Off-price online retailer, Gilt Groupe, announced this week a new site in the stable, called Gilt Fuse. The new e-commerce site will function similarly to the original Gilt Groupe--the main difference being the price point. Gilt Fuse will feature sale items from contemporary designers, like Kova & T, BCBG, Plenty by Tracy Reese and CC Skye, making their average price point hover somewhere around $150. Will the move splinter their customers in too drastic a way or will both sites grow to be even bigger in the coming season? In speaking with the chief executive of Gilt Groupe, Susan Lyne, The New York Times reported that "of its 1.2 million members, more than half are in their 20s, and of that group, about 250,000 visit the site twice a week or more and never make a purchase." The statistic proves a very strong case for the launch of Gilt Fuse, presumably those 250,000 visitors will find the lower price point makes all the difference.
Gap plans to launch online stores in Canada and the U.K. by 2010, followed by Japan in 2011. They will also open stores in six new countries this year.
Thom Browne's skirt suit might not have sold out at its original price of $4,370 but on Gilt Groupe, it flew off the shelf.
From Left: Tie Waist Quilted Coat Was $2,715 Now $568, Military Rope Embroidered Jacket Was $2,675 Now $488, Felted Wool Ribbed Sweater Dress Was $4,765 Now $898
It deserves mention that Gilt Groupe launched into a massive Alexander McQueen sale today. Not only does this appear to be the most plentiful sale to ever hit the site, but the prices are also exceptionally low. If it were anyone else, we'd be thinking pessimistic thoughts but it's McQueen so all we can do is watch these Fall 08 items quickly sell out and smile. Above, three offerings which we predict will be gone by sundown.
Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 @ Gilt Groupe: Poppy Print Opera Coat Was $2,800 Now $598, Cowl Neck Dress Was $2,400 Now $498, Swan Print Dress Was $1,100 Now $298
Remember that Marc Jacobs show that started two hours late and that, in the end, a lot of people didn't like very much? Well, it's on Gilt Groupe at around 75% off! Funnily enough, Jacob's pal Shelly from Rocket Garage is modeling the duds--check her out in our Seasoned Street photo shoot right here. To see our video from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 show, click here.
It was recently announced that Bill Blass would be officially closing and now the remains of this season are cropping up on the sample sale website Gilt Groupe. This sleeveless scoop neck dress (left) was originally priced at over three thousand dollars and the sale, which went live today at noon EST, is offering it for only $398. To shop this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime sale, click here. To see the Fall 2008 collection, from which this sale is based, click here. To read more about the closing of the American fashion house Bill Blass New York, click over to WWD.
Vellum on Gilt Groupe from left: Leather Bound Lined Journal was $130, now $60, Jewelry Box was $700, now $320, Three Section Tray was $140, now $70
Leather goods make the best presents--after all, who doesn't want an Ostrich embossed three section tray with which to store loose change and Metrocards? In all seriousness, Gilt Groupe is our new obsession and this Vellum sale has some seriously reasonable offerings. Our Gift Giver picks, above.
Off-price online retailer, 
Off-price retailer Gilt Groupe is launching a second site for Japanese consumers referred to just as
It was recently announced that Bill Blass would be officially closing and now the remains of this season are cropping up on the sample sale website 
Hanky Panky
Buffalo
Liz Claiborne
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