Luxury supersaver Web shopping trend finally comes to Canada
Canadians who drool over foreign sample sale sites like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La and Vente-Privee should be happy to hear that Stylehopper—a Canadian version of the concept that launched at the end of last year—is growing in popularity. Much like real life sample sales, Stylehopper offers discounted designer bonanzas that attract crowds of ruthless, trend-conscious bargain hunters. The bonus here is that shoppers don’t need to wait in line with said bargain hunters to get to the racks or to the cashiers.
As far as Canadian shoppers are concerned, Stylehopper has a leg up on its U.S. and European counterparts because the site is based in Toronto and avoids international shipping and duty costs. Stylehopper ships for free across Canada on any purchase over $150.
“A lot of luxury brands were stuck with inventory that they couldn’t really sell because of the recession and economy,” CEO Bart Lipski told us, noting that he works with both Canadian and international brands. Stylehopper “works discretely through flash sales…to help luxury brands offload that inventory.” A short list of designers that have already worked with the site includes Ted Baker London, Arnold Zimberg, Romeo & Juliet Couture, and Bloch Shoes. Partnerships with Earnest Sewn, Miss Sixty and Deux Lux are also in the offing.
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