Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana -- designer labels we never imagined we could find are now at Houston discount stores! Places like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less are tapping into a whole new designer market. A BCBG top that retails for $160 was marked $24.99 when we found it at Marshalls. True Religion jeans can cost $200-$300 at the department store. We found them for $89.99.
Over in shoes, designers like Kate Spade, Cole Haan, and even Coach are everywhere. We found a pair of gold Roberto Cavalli's priced at $89. In boutiques they would be $300!
"When I come shopping here I always look for the brand names," said one shopper we caught up with.
Those name brands are becoming more and more common. The off-price stores know that many shoppers want the designer stuff, but don't want to pay full price.
According to a recent survey by the retail industry, 66% of shoppers say because of the economy they are reassessing how and where they shop.
Shopper Cecilia Moylan wondered, "I don't understand how they can have these designer brands for prices so low."
Here's how they do it: Buyers for the off-price stores go to market looking for merchandise every week. They negotiate low prices, even on really expensive stuff.
In comparison, department stores and boutiques usually go to market only a few times a year and aren't able to negotiate those better deals.
"I shop Saks , I hit the sales but I love my Marshalls, my T.J. Maxx, my Ross," explained shopper Ghadi Ali.
