country have been forced to unload excess inventory. As a result, a bonanza of mind-blowing clothing and accessory bargains can now be found both in-store and online. As a case in point, off-price retailers like Loehmann’s, DSW and Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue’s designer outlet) are currently offering coveted designer merch for up to 75% off retail!
This is just but one of several ways to score a red-haute holiday wardrobe on a shoestring budget. From cracking online discount codes to comparison-shopping sleuthing and haggling to hosting a “swap shop,” here are some sure-fire insider tips for tweaking your look, without putting pressure on your purse. Read more after the Jump!
Host A Swap Shop
Is your wardrobe in need of a minor modification or a major makeover? Either way, a “swap shop” may be just the ticket. This ingenious girls-only shopping soirée allows you to acquire coveted clothes while leaving your wallet at home. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other clotheshorses and swap war stories from the women’s front. Think you’re prepared to wave good-bye to your garb? Read these top tips for hosting a successful swap:
Swapping 101:
• First, send out an e-vite, the easiest way to get a gaggle of girls together Just make sure you give people enough time to clean out their closets and pack up the goods.
• When guests arrive, dump all the clothing into a central pile, making it easy to rummage through. Trade treasures for items of equal value. To avoid catfights, have each guest pick a number out of a hat (like a holiday party grab bag) giving first dibs to the person
with the lowest number.
• Clothing and accessories should be gently used. Any garments with holes or stains are taboo. Launder or dry clean items before bringing them to the swap.
• Donate unwanted items to charity. Many organizations such as Housing Works and The Salvation Army offer free pickup services. Soles4souls.org will gladly accept gently worn shoes.
Barter for Brand New Clothing Bargains!
With today’s shaky economy, unsold designer goods are piling up in retailers’ stockrooms like never before. And since major department stores and independent boutiques are so desperate to sell stock before the arrival of next season’s shipments, sales are no surprise. Less well-known, however, is the fact that major retailers are willing to reduce prices on brand new clothing items and accessories, so long as you ask. Simply approach a store manager about the particular item in question, attempt to negotiate on the price, and they’ll likely shave off anywhere from 10% up to 30%. Sounds crazy, but in this depressed economy, it can’t hurt to ask.
Think you have the chutzpah to haggle in a major chain store? Better read these expert barter tips:
• Politely ask the store manager if they can reduce the price of a garment when you get to the cash. If they refuse to offer the discount, either pay full price or walk away.
• Shop around! If you know that another retailer offers the same clothing item at a cheaper price, politely mention this to the store manager, as they might be willing to match it.
• Deals are often left to the discretion of salespeople. If you’re denied once, it doesn’t hurt to find a different salesperson or store manager and ask again.
Take Advantage of Online Discount Codes
Believe it or not, but you don’t have to pay full price for designer clothes or accessories, thanks to discount codes lurking around in cyberspace. Have you ever noticed that little blank discount box that appears on just about every online retailer’s checkout page? Well, there is a quick n’ easy way of tracking down those mysterious promo codes. Crack ‘em fast with these full-proof online shopping tricks:
• “Google” the name of the store you’re inquiring about along with the words “promotion” or “discount code”. This is guaranteed to generate multiple promo codes for that particular e-tailer. Alternatively, there are also a number of sites that might help you track down discount codes, including:
• Reesycakes.com: equips shoppers with the tools they need to make savvy purchasing decisions, such as discount codes for major online retailers and printable in-store coupons.
• Salegrab.com scours the web for the hottest sales so you don’t have to. Simply sign-up for a free account, then search for all your favorite designer brands by category (clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and home and garden) and you’ll instantly see the current sale price! Plus, you can even sort by sale, saving, price, votes and new, making salegrab.com that much easier (and fun!) to navigate. Make sure to tag your “grabs” (those tiny green squares beneath each item) to access all your favorite picks within the central “MyGrab” page. Happy hunting!
