Not So Great Expectations: The $50 Lilly Dress...
Happy Monday! Did you have a wonderful weekend? I'm happy to report that we are back in the land of functioning appliances. Never thought I'd be so pleased to see a new refrigerator arrive! :-)
Today I want to talk about something that has been bothering me for a while, so please indulge me. While this conversation might seem a little random to readers who aren't tuned in to the Lilly-themed pages on Facebook, I'm sure you will catch on pretty quickly!
Everyone knows the economy has been in a down turn for the past two-three years, right? Even though many of us have continued to shop and act like it wasn't happening (that's me: guilty as charged!), some of our favorite companies, brands and designers are suffering. Yet others are flourishing. Go figure.
Recently it was announced that the Lilly Pulitzer Via shops would not be allowed to have sales, or sale prices, on their websites and/or Facebook pages. It's important to note that Lilly Pulitzer corporate does not own these stores, in fact most are independently owned by women. Of course, we love to support these stores because they provide excellent service and on occasion, wonderful sales!
As soon as the news of this change began to hit the Facebook newsfeed, there was an immediate outcry. One friend said it was like "rioting in the streets" and another likened it to "the roar of hundreds of hungry lions". Comments and opinions were posted everywhere you looked and anywhere you could see - including the Lilly Pulitzer main fan page (which has over 100K fans). Lilly girls were upset - and wanted to voice their opinions - hoping that corporate would change their minds. Now you're asking, "Why The Outcry"?
Here is my take on the evolution of the problem. The brand is now available in more places/stores than ever before. As a result, there is more Lilly "floating around" than I've ever seen in my ten plus years of wearing Lilly. Everyone is competing for the same consumer and their dollar. As a result, sales have been a plenty and consumers have come to expect them on a regular basis. They know about the sales as SOON as they hit the presses, and enjoy taking full advantage. In addition to the Via shops FB pages and websites, there are many other sites to feed the Lilly addiction for the savvy consumer. Lilly Pulitzer has an e-commerce website (http://www.lillypulitzer.com/), Ebay has always had a huge selection of Lilly, and now there are multiple Facebook pages where you can buy and sell your used or new Lilly goodies. All this in addition to your local Lilly store, be it corporately owned or independently owned Via shop.
A note for the record, I run one of those Facebook pages (Shopaholic's Preppy Closet HERE), but my page is not focused on just Lilly. Sellers list plenty of other designers on SPC, in addition to Lilly. When asked my opinion about pricing an item for sale, I always encourage the seller to price items as close to the market value as possible. While I do not control their pricing, I certainly hate to see someone sell a dress for $50 that is worth over $100. Occasionally a dress is worth MORE than the original retail price, especially if it's a hard to find size or print. On a daily basis, I receive an average of a half dozen emails - asking me how to price an item, where to find an item on sale, etc. And I am no expert - obviously I don't work for Lilly Pulitzer or anyone else - I'm just a stay at home wife with a Lilly obsession.
Don't get me wrong - I love a deal as much as the next person (and have shared several with you guys lately that were too good to pass up) - but when did we start to expect it? And who are we to think we are owed it?
Do we really think that a brand - any brand, not just Lilly - can survive when the consumer wants to pay less than $100 for a $400 dress? Here's a thought - if we can only afford to pay $100 for a dress, perhaps we should look for a $100 dress designer.
Can you buy an Escalade for 75% off? Of course not.
How about a Rolex for 50% off? Again, no.
If everyone could, then guess what would happen? If you guessed "No one would want them anyway" - you are correct. Why? Because then, any sucker with a credit card in their wallet would have those things too. It would no longer be special.
Special stuff costs more. Perhaps we should remember that and appreciate it a little more. After all, we want the Lilly genuises to continue designing for decades to come. For that to happen, they have to turn a profit. I fully support this decision by LP corporate, and look for the brand to return to being exclusive again. I also believe it will be worth more to us - even if it is just our perception. I still remember the "thrill of the hunt" for Lilly; truth be known, that always added to it's allure.
