The ReturnPolicy score is calculated based on several factors including: convenience, customer service, speed of refund, flexibility and users’ ratings.
Gilt.com emerged as a pioneering force in the world of online flash sales, offering limited-time deals on designer apparel and luxury goods. Founded in 2007 by Alexis Maybank, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, and a team of experienced e-commerce professionals, Gilt set itself apart by securing partnerships with high-end brands and providing exclusive access to discounted merchandise.
Initially, Gilt's business model was invitation-only, catering to an exclusive clientele and creating a sense of urgency with its time-limited sales. Over time, it opened its doors to a broader audience, but its core mission remained the same: to bring luxury items to consumers at more accessible price points.
As the online shopping landscape evolved, Gilt faced growing competition from a variety of retailers and resale platforms, each offering their unique twist on discount luxury shopping. Let's explore how these competitors stack up against Gilt.com's brand.
4.0 / 5
Nordstrom Rack, the off-price retail division of Nordstrom Inc., offers a wide range of on-trend clothing, accessories, and home goods at considerable discounts. With physical stores and a strong online presence, Nordstrom Rack competes with Gilt by providing consumers with access to end-of-season merchandise from Nordstrom at reduced prices.
Their competitive edge lies in their brand reputation, physical locations for easy returns, and a comprehensive range of products that cater to a broad audience. The integration with their loyalty program also encourages repeat purchases.
4.0 / 5
Saks Fifth Avenue is a renowned luxury department store that has expanded into the online space with saksfifthavenue.com. Although it doesn't operate on a flash-sale model, it competes directly with Gilt by offering a curated selection of high-end designer brands and luxury goods. Seasonal sales and exclusive online deals also attract Gilt's audience seeking designer brands at lower prices.
Bluefly.com has been around since 1998, making it a seasoned player in the online discount luxury market. Similar to Gilt, Bluefly offers a variety of designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. Their competitive edge comes from their long-standing reputation and a sizable inventory that spans numerous designers and product categories.
4.0 / 5
Rue La La is an invitation-only online store that hosts private sale events with premium brands. Competing directly with Gilt, Rue La La provides a similar flash-sale shopping experience where members can find designer goods at up to 70% off retail prices. Its limited-time sales events create the same sense of urgency and exclusivity that Gilt's users are familiar with.
hauteLook.comHauteLook, owned by Nordstrom, is another flash-sale site offering discounts on clothing, beauty, and home decor. Like Gilt, it operates on a membership model and offers short-term sales on designer brands. HauteLook's integration with Nordstrom Rack's website allows for an expanded customer base and a shared inventory, increasing its appeal to Gilt's shoppers.
3.5 / 5
Overstock.com is an online retailer specializing in closeout and overstock merchandise, including home goods, furniture, and clothing. While its focus isn't exclusively on luxury brands, Overstock competes with Gilt by offering significant discounts and a wide variety of products, appealing to bargain hunters and value-focused shoppers.
Zulily is a flash-sale site known for its deals on clothing, toys, and home products, with a particular emphasis on items for mothers and children. While its target audience may differ slightly from Gilt's, the similarity in their business models—offering daily deals and limited-time sales—makes Zulily a viable competitor in the discount shopping space.
6pm.com is a discount online retailer specializing in shoes, clothing, and accessories. With deep discounts on well-known brands, 6pm.com offers a straightforward, no-frills shopping experience that appeals to Gilt's cost-conscious consumers looking for deals without the time pressure of flash sales.
4.0 / 5
Shopbop is a fashion-forward online retailer offering a mix of designer and contemporary brands. While not focusing on discounts, Shopbop competes with Gilt by curating a selection of on-trend pieces and providing a user-friendly shopping experience with free shipping and returns, which could sway Gilt's fashion-savvy customers.
The Outnet, operated by the Net-A-Porter Group, is a luxury fashion outlet offering designer apparel and accessories at discounted prices. The site competes with Gilt by providing a similar model of curated high-end products at reduced prices, along with exclusive collaborations and a premium shopping experience.
5.0 / 5
Nordstrom's full-price retail site, nordstrom.com, offers a vast selection of clothing, accessories, and beauty products from both designer and everyday brands. Although it's not a discount retailer, Nordstrom.com competes with Gilt by offering a high-quality shopping experience, customer service, and regular sales that attract a similar demographic.
3.8 / 5
Macy's, a household name in department store retailing, offers a wide range of products through its online store, macys.com. With frequent sales and a loyalty program, Macy's attracts customers looking for both luxury and everyday brands, putting it in competition with Gilt's diversified product offering.
3.0 / 5
Poshmark is a social commerce marketplace where users can buy and sell new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories. Its peer-to-peer model competes with Gilt by offering discounted luxury goods and a platform for individuals to find unique items or sell their own.
3.9 / 5
Farfetch stands out as an online luxury fashion retail platform that connects shoppers with items from boutiques and brands around the world. While not a discount site, Farfetch competes with Gilt by offering an extensive selection of luxury goods and hard-to-find items for the discerning shopper.
4.0 / 5
Bloomingdale's online presence through bloomingdales.com offers a high-end retail experience with a mix of luxury and upmarket brands. Frequent promotions and a broad product range make it a competitor for Gilt, particularly for consumers seeking a premium shopping experience with the convenience of online access.
4.0 / 5
Lyst is a fashion search engine that aggregates products from various online stores, making it a one-stop-shop for fashion enthusiasts. It competes with Gilt by providing consumers with an easy way to compare prices and styles from different retailers, including discounted and full-priced items.
2.8 / 5
Neiman Marcus is known for its luxury retail offerings, both in-store and online through neimanmarcus.com. Although it mainly sells full-priced items, it competes with Gilt during seasonal sales and promotions that offer luxury items at reduced prices.
3.0 / 5
The RealReal is a luxury consignment online store that offers pre-owned designer goods at a fraction of their original cost. It directly competes with Gilt's luxury discount model by providing a sustainable option for consumers to buy and sell authenticated luxury items.
Vestiaire Collective is another luxury resale platform offering pre-owned designer apparel and accessories. It competes with Gilt by providing a curated and authenticated selection of luxury goods, appealing to eco-conscious and budget-aware shoppers alike.
3.5 / 5
SSENSE is a global online platform known for its extensive range of luxury, streetwear, and avant-garde labels. While it primarily sells items at full price, SSENSE competes with Gilt by offering a carefully selected array of high-end products and a seamless online shopping experience.
Sign Up for the ReturnPolicy.com Newsletter