• NearbyNow.com offers a fun new way for shoppers’ to find products or sales at your local mall, and even pick up the merchandise the same day from the Internet or phone before venturing outside. On the site, type in your state, click on the nearest mall, then enter the product you’re looking for. Find something you like at a price you love? Check to see if it’s in-stock. Once you register, you can even receive coupons sent straight to your cell, so you can walk right into a store and take advantage of special deals. This saves you money and time.
• CurrentCodes.com: lists coupon codes for hundreds of well-known online stores such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria’s Secret, Ann Taylor and Armani Exchange.
• CouponCowgirl.com: a sassy, social shopping site that compiles the best online deals, bargains and coupon codes to use towards your favorite products and brands.
Just keep in mind that online discount codes constantly change, so you have to keep scouring the web to get the best deal.
Comparison Shopping is Key
The best way to ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck is to visit comparison-shopping sites such as ShopStyle.com and Glimpse.com before you buy. These sites enable you to search for just about any designer item by name and will instantly tell you how much that particular item costs along with a list of major e-tailers that carry it. This will save you from making costly impulse purchases. Plus, when you haggle at your favorite department store, you can mention you saw those butt-firming Seven jeans for $30 cheaper online and they’ll likely match the price.
Look Out for Online Discounts & Luxury “Flash Sale” Sites!
Bargains on runway styles can now be found throughout the country’s major department stores, independent boutiques, online retailers and outlets. Markdowns of fall and winter clothes and accessories are already in full swing! Case in point: discount e-tailers like Bluefly.com are offering current season designer stock with prices reduced as much as 75% off! So rather than wait til’ January to score Theory’s coveted patent leather peep-toe booties at the store (currently $495), Bluefly.com is selling the stunners for $222.99 – that’s more than half off! Even “Flash Sale” sample sites such as Ideeli.com are unloading unsold designer bags from Lanvin and Bulga for half the price. However, due to the time-sensitive nature of flash sales (36 hours or less), you have to act fast to score the stash. Come winter, even Net-A-Porter.com, the cutting-edge designer e-boutique, will be selling leftover luxury goods on their soon-to-be launched discount site, theOutnet.com.
Another must for frugal fashionistas is ShopItToMe.com – a trusty (and free!) virtual shopper that alerts you (via email) when stores put your favorite designer clothing brands on sale in your size.
Lookout for Layaway!
Believe it or not, but layaways, a payment practice that became popular during the Great Depression but dissipated due to the prevalence of credit cards, is suddenly back in fashion thanks to the credit crunch. So the next time you’re at your favorite department store and find yourself drooling over that Diane von Furstenberg sequined vest, it’s worth asking the sales associate if you can put a down payment on the piece (typically 20% of the cost) and bring it home once you’ve paid it off. Just make sure you can cough up the cash before the pre-determined purchase date (typically eight weeks) or you’ll likely be stuck with a store credit.
With a little moxie and some groundwork, it won’t be long ‘til you become a bonafide bargainista. Some final words of wisdom: as with any e-tailer, make sure to check return policies and shipping fees before you buy. Happy shopping!
How do you plan to save money this holiday? Share your shopping strategies with the Fashion Junkie community!
by
Dara • Tuesday, November 18, 2008 •
Thanks to the crumbling economy and my dwindling bank account, I’ve restricted my clothing intake to mere window-shopping (oh what fun!). During one of my recent browsing-only excursions at Saks Fifth Avenue, I was dumbfounded upon discovering dozens of “Pre-Sale” racks filled with unsold discounted designer duds on the sales floor, something unheard of at the beginning of November! Sales of this magnitude typically don’t start until after Thanksgiving (a.k.a. Black Friday). This prompts the question: how are retailers responding to such quick and major shifts in consumer buyer behavior in times of such economic uncertainty and volatility?
Lucky for you, I recently attended the Fashion Group International’s seasonal Prêt-a-Porter event in New York, where I witnessed a panel of leading fashion influencers (Barneys’ Simon Doonan to Vogue’s Sally Singer) banter about a host of these related topics. I don’t know about you, but as an avid shopper, I’m dying to know what tricks retailers have up their sleeves for luring customers in during what’s arguably the most dismal holiday season since the Great Depression. So before you plan your next shopping jaunt, do yourself a favor and arm yourself with these newfangled retail strategies. Read more after the Jump!
