We all love a good sale. Helmut Lang blazers marked down from $600 to $135 couldn’t make college student happier, but believe it or not, sales complicate the fashion world to nauseam. When large department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, have sales, it causes designers and boutiques who carry the same products to consequently lower their prices. Consumers who are given 20% off a Saks expect the same 20% off price at small shops and boutiques. Sales might have helped your pocket book in the fall, but this spring, don’t expect much of a discount. Last season, small shops backlashed against department store sales, for the sake of saving their business, causing some big retailers to fear their wrath if a sale sign goes up. While some department stores are trying to get around this (Saks’ recent friends and family sale), small businesses have recognized and voiced their discontent.
All in all, don’t get your hopes high for too many sales this spring. Now that you’ve had your economics lesson for the day, go home and count your money for this weekend’s shopping spree. Start saying goodbye now.
Thanks NY Mag!
Dior, Not War.
