GILT Gilt.com
Everybody loves a good online deal site, but it’s not every day you come across one with an international platform that makes a point of celebrating Canadian designers.
Gilt is a members-only site that helped pioneer the idea of online designer “flash sales.” Products go on sale, often heavily discounted, for a short window before disappearing again. Checking the site to make sure you didn’t miss a new sale can become addictive. Perhaps that explains their eight-million-plus membership base.
The site deals in fashion, accessories, unique experiences and home decor. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars and include the cost of duties so there are no unwelcome surprises when your package arrives. Shipping to Canada is always $9.95 and the site has a relatively flexible return policy.
Earlier this month, Gilt featured sales by 10 Canadian designers, including Beaufille, Sid Neigum, Christopher Bates, Cuchara and Ela Handbags. Gilt reps tell me the Canadian goods practically flew off the shelves, so fingers crossed for a lot more CanCon on the site soon. Hey, if physical retailers won’t support homegrown talent, perhaps the answer is online!
Gilt picks This week, Gilt members can shop curated sales by top Canadian bloggers and editors, including Alexander Liang of Kenton Magazine and Michelle Bilodeau of Front Row Mag. Also, download the mobile app to ensure you never miss a sale. You even get an alert at midnight that lets you know sales are live.
Look for Cool experiential deals in Gilt’s travel section. From Caribbean vacations to an adventurous retreat with Mountain Trek Fitness in British Columbia, Gilt has something for every type of wandering soul.