What do you think about Lilly's decision? How do you think it will affect the brand? Because remember - it is ALL about the brand. The value of the company is not measured in bolts of fabric or the bricks used to construct The Pink Palace, but rather the consumer's perception of the brand.
Have a Marvelous Monday - I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
p.s. Before you get really worried, word on the street is that just like clockwork, Lilly Pulitzer will continue to have their semi-annual warehouse sale in King of Prussia. Additionally, online sales will occur - but we don't know the details just yet. You'll have plenty of opportunities to get your Lilly fix, even while shopping on a budget. :-)
***LATER ADDITION TO THIS POST***I'm getting really tired of people tearing me up over this blog post. NO WHERE in this post do I say that someone should not be able to purchase Lilly on sale. I also include myself when I say "We should find a $100 dress if we only want to spend $100 on a dress". PLEASE PEOPLE - READ the post before you eat my backside for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, I have referenced (in the p.s.) that there will be "plenty of opportunities" to get your Lilly fix while shopping on a budget.
Today I want to talk about something that has been bothering me for a while, so please indulge me. While this conversation might seem a little random to readers who aren't tuned in to the Lilly-themed pages on Facebook, I'm sure you will catch on pretty quickly!
Everyone knows the economy has been in a down turn for the past two-three years, right? Even though many of us have continued to shop and act like it wasn't happening (that's me: guilty as charged!), some of our favorite companies, brands and designers are suffering. Yet others are flourishing. Go figure.
Recently it was announced that the Lilly Pulitzer Via shops would not be allowed to have sales, or sale prices, on their websites and/or Facebook pages. It's important to note that Lilly Pulitzer corporate does not own these stores, in fact most are independently owned by women. Of course, we love to support these stores because they provide excellent service and on occasion, wonderful sales!
As soon as the news of this change began to hit the Facebook newsfeed, there was an immediate outcry. One friend said it was like "rioting in the streets" and another likened it to "the roar of hundreds of hungry lions". Comments and opinions were posted everywhere you looked and anywhere you could see - including the Lilly Pulitzer main fan page (which has over 100K fans). Lilly girls were upset - and wanted to voice their opinions - hoping that corporate would change their minds. Now you're asking, "Why The Outcry"?
Here is my take on the evolution of the problem. The brand is now available in more places/stores than ever before. As a result, there is more Lilly "floating around" than I've ever seen in my ten plus years of wearing Lilly. Everyone is competing for the same consumer and their dollar. As a result, sales have been a plenty and consumers have come to expect them on a regular basis. They know about the sales as SOON as they hit the presses, and enjoy taking full advantage. In addition to the Via shops FB pages and websites, there are many other sites to feed the Lilly addiction for the savvy consumer. Lilly Pulitzer has an e-commerce website (http://www.lillypulitzer.com/), Ebay has always had a huge selection of Lilly, and now there are multiple Facebook pages where you can buy and sell your used or new Lilly goodies. All this in addition to your local Lilly store, be it corporately owned or independently owned Via shop.
A note for the record, I run one of those Facebook pages (Shopaholic's Preppy Closet HERE), but my page is not focused on just Lilly. Sellers list plenty of other designers on SPC, in addition to Lilly. When asked my opinion about pricing an item for sale, I always encourage the seller to price items as close to the market value as possible. While I do not control their pricing, I certainly hate to see someone sell a dress for $50 that is worth over $100. Occasionally a dress is worth MORE than the original retail price, especially if it's a hard to find size or print. On a daily basis, I receive an average of a half dozen emails - asking me how to price an item, where to find an item on sale, etc. And I am no expert - obviously I don't work for Lilly Pulitzer or anyone else - I'm just a stay at home wife with a Lilly obsession.
Don't get me wrong - I love a deal as much as the next person (and have shared several with you guys lately that were too good to pass up) - but when did we start to expect it? And who are we to think we are owed it?
Do we really think that a brand - any brand, not just Lilly - can survive when the consumer wants to pay less than $100 for a $400 dress? Here's a thought - if we can only afford to pay $100 for a dress, perhaps we should look for a $100 dress designer.
Can you buy an Escalade for 75% off? Of course not.
