Ready, set, shop!
Best strategy to shop the Neiman Marcus + Target collection, plus our 5 favoriteproducts
After weeks of hype, the Neiman Marcus + Target collection will finally be available Saturday at both chains and online. The stores have been secretive about letting anyone inspect the limited-edition goods from 24 of America's top designers, which range from a pink pet leash and collar from Oscar de la Renta ($39.99) to a printed 3-speed bike designed by Alice + Olivia ($499.99).
However, items purchased by a select audience of fashion designers and models at a New York preview party Wednesday night are already showing up on eBay at inflated prices.
Items purchased by a select audience at a New York preview party Wednesday night are already showing up on eBay at inflated prices.
The asking price for a pair of Brian Atwood leather gloves, which retail for $49.99, is $100 on eBay, while a frothy girl's party dress from Marchesa ($79.99) is $249.99. A Derek Lam skateboard ($99.99) is going for $299.99.
But for those dedicated shoppers who aren't looking to make a quick buck and simply crave a designer label at an affordable price, it's time to plot a winning strategy.
Know where to go
All Neiman Marcus and Target stores will open at 8 am Saturday to offer the exclusive collection. For many Neiman Marcus locations, that means opening earlier than usual. Word on the street is that if there are long lines, everyone will get a wristband and be allowed to shop in groups of 50 at a time.
We're guessing the lines at suburban Target locations may be shorter, but, officials admit they really have no idea what the size of the crowds will be.
Set your alarm
If you don't want to wait until the stores open, the full range of products will be available on the Neiman Marcus and Target websites at some point between 2 am and 4 am Saturday.
Devise a plan
Although we love the web, there's no substitute for being able to feel the fabric or try on a pair of slippers. We're betting some items will be an incredible value while others will look cheap.
With so much to choose from, it's good to look over the selection beforehand and, once in the store, immediately head for the ones that you have deemed the coolest. (Customers are limited to five of the same item per transaction; our guess is only eBay hoarders would want more than that.)
Pick your favorites
On our lust list (from looking at photos): Derek Lam leopard-patterned slippers ($49.99), Proenza Schouler abstract iPad sleeve ($39.99), Skaist-Taylor kid's faux-fur hat ($39.99), Thom Browne navy blazer with white piping ($129.99 for women and $149.99 for men) and Robert Rodriguez black lace party dress ($99.99).
You can return it
All items from the collection can be returned, but all returns must be made to the retailer where the product was purchased by January 5, 2013, and you must have a receipt. So if you bought it at Target, you can't return it to Neiman's.