How To Navigate Tomorrow's Sample Sales In Downtown L.A.

What Exactly Is A Sample Sale?

During a clothing designer's creative process, samples of what they'd like to have in their catalog are created so that potential buyers can see exactly what they're getting.  At the end of the process, after orders have been placed and the clothing begins mass production, the designer showrooms usually, but not always, hold a sample sale where they sell these prototype clothes for cheap.  Most won't have official designer labels on them and there will only be one or two copies in usually one size but it's a small price to pay (pun intended) to get next season's clothes before they're even on the retailer's shelves!  Since the designer showrooms aren't retail locations, there aren't any concrete prices (read: bargaining is allowed) and sales are cash only, so make sure you visit the ATM before you get there. [Photo via]