I often get asked how we came up with the idea for Madison Avenue Spy. Frankly, it started at the register at the Gucci boutique on Madison Avenue. I was buying an item during the presale and the customer next to me was buying the same item for at full price.
To me, it felt like an injustice. It was at that moment, that I realized that sale information should be shared on the internet so everyone could benefit from presales, private sales and VIP promotions. Since then, Gucci has changed designers three times and is currently reigning as the king of fashion.
As brands find themselves at the top of a fashion trend cycle, it’s not uncommon for them to hide from markdown season. Last season, Gucci declared that its boutiques will no longer be participating in sale season or offering any customers any markdowns on any items. Instead, sale merchandise is being distributed among discount stores and outlets.
Not all hope is lost if you’re planning on snagging some discounted Gucci. The key is looking for non-Gucci owned retailers. Unfortunately, Gucci controls most of the space in New York’s department stores. Shoes are the big exemption. We already highlighted all the Gucci shoes that are on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. Bloomingdales also has it’s Gucci shoe selection on sale– stay tuned for pictures and prices.
If you’re looking for a sale selection of Gucci bags, you’re going to have to be a bit more enterprising and identify retailers who sell Gucci but aren’t Gucci managed. The Gucci store in Boca is one good source or you can just head online. Right now, there are about two dozen Gucci bag styles posted in the sale section of the Saks website. Over this way, there is the Gucci Dionysus embroidered GG bag with the angry cat for $2786 from $3980, this red, white and blue top handle Dionysus is $2240 from $3200, a Willow Hill chain bag is about $2000 from $2980 and a laptop case is $400 from $590. Here is a link to all the sale shoes at Saks and there is still full size runs available. We suggest you act fast with this Saks sale because once news gets out stock will go fast. (Ah-hem).
Neiman Marcus had a nice assortment of bags and shoes on sale but a lot of them have already sold out. You can still grab a green Jacquard Dionysys for $2240 from $3200 or this cubic pattern from last season for $3290 from $4700. Among the shoes, are a patent leather pair of classic loafers for $465 from $620, pool slides for $465 from $620 and Elaisa heels with a removable pearl bow are $1162 from $1550. There is also a small assortment of men’s clothing reduce 40%.
If you can make your way to a Nordstrom that carries Gucci you might have some luck too. Online we found a few items that might be able to quench your thirst for sale Gs. Here is a pink Marmont that’s $1300 from $1950, a jeweled tiger shoulder bag is $2278 from $3400. There are some shoes still available but the assortment of children’s clothing is the most plentiful section.
We added the contact information for sales associates who might be able to help if what you desire is already sold out online. We would also suggest keeping your eyes on the more traditional online retailers who sell Gucci. After all, not many brands can avoid for very long.
Nordstrom: Selma 704-763-1146
Saks: Jay 561-537-9468
Neiman Marcus: Chiara 551-502-0465
