Memorial Day is traditionally known as the first day of the summer season but it’s also the start of sale season. As always, we will be starting our markdown roundups. Department stores usually kick-off the retail sale season with boutiques following closely behind. It’s generally taboo for a brand-owned store to begin a sale before the department stores. After all, a department store has to buy their inventory for a wholesale markup while a brand-owned boutique keeps the extra profit from a straight-to-retail model.
This week, is a big week for presales. Presale season akin to the “quiet period” before a company goes public. You can’t actually buy the merchandise but you can have your broker, oh sorry– sales person, hold your preferred items until the sale officially begins. Most stores take your credit card information and charge your account when the items ship or you pick them up.
In all instances, Chanel and Louboutin will not be marked down at any department store or boutique until the beginning of June. Nonetheless, it’s never too early to plot your purchases and share your acquisition wishes with a good sales person. Second markdown usually begins at the end of June and discounts usually range from 50% to 70% off.
For now, we have a roundup of first markdowns at our favorite department stores:
Barneys
Pre-sale at Barneys starts Tuesday. Most designer collections and shoes will be discounted 35% off. The official sale starts May 28th. We are happy that the store was a bit restrained with the uber-print trend. We suggest you do the same. Most designers won’t be making such bold statements next season.
Contact: Kyri 212-833-2088
Bergdorf Goodman
Wednesday will be the first day of pre-sale at Bergdorf. The discount is 30% off shoes and 40% off clothing. Purchases will be shipped or available in the store on Sunday, May 26. We are fully committed to purchasing an Alaia dress this summer but we still might have to wait until the next markdown.
Contact: Allison: 212-872-8732
Saks Fifth Avenue
Pre-sale orders will begin Wednesday and merchandise will be available to be picked up or shipped after the holiday weekend. Shoes will start at a 30% discount while clothing will be discounted 40%. Most designer merchandise is included. We always appreciate the Vionnet collation at Saks, although we believe it could be a bit larger.
Contact: Fifth Avenue Club (Eric) 212-753-4000
