Remember the good old days when you had to actually brave the hoards of snappy shoppers in pursuit of your wardrobe? Well, it looks like those days are numbered. According to a recent article in Women's Wear Daily, internet fashion sales are skyrocketing. From well known chains like Urban Outfitters now boasting websites with a plethora of fashions, and items exclusive to their web store-- to internet start-ups like ShopBop.com with their arsenal of popular young designers-- to the new invitation-only website Gilt Groupe, that brings the designer sample sales to you, the internet has become the next frontier for fashion finds. According to WWD, online sales of apparel, accessories and footwear are projected to total $22.1 billion, this year, up $3.8 billion from 2006. For some designers, internet sales have even surpassed revenues from freestanding stores! Small designers also find that creating an internet store is the perfect cost-effective way to build their brand and reach a broader market.
Though it's difficult to compete with the ease that internet shopping brings, some websites become successful because they offer features that freestanding stores cannot. At American Apparel online, users are invited to comment and rate articles of clothing, encouraging a sense of community among faithful buyers of the brand. Though far from an online boutique, LupRocks.com is ahead of internet trends, with our showcase of a variety of large and small designers alike. Not only that, LupRocks assists in building a community among media members and accessories designers by encouraging designers to post upcoming events, allowing media members to place a direct call out for specific products in our "Desperately Seeking" section, and even offering exciting promotions, like our Product of the Month, in which every month a piece of fine jewelry, handbag, or accessory is given to a lucky LupRocks visitor who submits their email to the site. With so many cool features, LupRocks is definitely an up-and-coming site to keep an eye on.
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