Shopping is My Cardio
The Warehouse Sale is the perfect time to stock up on fashionable finds.
It is touted as the equivalent of the Oscars, the Super Bowl and the nirvana of shopping events. This bi-annual fashion festival, otherwise known as The Warehouse Sale, is every fashion girl’s dream come true.
Started more than four years ago, The Warehouse Sale was a small pop-up shopping party at Oak Bar with a few of New Orleans’ finest boutiques. With some kamikaze grassroots marketing tactics, TWS has turned into the mecca of boutique bargain sales. TWS typically takes place in late winter and late summer when boutiques are in their seasonal transition period. What began as 11 shops in one location has quickly turned in to a packed ballroom of stores from all over Southeast Louisiana. Everywhere there is a bargain to be found, from fabulous shoes and accessories, to perfect party dresses for spring and enough cute shorts to last you all summer.
However, the deals found at TWS are not typically what you would find late in the season on the sale rack tucked away in a back corner of a store. Retailers might have overstock of fall coats and jackets, and may want to reduce stock, or perhaps they over-bought the must-have jean and want to clear out inventory. Prices for designer goods are sometimes close or below wholesale costs.
Huong Nguyen, a very savvy shopper, has attended TWS every year to date. You can always find her posting sassy on-trend outfits on her Instagram feed with the hashtag, #founditatthewarehousesale. “I love to attend The Warehouse Sale,” Nguyen says. “It’s a convenient way to shop as many boutiques possible, and the bargains are a huge hit.”
Livin’ La Vida Local
TWS is a great outlet to support and boost exposure for local small businesses. Retail is a tough and fickle business to enter. With the constant competition from big chain department stores and large e-tailers like Amazon and Zappos repeatedly offering deep discounts, it makes it challenging for the boutique owner to stay afloat. Rachel Adams of The Elizabeth Chronicles has participated in TWS 10 times. “The Warehouse Sale is a huge room of like-minded female boutique owners all supporting each other,” Adams says. “We are all struggling with the same issues of owning a business. Also, I love to find incredible bargains at other shops at The Warehouse Sale.”
Hunters and Gatherers
Imagine Charlie walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory after he won the Golden Ticket. TWS might seem like an overwhelming experience for a rookie shopper. For the novice TWS shopper, ALG Style has a number of strategies for coming away with oodles of purchases and a happy wallet.
1. Eat a good breakfast. Carb up for the marathon.
2. Wear clothing that is easy to get in and out of. You should be built for speed.
3. Take a lap. Get a lay of the land and come up with a plan of attack. We suggest you try on all clothing before shoes and accessories.
4. Drink bubbly and bring snacks. Try to hold out for the long haul — sometimes the deals get better as they day progresses.
5. Roll VIP. TWS offers a VIP ticket for those eager shoppers that must get the goods before everyone else.
But Wait — There’s More
In the past, TWS has offered services such as blow-outs and makeup application from Paris Parker Aveda Salon & Spa, massages and wellness services from Chronos Body, Health & Wellness and complimentary manicures. There are amazing giveaways, goody bags and fabulous prizes offered from TWS’ sponsors.
Visit TWS — taking place March 26 at The Cannery — for fashion, a day of libations, people-watching and pampering. VIP hour with ticket purchase 11-12 p.m., open to the public 12-5 p.m.;3803 Toulouse St.; neworleans.boldtypetickets.com
Happy Shopping!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style