How about a Rolex for 50% off? Again, no.
If everyone could, then guess what would happen? If you guessed "No one would want them anyway" - you are correct. Why? Because then, any sucker with a credit card in their wallet would have those things too. It would no longer be special.
Special stuff costs more. Perhaps we should remember that and appreciate it a little more. After all, we want the Lilly genuises to continue designing for decades to come. For that to happen, they have to turn a profit. I fully support this decision by LP corporate, and look for the brand to return to being exclusive again. I also believe it will be worth more to us - even if it is just our perception. I still remember the "thrill of the hunt" for Lilly; truth be known, that always added to it's allure.
What do you think about Lilly's decision? How do you think it will affect the brand? Because remember - it is ALL about the brand. The value of the company is not measured in bolts of fabric or the bricks used to construct The Pink Palace, but rather the consumer's perception of the brand.
Have a Marvelous Monday - I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
p.s. Before you get really worried, word on the street is that just like clockwork, Lilly Pulitzer will continue to have their semi-annual warehouse sale in King of Prussia. Additionally, online sales will occur - but we don't know the details just yet. You'll have plenty of opportunities to get your Lilly fix, even while shopping on a budget. :-)
***LATER ADDITION TO THIS POST***I'm getting really tired of people tearing me up over this blog post. NO WHERE in this post do I say that someone should not be able to purchase Lilly on sale. I also include myself when I say "We should find a $100 dress if we only want to spend $100 on a dress". PLEASE PEOPLE - READ the post before you eat my backside for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, I have referenced (in the p.s.) that there will be "plenty of opportunities" to get your Lilly fix while shopping on a budget.
Hi Lori! Very well written...my thought is that I would love Lilly to stay "exclusive" but the corporate decision to limit via stores from advertising sales online doesn't rest well with me here in the USA. I know there are some brands ie Bose that do not vary in price no matter where you buy the item (unless it's refurbished). "Sales follow good relationships!" Some of the online stores have invested a great deal of time in building relationships and providing an extra level of customer service...they sought out the "online" customers...for that, they should be allowed to price their merchandise as they see fit to make a sale. I will continue to buy Lilly, I just may not be able to buy as many items with the new policy. Lilly is all I wear, just like you!
ReplyDeleteI think that corporate has been unfair to the Via shops recently. Via shops are small businesses which can struggle to make a profit at any time, but when the economy is bad, it is harder to stay afloat. For the past several Warehouse Sales, Lilly has put out merchandise that was currently selling for full price. I know from experience and interaction with bloggers that plenty of people buy current season's items at the Warehouse Sales and then return them at Via shops for merchandise credit. To me, that seems very unfair to the Via shop owners. It's like Lilly is trying to undercut them. Also, there are plenty of people out there who may not have a Lilly store or a via shop in their town (myself included) and rely on the internet and on ordering from the Via shops to get their Lilly fix. If they are not able to find out about any sales or promotions from the stores' websites or facebook pages, then where can they find out about them? I know that I would be upset if I bought a dress from a store for full-price only to later discover that the store had the dress on sale at the time and I didn't know about it because the store can't advertise its sale prices.
ReplyDeleteI work in a via store that relies heavily on tourism. This is a very slow time for us and we have many days where no one even walks in the store. Our facebook page is an avenue for us to get some additional business in a time where there are very few shoppers in town. By not allowing us to post any sales or promotions, Lilly is harming our business. I have made many sales through our facebook page because facebook is the only way to inform customers what's happening in our store. I agree with you on maintaining Lilly's exclusivity, but there are other ways to do that than by not allowing businesses to post their sales. We need to turn a profit too and when via shops do well, so does Lilly.
ReplyDeleteVery well composed friend!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Where was this originally announced? I must have missed it. I find it a bit ridiculous Lilly is doing this to stores. Facebook is a HUGE (possibly #1) marketing tools for stores to gain customers and offer promotions etc. Pretty lame of Lilly IMO.
ReplyDeleteVery well written post!!! I think one of the FB pages is the main problem. You know the one that is NOT a via shop/corporate store?? Obviously, those 'women' need to find another designer since the majority of them don't want to pay anywhere close to full price.
