Online flash sales and private sales
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Like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, private sale sites are starting to carve out their own identities in the retail world. Here is the rundown on a few of the top sites. All times listed are Pacific time.
FOR THE RECORD:
Online sale sites: An article in Sunday’s Image section listing various private online sale sites said that Ideeli.com sales last 72 hours. The sales last 40 hours, or until items sell out. —
Hautelook.com
The vibe: Somewhere between Fred Segal and Kitson
The goods: Tag Heuer watches, Rock & Republic jeans, Elizabeth & James shoe boots, Cosabella swimwear, Go Smile teeth whitening kits
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last for 2 days. Discounts between 50% and 75% off retail.
The score: Lee Angel beaded fringe necklace for $85 (reg. $212.50)
The fine print: Store credit only within 21 days for returns, but many items are not eligible for return, including beauty products, vintage, swimwear, leather goods, sunglasses and some jewelry.
GiltGroupe.com
The vibe: Bergdorf Goodman meets Maxfield
The goods: Thakoon and Jason Wu dresses, Ann Demeulemeester and Haider Ackermann separates, Christian Louboutin shoes, Brooks Bros. Black Fleece bowties and suits, hotel deals at Kona Village and El Tamarindo in Mexico
The game plan: Most sales start at 9 a.m., but some start at 6 p.m. All sales last for 36 hours. Discounts up to 70% off retail.
The score: Rick Owens sleeveless bronze metallic leather jacket for $699 (reg. $2,325)
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 21 days
RueLaLa.com
The vibe: Nordstrom
The goods: Tibi print sundresses, Swarovski jewelry, Dale Tiffany lamps, Grgich Hills wine, Waldorf Astoria hotel packages. Blog features interviews with skin care experts, chefs and other pros.
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last 48 hours. Discounts up to 70% off retail. Alerts tell you how many items are left as you’re shopping.
The score: Red wedge sandals from Belle by Sigerson Morrison for $99 (reg. $210)
The fine print: 30-day return policy. Free shipping with merchandise credit option, or you pay shipping and get cash back.
Ideeli.com
The vibe: Dillards
The goods: Linea Pelle hobo bags, Tommy Hilfiger sandals, Balance by Marika hoodies, Lucky brand jeans
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last 72 hours. Discounts up to 80% off retail.
The score: Black-and-white print blouse by Vertigo Paris for $45 (reg. $140)
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 14 days. Some restrictions apply.
BillionDollarBabes.com
The vibe: End-of-season showroom sale with West Coast feel
The goods: Wabi Sabi agate necklaces, JET by John Eshaya jeans, Coolchange peasant skirts
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last for 2 days. Discounts up to 80% off retail.
The score: Stitch’s Jeans for $79 (orig. $220)
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 30 days
SeenOn.com
The vibe: Studio back lot sale
The goods: Literature Noir minidresses as seen on “American Idol,” Treesje handbags as seen on “Gossip Girl” and other items tied to entertainment programming in TV, movies and sports.
The game plan: Sales start at 9 a.m. and last three days. Discounts up to 80% off retail.
The score: Cuffz handbag with handcuff and chain handle for $209 (reg. $345), inspired by the spy thriller “Salt.”
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 30 days
BeyondtheRack.com
The vibe: Filene’s Basement
The goods: Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Victorinox watches, Baby Phat handbags and Levi’s jeans
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last for 2 days. Discounts up to 70% off retail.
The score: Lietmotiv’s limited-edition “Alice in Wonderland” theme tote designed by Furla for $99 (reg. $245)
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 14 days
Swirl.com
The vibe: In-the-know boutique (DailyCandy.com is the sister site.)
The goods: Josh Brody dresses, Loomstate tanks, Orla Kiely totes and Dear Creatures rompers. Up-and-coming and cool girl labels.
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last for 24 to 72 hours. Discounts up to 70% off retail.
The score: Watermelon-colored Karen Zambos jumper for $89 (reg. $205)
The fine print: Store credit only for returns within 30 days
EditorsCloset.com
The vibe: Duty free shop
The goods: Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors sunglasses, Cartier, Movado and Seiko watches, Calvin Klein, Dior and Coach bags
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last from 24 to 72 hours. Discounts from 40% to 80% off
The score: Cartier men’s tank watch with 18k gold face for $2,105 (reg. $3,450)
The fine print: Store credit only within 14 days for apparel and footwear returns. Jewelry, watches and accessories are not returnable.
TheTopSecret.com
The vibe: Marshalls
The goods: Invicta watches, London Fog handbags, Patricia Hurley jewelry
The game plan: Sales start at 8 a.m. and last from one to four days. Discounts up to 75% off retail.
The score: Cara Accessories crystal flower cocktail ring for $34 (reg. $52)
The fine print: Store credit only within 14 days for returns