My personal favourite lists of the best online luxury retailers you should consider shopping from moving forward.
Online shopping is evolving as we speak! The current pandemic is further re-shaping the way we think and behave as consumers while we become more reliant on the internet to fulfill our consumption desires. Things are fast changing in the retail world and retailers are adapting as quickly as they can to the new normal. We all want to shop and look good, and since we can’t physically go to a store, we are venturing into a new journey of online shopping. But although countless e-commerce retailers are popping up each second, only a handful are capable of delivering the highest standards of service and selection of luxury fashion. As much as I love being physically in-store when shopping for designer and luxury labels, I love the convenience of shopping online.
I spent the past four years assessing, observing, and shopping from some of the most coveted luxury online retailers for two reasons. The first reason relates to an online venture I set up curating independent designer handbags. At that time, I wanted the site to mimic the concepts of established online retailers, so I spent time monitoring the sites and learning the business of online fashion retailing. Secondly, I realized that in Canada, we don’t have a wide range of styles and labels. It’s almost impossible to fetch a trendy piece or an original designer fashion locally. The only way I was able to buy some of the articles I fell in love with was by shopping online from specific retailers.
So if you are wondering where to shop for luxury fashion, here’s the list of my favourite online retailers I’ve either shopped from or became very familiar with.
Farfetch
Farfetch is my favorite luxury online retailer. And I say this because I frequently order from this website and have never encountered issues with the order. Farfetch was founded in 2007 as a digital platform that curates fashion from independent luxury boutiques. They have partnered with some of the reputable global boutiques and designers to help expand their digital and global presence.
There are several reasons why Farfetch is on top of my luxury online shopping sites. First, the price you see is the price you pay for the item minus shipping: the listed price already includes taxes and duties and displayed in your country’s currency. Listing currency options is essential for those who don’t want to bother with guessing and calculating the duties and taxes. The second thing I love is the opportunity to find unique pieces that are typically sold out or not available locally, or even on other sites. Because the platform “fetches” items from boutiques, it’s easier to find something different, or something that reflects your taste. Thirdly, the site curates “pre-owned” luxury fashion from some of our favorite names. Lastly, if you prefer browsing and shopping on your mobile phone, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a Farfetch App for iOS and Android.
As well, there are a couple of things you should know about Farfetch to make sure you get the best experience. You may see different listings for the same item with variable prices. This is mainly because various boutiques may carry the same item but price it differently. I discovered that a boutique might price something so low because it’s probably the last piece in their store. The other thing, unlike some other North American retailers, Farfetch doesn’t offer a loyalty or points program.
Matches Fashion
Matches Fashion is an established London-based luxury boutique founded in 1987 with an unparalleled online shopping experience. It prides itself on offering personalized and private shopping services either in person or online. Matches Fashion offers the works of over 450 luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and more. It is truly one of the best luxury online retailers to shop from.
There are so many reasons why you will fall in love with the online retailer. For one, there’s no shortage of the latest luxury fashion items, and some of the most sought after things that aren’t available in certain countries, such as Canada. The other reason I love shopping Matches Fashion is the way they package their products. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but it feels special to receive a note from the person who prepared your purchase.
In terms of price display, the website displays the price before taxes and duties. At check out, you’ll have the option of adding them to the online transaction or pay upon delivery with DHL. My recommendation is to choose Delivery Duty Paid, and Matches Fashion will refund you if you return the item. Should you decide to pay customs, expect some delays in processing the refund from customs or brokerage firms. The third advantage of shopping the retailer is its multi-level loyalty and points program.
The one thing I wish they would do is adding functionality that calculates total payment in different currencies (i.e Canadian Dollar). And if you love to browse and shop on your mobile phone, the Matches Fashion app is available for iOS and Android.
Ssense
Ssense is Canada’s premier digital retailer of luxury and streetwear fashion based in Montreal. The company was established in 2003 by 3 brothers and operates in 3 languages including English, French, and Japanese. One can instantly tell when browsing the website that it caters to young urban shoppers who are keen on street style fashion.
As a Canadian, I often visit the digital store when seeking urban and slick pieces, or when I want to learn more about the new and upcoming urban designers. Ssense is the perfect spot to shop for unconventional luxury fashion for young adults or teenagers. And if you happen to be in Montreal, I highly recommend visiting their brick-and-mortar store located in Old Montreal for an unusual shopping experience. It is a space for coveted fashion labels, events, and personal shopping. As for mobile browsing, I believe they are currently working on a state-of-the-art app which I think will further alleviate the online shopping experience!
https://rstyle.me/+b_uYMRZBHw9BMDiD_ZR4nQ
Nordstrom
Nordstrom doesn’t need an introduction to North America. The company continues to reinvent itself by improving customer experience in-store and online. If you prefer to make an online order from a familiar and credible North American retailer, then Nordstrom is a great source of some luxury brands and designers. They also have a good loyalty and points program called The Nordy Club, offering exceptional experiences such as invitations to fashion events and workshops, free alteration services, and in-home stylists!
Shopbop
Shopbop is part of the Amazon.com Inc group of companies which was acquired in 2006. The e-commerce retailer offers a wide range of contemporary labels and designers for the style-minded shopper. It is one of the best destinations to shop for international emerging brands and affordable luxury labels. And since it is part of Amazon.com, you can buy through your Amazon account directly and benefit from the platform’s shipping services.
One of the reasons why I love Shopbop is the fact that I can find affordable luxury fashion from many independent labels I follow on IG. So instead of buying from the designer website, Shopbop seems a bit more secure since amazon.com fulfills it. As well, it calculates the price, taxes, and shipping costs in your native currency, so you don’t have to guess. Lastly, for those who love collecting points, Shopbop offers a multi-tiered rewards program including mystery money and invitations to exclusive events.
Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter is as well a London-based luxury e-commerce retailer founded in 2000 and is one of the first online retailers for luxury fashion. If you are looking for urban style or functional fashion, Net-a-Porter is your candy shop with over 800 of the most coveted luxury designer brands to pick. Although I have not ordered anything from Net-a-Porter yet, I am confident that they offer incredible customer service based on the fact that they have a credible reputation and commitment to excellence.
Currency conversion on Net-a-Porter is available to a certain extent. But payment is limited in specific currencies such as US$. As a Canadian, I still like to know the total amount in CAN$ even if payment is processed in US$. However, the final displayed price at checkout includes taxes and duties. As for online customer service, a chatbox allows you to speak with a stylist as soon as you select an item to add to your order. That’s a nice feature that enables a shopper to talk with a real person immediately. For those who like browsing and shopping on a mobile phone, you can do so with their downloadable app for iOs and Android.
Moda Operandi
I have never ordered from Moda Operandi, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of my favorite luxury online retailers. They have a unique concept and shopping experience for fashion-forward women and men. Modal Operandi, founded in 2011, operates from New York City and is defined as a discovery platform.
What is truly unique about this e-commerce retailer is its ability to curate fashion straight from the runway to fashion lovers. They aspire to connect the bold and expressive fashion to their stores. This is where you go to grab NEXT SEASON’S collections straight from the runway, by shopping trunk shows or pre-order items. It enables the designer to customize the piece according to your size and measurements. To secure the order, you would pay 50% of the retail price; and the balance once the items are ready to ship. As well, Moda Operandi has 3 showrooms (NY, London, and HK), all of which offer a dedicated Private Client Advisor to their high-profile clients. But that’s not it, Moda Private offers on-demand product sourcing concierge services. Moda Operandi is truly where “your wish is their command.”
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