ReplyDeleteLP NEEDS you on their payroll!!!:-)Bring back the value of the Lilly please! After all, perception IS reality, right!
Have a FAB week!
Chris- are you refferring to the UTP page? I'd have to agree.
ReplyDeleteWhat does UTP stand for?
ReplyDeleteutp is a via shop.
ReplyDeleteI believe the previous post was actually referring to UTPT (Under the Palm Tree) a Via shop. They used to offer wonderful sales until the new rules were enforced by corporate. Although, I really don't think that was who Chris was referring to.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering why suddenly people were bashing UTPT - They have not had a sale in a very long time and are following corporate's rules.
ReplyDeleteUNDER THE PALM TREE IS a via shop - and have been since February 2002 when they were originally signature stores - much longer than most of the other stores currently in business, outside of the original group of them. If you have a problem with them, I hope you do not shop there.
I hope never to meet the two of you who are bashing it - especially since I work there. You obviously have sick sad pathetic lives to be posting about a locally owned store so rudely.
I actually have the balls to use my own name.
Wow, I also hope others aren't using this as an opportunity to bash one of MY favorite Via Shops - Under The Palm Tree. I have found UTPT's facebook page to be a fun place with lots of great details about the brand, etc (as well as previously, sale information).
ReplyDeleteI will CONTINUE to support Under The Palm Tree - and my other favorite Via shops like Village Palm and Persnickety Palm. Like many of my readers, I do not have access to a local Via or Corporate store. The closest Via is 2 hours away in Destin, FL (Barefoot Princess). I also have access to Lilly at Belk or Dillard's - but they are over an hour away.
All this being said, I believe the Via shops will succeed - but are going to have to get a little creative with their marketing strategy. XOXO
I am a little outraged at a few of these comments and very confused. Why would you be bashing a Lilly store? First off, I love Under the Palm Tree - the customer service is amazing, which is why I shop there. Multiple times I have called and asked about sizing on something and been told honestly how it fits, etc. That is why we shop at Via stores - not only the amazing products but the customer service.
ReplyDeleteAlso - keeping the prices steady helps me buy MORE. I was always hesitant to buy Lilly full price because I knew in the back of my mind I would be able to find it on sale somewhere. Now I am going to buy it right away if I truly love it, knowing that it won't turn up on sale three days later.
Can someone specify these new "rules" with Lilly & sales?
ReplyDeleteI really don't understand why anyone is being bashed. Aren't we all in this together as Lilly fans? UTPT is a great store and had awesome sales until the first of the year when corporate set forth the new rules. I really don't think any of the ladies on the UTPT fb page ever complained about the prices, that I ever witnessed anyway. I really think that UTPT was ingenious with the marketing on their fb page and really created an impressive following. Anyway, all this sniping and the spiteful implications are getting very tiresome and it is not at all lady-like
ReplyDelete@ the 1st "Anonymous" comment:
ReplyDeleteNO, I am not referring to UTPT. They are great and one of the BEST via stores. The FB page I referred to is NOT a via OR corporate store.
All I have to say is Bama Girl and Hadley (and UTPT)...y'all ROCK! Y'all are seriously the reason I ever became interested in Lilly in the first place. My wardrobe consists of a TON of Lilly, and is only two years old, and only from learning about it from SIA and the great info about it on UTPT, and their great website! THANK YOU!! Sorry for the rambling, but I'm so tired of negative opinions, and wanted to give y'all some love! Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post... and UTPT is a GREAT store. Keep up the great work! Kudos! xx
ReplyDeleteIs the new policy for via shops a result of the sale of Sugartown to Oxford Industries or has the policy been in effect for while?
ReplyDeleteI disagree with not allowing the via shops to advertise sales for two reasons: 1. it hurts me, the consumer, 2. it hurts the via shops
Can't help thinking this is what it's all about -
ReplyDelete"Under the terms of the deal, Oxford will pay $60 million for Sugartown Worldwide, Lilly Pulitzer’s parent company. Oxford will pay up to $20 million in additional payments if the clothier hits certain earnings targets."
