Marisa Taylor a writer for the Wall Street Journal wrote an interesting piece on the growing number of private-sale luxury sites growing in this cash strapped economy.
The article talks about member only sites like Gilt, wich allow shoppers to buy heavily discounted luxury brand merchandise anywhere from 50 percent to 70 percent off original price, without the guilt or stigma of paying full price for luxury goods.
Sites like Gilt are on the rise especially in this down economy, where consumers are looking to get the most value for their hard earned dollars. With the luxury-goods market not expected to recover until 2011 or 2012 this will become the norm for how people buy and shop for luxury items in my opinion.
And even Saks Inc, is testing its own version of “private event” shopping online to compete with sites like Gilt.com, RueLaLa and HauteLook, etc.
While buying discounted designer fashions at outlet stores is old news, this approach takes it to a whole new level. It shouldn’t be long until you see Neiman Marcus take a stab at cashing in on the private web sale.
What do you think? Have you bought from sites like Gilt.com, RueLaLa and HauteLook? Share your experience and thoughts in our comments section.
