Beginning this September, you’ll be able to shop Gilt offline, too. The e-commerce startup is the latest to bring shopping off the computer screen and into the streets via an in-office showroom at Gilt’s Manhattan headquarters. The initiative, which is appointment-only (and is aptly titled “Gilt by Appointment”), allows shoppers to register online and note what he or she is interested in looking at, creating a tailored shopping experience. A personal shopper was reportedly hired to “refresh” the inventory on a monthly basis, according to Fashionista, and the digs are reminiscent of a living room with budget-friendly ready-to-wear and vintage apparel, jewelry, handbags, and a small selection of home goods.
Gilt Groupe launched in 2007 as the brainchild of Kevin Ryan and Dwight Merriman. Once the industry leader in this format of shopping, Gilt quickly rose to the top on the popularity front. Proof: When Gilt held its first sale—50% off Christian Louboutin shoes—the site nearly crashed because of a flood of visitors at the same time. However, in the past year, the company has reportedly struggled to maintain growth, according to Business Insider, so starting this new initiative could be a great way for the company to make a comeback.
Mark your calendars: Gilt by Appointment will officially open on September 8th, and pre-registration begins on September 1st.