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/prep-stays-hot-as-lilly-pulitzer-is-sold-for-60-million/
Can someone please state what this new policy is? I'm so in the dark here
ReplyDeleteLilly, Tiffany, Louis are all some of my favs. just because they are. I couldn't agree more! I am so very proud to be the only teacher at my school sportin' my Lilly, and others....makes me stand out gosh darnit! Any I am known as the pink and green kindergarten teacher....would not have it any other way!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mrs. Kindergarten
hi again Everyone! It's me (Lori). I know there have been lots of questions - along with some negative comments - today. Here's what we know - for sure. The Via Shops we all know and love - can't advertise SALE prices on their websites or Facebook fan pages. My understanding is that this new company procedure/process was already in place LONG before the sale of Lilly to Oxford Industries was announced. I've been hearing "rumor" of the new standard - as early as late last Fall (say October 2010). But it had not been enforced yet, until very recently. That being said - some of the Via shops still have sale prices on their websites, even today. I don't know what that means, maybe some are going to be slower to comply with the new procedures than others. Maybe they've "lawyered up" - Who knows?!?!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that in the short term, overall sales at the Via shops might be hurt. Again, I believe that really smart ones will figure out OTHER ways to advertise and turn this into an opportunity to create additional revenue.
Some of you may remember, 3-4 years ago, Lilly's price point was MUCH higher than it is now. It was actually rare to find a dress in the collection that retailed for less than $200. When the economy hit the tank (year after the Jubilee collection, which was very high priced and unfortunately debuted at a time when $$ was tight for most people) Lilly did a GREAT job of readjusting their price points. Most of the newer dresses are now priced at LESS than $200 retail. Everyone said then, "Expect less sales, we're trying to become a full priced brand again". It's just taken a while for them to get there!
XOXO, Lori
Oh Lordy....I forgot a few others...sorry my dearest labels! hahaha
ReplyDeleteI think the reference was to a certain page, not associated with ANY Via Shop - where most NWT Lilly dresses go for about $50. Don't want to name it and start a war, but you probably know who I mean.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE UTPT - in my opinion, they are the very best Via Shop out there. The customer service is second to none.
Why would anyone Bash the great folks at Under the Palm Tree. It's one of my favorite stores and I am lucky to live near Two corporate stores and Splash of Pink. The customer service there (at UTPT) is unbeatable.
ReplyDeleteI understand what Lori is saying in this blog entry. I, for one am very worried about the cheaping of the Lilly Brand and I think what the Lilly people are trying to do is protect it from it becoming mass market and cheap. I could be wrong.
Just so everyone knows, blog reader "Chris" contacted me and I will keep their information confidential. However, they want it to be clear - they were NOT referring to any Via shop. Matter of fact, if you read their comment, that is apparent. The folks talking about UTPT started with the next comment, which was "anonymous". I have a feeling someone wanted to start trouble here, and I don't know why. That makes me very sad. :-(
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I believe I know exactly what Facebook page was being referred to - but I won't mention it here; as I don't have any association with that page. XOXO, Lori
RiversideLilly - you nailed it. I also believe the Lilly folks are trying to protect the brand; which is the biggest reason I am supportive on this change. In my previous life, I used to work for a BIG brand that tried to get into too many things, market niches, etc. Today that are a bankrupt, shadow of their former selves. I don't want that to happen to Lilly. XOXO, Lori
I definitely agree that Lilly has done a fantastic job adjusting their price point in the past few years. I do have to admit that I'm a little disappointed about the newish sale policy at via shops... and I admit it's partly because I've scored some AMAZING deals at them! BUT I also sympathize with the shops that maybe are struggling at their brick-and-mortar locations and use online sales as a way to get more business and attract new customers.
