Sun’s out. Bun’s out. It’s officially June and we are excited to catch those early rays of Summer. Long beach days and short Fridays. This month’s sample sale winners are those filling the need for bikinis and dressing for hot days.
As department stores and boutiques increasingly discount Summer merchandise, the sample sale arena must also become more aggressive with pricing. Look for sales that include in-season merchandise with discounts that top 70% off. You can expect retailers to begin final markdowns of 70% or more during the last week of June.
We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. You can head to Chicmi to see a comprehensive list of all New York sample sales. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month with only our favs. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for sneak peeks and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.
Mikael Aghal & Red V Sample Sale
Expect to find lots of pretty occasion dresses reduced to 70% to 80% off retail, which brings most styles to just $200 or $300. A long watercolor print gown is $300 from $995, a knee-length dress with architectural ruffles is $240 from $795 and a simple day dress with bell sleeves is $120 from $595. The sale will also include a new shipment of Global Fashions famous Red V spiked shoes. You know, the luxury shoes that come in all types of combinations and are a well-known classic. (Can’t say any more, unfortunately.)
Monday, June 4 through Wednesday, June 6
9am-6pm daily
49 West 38th Street
Mont Blanc
The Mont Blanc sample sale is always a readers’ favorite. Most pens, watches, accessories, and jewelry are discounted 50% to 60% off but discounts on less popular items go up to 80% off. The most popular and giftable items tend to go very quickly. Those attending the sale should expect a long line on opening day and shorter lines throughout the term of the sale. For some reason, there is always a wait for Mont Blanc.
Tuesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 7
Tues & Wed 9am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm
260 Fifth Avenue
Mara Hoffman Sample Sale
At the last sale, we found prices nicely discounted but not more than an end-of-season retail sale. Print and solid bikini tops and bottoms were $40 each, one-pieces were $75, embellished bikinis were $50 each for tops and bottoms and embellished one-pieces were $90. Sarongs were $50 each. Among the clothing, maxi dresses are plentiful and priced at $115, jumpsuits were $120 and tops were $55. Click over to our review from last year, where you will find a lot more information, including how to navigate the no-changing room situation.
Tuesday, June 5 through Tuesday, June 12
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street
Alice & Olivia
This bi-annual sample sale is always a seasonal highlight. The best part of the sale is that there are real samples, which will range in price from $29 for leggings to $129 for gowns. Open stock is discounted about 60% to 70% off. We usually get an early preview of the price list and will be sure to post it when it’s available. Be sure to check back soon.
Monday, June 11 to Saturday, June 16
Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues 9am-8pm, Wed to Sat 10am-8pm
260 Sample Sale, 260 Fifth Avenue
La Perla Sample Sale
We are always looking for sales with true samples. When it comes to lingerie it might be a bit more tricky. (What is a lingerie sample size anyway?) Those not born with the body of a Giselle, can still take advantage of discounts ranging from 80% to 95% off retail. We are told there will also be bags and a full-size range of shoes.
Tuesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 17
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
260 Sample Sale, 150 Greene Street