Shopping Will Be More Fun. To boost business, retailers such as Barneys New York are looking for non-traditional ways to further engage the customer. Rather than pressure people to buy, they’re focusing on interactive in-store events that encourage shoppers to let loose and have fun. So in celebration of Woodstock’s upcoming 40th anniversary, Barneys is pushing their “Have A Hippie Holiday” ad campaign. Picture decked out window displays filled with boho-inspired fashions, psychedelic peace signs and corresponding sidewalk events that are expected to lure you into the shop. Peace out!
Less Equals More. Clothing collections are being scaled back and carefully edited to prevent overstock. The benefit for shoppers: a wider variety of clothing will be sold at more attainable price points.
Show Your True Colors. Retailers’ are encouraging customers to bring individuality back into their wardrobes. Since so many people are unemployed and don’t have an office to go to, now’s the time to experiment with clothes and push the envelope. Referred to as “intuitive dressing,” retailers are pushing a mix of unexpected patterns, colors and prints to excite customers and ultimately provoke a much-needed emotional uplift. As Barneys’ Simon Doonan remarked: “When times are tough, we have to look more fabulous and glam than usual to lift spirits.” So don’t be shy… dust off that gold lamé zebra-print dress and celebrate life!
We’re Shopping In Our Closets. Much to the dismay of retailers, consumers, including yours truly, have been rediscovering staples from their very own wardrobes. Consequently, retailers now have to work harder to offer clothes that make the customer feel truly special as well as complement existing items in their closets.
Lipstick Sales are Surging. During times of economic uncertainty, women inevitably load up on affordable luxuries as a substitute for more expensive items like Nicholas Kirkwood shoes (his purple platforms are killer!) and Chloé handbags. As a result, there’s been a 40% surge in lipstick sales, also known as the “Lipstick Effect,” a phrase coined by Leonard Lauder, who saw a huge jump in Estée Lauder lipstick sales after September 11th. Not surprisingly, retailers predict that red lipstick will continue to be a big trend for spring.
Quality Control is Key. Rather than throw money away on multiple, lower-cost items (Hello, H&M!), retailers suggest splurging on a few investment pieces such as a coat, blazer or little black dress. That way you’ll have quality pieces with a much longer shelf life.
Contemporary is Cool. Due to the tanking economy, a proliferation of hipper, more contemporary clothing lines have infiltrated the market. Rising stars in this rapidly-growing category include 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone (my personal fave), Hunter Dixon, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vince and Theory, all of which offer catwalk-worthy designs at more attainable price points than their upscale counterparts.
Comparison Shopping is Catching On. The best way to ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck is to visit comparison-shopping sites such as ShopStyle.com and Glimpse.com before you buy. These sites enable you to search for just about any designer item by name and will instantly tell you how much that particular item costs along with a list of major e-tailers that carry it. This will save you from making costly impulse purchases. Plus, when you haggle at your favorite department store, you can mention you saw those butt-firming Seven jeans for $30 cheaper online and they’ll likely match the price.
Layaway is Making a Comeback. Believe it or not, but layaways, a payment practice that became popular during the Great Depression but dissipated due to the prevalence of credit cards, is suddenly back in fashion thanks to the credit crunch. So the next time you’re at your favorite store and find yourself drooling over that Diane von Furstenberg sequined vest, it’s worth asking the sales associate if you can put a down payment on the piece (typically 20% of the cost) and bring it home once you’ve paid it off. Just make sure you can cough up the cash before the pre-determined purchase date (typically eight weeks) or you’ll likely be stuck with a store credit.
What’s your take on the shifting retail landscape? Would you consider layaway? Would you sacrifice quality for quantity? Perhaps you’ve curtailed your holiday shopping altogether? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the Fashion Junkie community!