ReplyDeleteI think it is unfortunate that VIA stores can no longer advertise sales. Even though certain people have commented on Lilly dresses being cheaper than in the past, the majority of their dresses are still between $200-$300 which is a lot for the "average" customer in today's economy. I have worked at a corporate Lilly store in the past and received a 75% discount which I loved and also lead me to believe that items are probably marked up more than they necessarily need to be. If Lilly wants to grow the brand, they need to have some more moderately priced items, and moderately priced for Lilly is still usually way more than most people like to pay. Unlike other retail brands I have worked for, Lilly has a very strong fan base and group of loyal customers that they need to continue to support and appeal to. I don't believe ocassional sales at VIA stores do anything but encourage more sales from this already tight group. Btw: the mysterious site everyone is referring to is obviously Re-Lilly. In my humble opinion, it has been great for exposing new people to the brand. At the end of the day, if people want to sell their $200 dresses for $50 and take a loss or make some money off something they no longer wear so that someone else can enjoy it, what's it to me? Spread the Lilly love people!!
ReplyDeleteLori~ I agree 100%. Don't worry about the person who can't even post their name. The ones who REALLY matter read your blog today and they loved it.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I have bought items on the other facebook page and have had great experiences with it. I don't know how the new policy for Via shops will do anything to it. People set their own prices for items at how high they want. It is not a corporate store or VIA shop, and corporate policies have no effect on it. If anything, my guess is that this new policy will drive more people to the group in search of bargains and information about potential sales.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused here. I completely agree that offering ridiculous sales on Lilly "cheapens" the brand. Although I shop at UTPT and appreciate their sales, I can't help but wonder if corporate changed their policies in response to UTPT. Why buy from corporate or other via stores when UTPT will probably offer it for a large percentage discounted if you wait? I'm certainly not trying to bash a Lilly via shop but agree with Lori that big sales make Lilly less coveted. As far as Re-Lilly, I have both bought and sold and appreciate the concept. Most of the things on there are used anyway unlike ebay.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents.
Lori, so well written my friend! You go girly! We Lilly lovers will continue to support the brand, and of course UTPT and our other favorite Via shops. I appreciate a sale as much as the next girl, but agree with reader Colleen that I will continue to go with my instincts and buy the items that I love right away, at least now without worrying it will turn up on sale a week or two later elsewhere. xooxxo
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very sad that some on here have chosen to bash a Via store that has always taken such great care of its customers. I love our Via stores and have always had wonderful experiences ordering from UTPT. Lori, I understand your point about wanting Lilly to be exclusive, but I don't think the company is going about it the right way. I agree with everyone who said that this new policy will only serve to hurt the small, family-owned businesses. And while Lilly may be owned by a large corporation now, it started as a small, family-owned business. That's always been part of its charm.
ReplyDeleteLilly does not "need" to sell more moderately priced items. Does anyone tell Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, etc that they need to sell cheaper items just so that everyone can afford them? There are some items that are just going to be more expensive. Not everyone can afford them, that's life. I would love a Chanel handbag and hope to have one someday. Do I think Chanel somehow "owes" it to me to sell a cheaper bag just so I can have one? Nope. I've been buying Lilly for a long time. I bought it when there was no online shopping. I went into the Atlanta Lilly store and paid full price. In college there was no way I could have afforded Lilly. That being said I reallly like the Re-Lilly site. I've bought and sold and thinks it's great to get a bargain. The ladies there all are very friendly and helpful. I also have had great experiences with the many via shops that I have bought from in the past couple of years. Wonderful customer service! I'd much prefer to shop with them over corporate. I can see where that policy would be harmful to the local shops. Hoepfully they will amend it. Thanks for a great post Lori- I agree with all your sentiments! Wendy
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Lilly wholesale prices. Trust me, when something is marked 50 or 60 percent off, the retailer is still making a profit.
