I've been a fan of “off-price retailers” since long before I ever even knew that was a term. I shopped at TJ Maxx all the time when I was growing up and to me it was just the store with the exceptionally awesome deals. When I got to college I discovered their sister store Marshall's and we have been having a love affair for years. Over the past few years the off-price retail market has really boomed. The Economist reported that discount stores are trouncing traditional department stores.
While it seems like a no-brainer that off-price stores would do well because of their low prices, the article adds a few more reasons why the stores are flourishing:
“Fast-moving trends, stingy consumers and even global warming are making it harder for shops to predict which clothes will sell at what price. As forecasts become less accurate, there are more clothes available for TJX and Ross to buy at a discount. On top of this, they do not share traditional retails biggest headaches. Consumers obsession with sales does not hurt them, because TJX and Ross offer brand-name clothes at a bargain each day. And online competitors are less threatening: shops have a constantly changing assortment, so consumers like coming to stores to hunt for deals.”
One of the examples of the forecasting that was given was for this past winter. Stores typically start adding winter gear to their stores in September or so but this year was one of the warmest falls and winters in recent memory and people just didn't need to buy those items. As a result, stores were stuck with all of the winter coats they had to pre-buy and that they would sell in a normal year.
I love discount stores, but these days I do most of my shopping online, so I decided to round up all of the online off-price retailers you can shop from the comfort of your couch. Enjoy the deals and the quickly rotating stock that these types of stores offer… but skip the lines and the disorganization!
Online Off-Price Retailers
6pm.com
Some people love Zappos, but I personally prefer their sister site, 6pm.com. Since 6pm is Zappos' outlet store, you will find many of the exact same products that are available at Zappos but you'll pay much less! I have found such amazing deals at this site over the years that I cannot recommend it more highly. From designer shoes for less to clothing to bags… I've purchased a little bit of everything.
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options), men, and children + handbags and accessories
Bluefly
If high-end designer fashions for less are what you seek, Bluefly should be one of your first shopping destinations. You'll find brands like Valentino, Prada, and Christian Louboutin on the site, along with Furla, Burberry, and Gucci. I wouldn't recommend this site if you're on a budget, although I occasionally spot some great deals in their clearance section.
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options), men, and children + handbags, accessories, jewelry, beauty, and home goods
DSW
For some reason I never realized DSW is an off-price retailer, although they're the best place to purchase shoes for less so I'm not sure why I didn't put two and two together. The selection online is just as large, if not larger, than what you'll find in-store.
What You'll Find: Shoes, shoes, more shoes, and a few handbags
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack You'll find many of the same brands (and products) from Nordstrom selling here at their online off-price store for a fraction of what you'd spend at Nordstrom. The only downside to Nordstrom Rack is that their products turn over VERY quickly. On the plus side, you can check back daily and you're sure to find new items!
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options), men, and children + handbags and accessories, home, and gifts
Check out our blog post about some of our favorite designer brands at Nordstrom Rack.
Overstock.com
Long before I really knew what to “do” on the internet I spent a lot of time browsing Overstock. I didn't yet know that blogs existed and I wasn't playing online games, so I spent most of my time browsing one of the largest online stores and wishing I had more money so I could take advantage of the great discounts. Overstock is still a huge online off-price retailer, and their prices can change daily so you'll want to buy something quick if it interests you.
What You'll Find: Everything!
Saks Off 5th
Saks is another department store that I can't afford, but their off-price store, Saks Off Fifth is always surprisingly budget-friendly. They also have frequent sales and coupons, which make the prices that much better.
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options), men and children + handbags, jewelry, and home goods
TJ Maxx
I don't think TJ Maxx really needs an introduction, do they? This is one of the largest and most prosperous retail chains around theses days. I love being able to shop TJ Maxx online and was thrilled that they have “the runway” where you'll find discounted designer items on their website. Also awesome? All orders placed online can be returned to your local store.
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options) and men + handbags and jewelry, home goods, gifts, and “the runway”
Marshalls
I really don't care which store I find first – TJ Maxx or Marshalls – because these two sister stores are two of the best online off-price retailers! Once upon a time when I worked with TJ Maxx, they told us that the biggest distinction between the stores is that Marshalls has more homegoods and more shoes. Online, they're both great options for finding discount goods!
What You'll Find: Clothing and shoes for women (including plus size options) and men + handbags and jewelry, home goods, gifts
Sierra
Another member of the TJ Maxx family, Sierra is a superstore for outdoorsy people! It's where I go each year to get winter coats and snowpants for my kids, as they can outfit the whole family! Regardless of what you want to do outdoors – hike, ski, sled, swim – Sierra has what you'll need and you'll pay less than you would at most other tores!
What You'll Find: Clothing, gear, and shoes for women, men, and children.
This is the big list of online off-price retailers, but of course, there are lots of brands that now have online outlet stores featuring their own brands.
Would you shop these online off-price retailers, or do you prefer the thrill of the hunt and to shop these types of stores in-person?