ReplyDeleteI bought my very first piece of Lilly last spring off of ReLilly. Had it not been for ReLilly, I can honestly say that I would not have previously bought into the brand - admired it from afar, yes, but actually walk into the store in KoP and purchase a $200+ dress, no. Thank goodness for ReLilly as now my closet is overflowing with the most beautiful colorful clothes I never would have imagined owning. And because it opened my eyes to this incredible brand, I would now consider buying that $200+ dress (and have!!) if I truely "needed" it! Thank you to ReLilly. Thank you to the VIA shops which is where the rest of my closet came from. And thank you Lori for SPC and sharing your knowledge and love of Lilly. I will always look for a bargain but it's because of pages like these that open my eyes up and make me appreciate the product more than the price!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying about cheapening the brand, but I have to say I would still love Lilly no matter if the dresses are 5 dollars or 300$. I would think that many customers feel the same way....I just love the bright colors and beachy feel that these clothes display. I have been wearing Lilly since I was a little girl and have really come to love it probably more than any other brand out there. With that being said, I am a college student now and unless I want to ask my parents for 200$ every time I see a dress I like (which would be VERY often!), I have to find other ways to get Lilly with the money I make on my own. I would never be able to do this without UTPT and Re-Lilly. I do still buy things full price (like the Raya I just couldn't wait for!), and plan to buy more things without having to wait once I have a full time job. You never know what kind of situation a Lilly-lover is in....I don't think its fair to say they don't deserve to buy it unless it is completely full priced.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I do not see much of a difference between the two FB pages listed above. Both of them have listings of items that are NWT and both of them have listings well below retail even posted from the admin! Don't get me wrong, I think that this is a great concept. I just don't think it is very Lilly-like to say that one is "better" and one is "worse" because they are essentially helping customers with the same thing: discount Lilly. The real question is why it bothers people when people sell their Lilly items for less than retail. If the item is in someone's closet it isn't really anyone else's business what they decide to do with it or how much they are comfortable selling it for.
ReplyDeleteJust because you have the funds available to purchase things you love at full price does not mean that you should have anything negative to say about those who don't. Who are you to tell someone to find another brand to wear because of price? I am putting myself through college and do not have the means to buy a 400$ dress, but that does not stop me from wanting it more than any other brand.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for sounding like a spoiled and wealthy witch, disguising it by trying to sound like you have a concern for the "business" aspect.
To Anonymous, who posted above - I don't think you fully understand what Lori is writing about - It's not about having the money or not - its about flooding the market with product with in turn will devalue the brand. Saying that Lori sounds like a "spoiled and wealthy witch" is way off the mark and uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteThis whole discussion is really disturbing and to use someone else's expression - very un-Lilly like. Buy what you want, wherever you want, for whatever price you think you can afford. Lilly was sold in my Costco last year for heaven's sake! If that doesn't "cheapen" a brand, I don't know what will. I still love Lilly even after that! If a person likes Lilly, hopefully, they like it for what it is and not because of who people think they are because they are wearing it.
ReplyDeleteTo Kristen, I am guessing that the remarks above were directed to "Chris" who posted above, "I think one of the FB pages is the main problem. You know the one that is NOT a via shop/corporate store?? Obviously, those 'women' need to find another designer since the majority of them don't want to pay anywhere close to full price." and not at Lori, unless Lori is Chris?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the "perception" of the Lilly brand is and has always been important ("play wear of the affluent, etc"). With that being said, I do love the Re-Lilly site & any other site that I can score a great find on a fabulous frock. Everyone loves a bargain (especially in this crazy economy) and I find it rude to tell someone that they should "find another brand to love" if they cannot happen to afford a $300 Lilly dress at the time being.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone! WOW! I'm slightly disturbed by all these anonymous comments...but moving right along...If you will READ what I said, I never said that you shouldn't be able to buy Lilly if you couldn't afford it at full price. I've been crucified here over something that was never even said. For the record, I also said that sales would continue to occur and we'd have plenty of opportunities to purchase Lilly on SALE. (check the P.S. in the blog post)...I did state that if we can only spend $100, we should look for a $100 dress! That's just good common sense, especially if there's not a Lilly on sale for $100 that you want! XOXO
ReplyDeleteOh! And for the record, my id is "Bama Girl" - I'm Lori. I write this blog, and I ALWAYS sign my name. I don't have anonymous or fake profiles, etc like sooooo many others - both here and on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, it seems like this discussion has hurt many people's feelings. Personally, I love, love, love Shopaholic's Preppy Closet and Re-Lilly. I just had my first baby and decided to work part-time so that I can stay home with him. Because of this change I am on a very strict budget. But I have been wearing Lilly for years and can't imagine having a wardrobe without it. I used to want the new dresses as soon as they came out so I had no problem paying full-price for them. But now having time with my son is much more important then having the latest Lilly design. So I love purchasing other people's hand me downs for a fraction of the price. Even with these FB pages, Lilly will always remain exclusive. There will be Lilly lovers that want the newest dress and want the most current designs. And when we purchase old/used Lilly items, we are helping those people we purchased them from buy the new ones. I know a ton of ladies sell some of their summer dresses so they can buy their new fall must-haves. So it works out for everyone. And personally, I wouldn't pay close to retail for a used dress (especially if it is out of season!) A lot of wonderful women have put a lot of time in effort into making these amazing FB pages for us to use. And I think if anyone has a problem with them... simply don't use them. Also, I hate the fact that only a certain class of people can wear certain designer names. And if someone is wearing Lilly to make themselves look high-class or to distinguish themselves with their wealth then they do not know what Lilly is really all about. It makes me sad to think about all the girls that would just die to own a Lilly dress but can never afford one. Luckily now Re-Lilly will help some of these girls score a dress they never thought they could have.
ReplyDeleteAnd after my local Costco sold NEW from the Manufacturer Lilly dresses... I think it is HORRIBLE that they will not allow Via shops to post their sales. To the ladies at UTPT.. you are amazing. I have a feeling some of your competition are making these horrible anonymous comments.
Ladies, if you are ashamed to put your name by something you post... then you probably shouldn't post it.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI love you and your blog, but I'm going to have to disagree with you a bit. I was under the impression that Lilly was a "state of mind" not something to be worn to make you look (or feel) "exclusive." I understand what you're saying from a business stand point, but as a member of the Lilly-loving community I think that every Lilly lover should be able to own a piece of Lilly. If someone chooses to sell their used Lilly for lower than market value, isn't that THEIR choice? My first Lilly pieces were given to me FOR FREE from a complete stranger because she wanted to share her love for Lilly. This is why I've grown to love the brand... because the Lilly community is a great one to be a part of. Not because I feel exclusive and haughty when I wear it.
xo, Brown Eyed Girl
Ok, I will freely admit I buy Lilly on sale, hunt for it in consignment shops and at Marshall's and TJMaxx. Because I am a working wife who just can't fit full price anything in my budget. My husband even buys his Brooks Brothers shirts on sale.
ReplyDeleteThe market would not be flooded if the manufacturer, Lilly, did not flood the market. They control the supply. It is also a well known fact that the markup on clothing is the highest among consumer goods.
And who is to say something NWT wasn't bought for a steal at the warehouse sale. As I understand it, people grab up product whether it is their size or not, all for the purpose to re-sell. So it seems that there will always be Lilly out there at an affordable price. It's unfortunate that the VIA stores can't hold sales, but it is Lilly's prerogative to set pricing for their stores including sale prices.
Hey Lori,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry alot of people did not really "get" the message in this blog post and decided to attack you. It is very sad and unfortunate the "ladies" just didn't understand the message here:(
Also- to one of the anonymous comments above (there are so many!) if you notice, there is a HUGE difference in the SPC page on FB and the "others". Items are grouped by albums making it easier to shop and the page is tightly controlled and does not contain all of the idle chit chat. It does not drive people to Ebay, etc. It is focused on buying and selling FOR THE CONSIGNER since they have paid for a service and if you notice, the admins on SPC can identify most every print and/or style as well as the original price of an item! Again, they are receiving something of value for the listing fee.
Lori- I think you have a wonderful blog and you are smart, beautiful, funny, and FUN to be around. And for the record- I really want to state Lori is NOT a witch, she is a very smart woman with more business sense that most men and everyone that knows her would agree with that statement! Your blog is so fun to read every day, I know I can't wait to see what you are going to post next. I love the Lilly posts but this blog is more than just Lilly Pulitzer. It about relationships, family, friends, fun, recipes, hair, etc. Keep up the great work!
Xx,
Amy