It’s almost time for the semi-annual Lilly Pulitzer sale! In order to make the most of your experience, read these tips and check out my advice video below! Let me know if you still have any questions, and I will do my best to answer them for you!
Basics:
APS = After Party Sale: One of the two semi-annual sales the store offers. It is the only time sale merchandise is offered on their websites (regular stores have sales all year round, but may not be as good).
What is the official day of the sale?
Lilly has confirmed that the party starts August 22nd!
Is it happening in stores too?
Yes!
What time does it start?
The sale always starts at 8 am EST online, or whenever your local store opens (which may be earlier on the sale day, call ahead and check!)
Pricing:
Which is better, APS prices online, or in stores?
Some stores have better sale prices, and if the online price is different (aka less), Lilly Pulitzer corporate stores (stores that are called “Lilly Pulitzer”, not stores that carry a few Lilly items) will price match so you get the better price!
What’s are markdowns like?
Generally 30-70% off retail!
Specific Prices?
Last year dresses were around 59-89$
Elsas $69
Vests were $39-49
Scarves were $20-30
Popovers were $39-49
Palazzo Pants were $89
Purses and accessories were $12-39!
What’s Included?
Are children’s clothing included too?
Yes! Prices are generally 1/2 retail for children’s clothing!
Which prints will be included?
Anything up to and (rarely) including the present season. Think from last summer to this summer.
Which specific items are included?
While no one knows for sure, it’s a safe bet that Gift with Purchases will be included, as well as items that didn’t sell out when they were originally released.
Will ____ print be in the sale?!
No one knows for sure, but if you have a favorite Lilly store, call and ask them, they may be able to help!
Bonus:
Since Lilly axed the Warehouse sale (where they sold sought after sample pieces that may not have hit production) there is a good chance samples will be included in this sale (although no one knows for sure)!
Specifics:
How does the virtual line system work?
The computer system lines you up based upon who “shows up” (i.e. accesses the website) first! While this may seem annoying, it really helped things run more smoothly!
What if the item I want is sold out online?!
You can either a. head to your nearest Lilly store (I’d recomend calling ahead to ask them to set it aside for you, although not all stores will do this during the sales)
b. call Lilly’s customer service, they may be able to help you figure out a store that can ship it to you
Will pop up prints (like YGR) be available in the sale?
If they didn’t sell out, chances are good that they will be there!
Can I use a gift card during the APS?
Yes, I was able to use one last year! (Although I called customer service and had them process it)
If something doesn’t work for me, am I able to return it?
No, all sales are final. You can use resale pages to find trades however!
Bonus:
Lilly often has flash sales on FB & IG so be sure to check those out as well throughout the day! Last year they had $20 mystery scarves and deals on dresses, etc. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a (very) small commission. The revenue generated from this helps maintain my site and allows me to continue creating beautiful content for you. Any items marked “c/o” means they were given to me to review, style and share with you. Know that I never link to items I don’t absolutely love and highly recommend to you – thank you!
6pm.com, zappos.com and amazon.com sometimes have different deals, and they are often times better! or, they mark down current season items
How to Make the Sale Work for You!
- Set up your LP account before hand! You can store your card info, address, etc. to save time when checking out at the sale!
- Set priorities and hit each of those categories first! (Ex: popovers, shorts, dresses, accessories then tees and tanks last)
- Once you check out, you’re put at the “end of the line”
- Do NOT refresh your page once you’re in line, you’ll lose your spot!
- Use multiple browser windows and both the app and website to get in a few times
- You can use the search function to narrow the selection to your size, so it only shows you things that in stock in the size you’re looking for! (See below!)
Tips:
- The site has a penchant for crashing, so just be patient! It hasn’t happened (to me at least) the past two sales, but as the brand’s popularity grows, more and more people try to access all at once and some things can’t be helped)
- Just because you add something to your cart doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to be yours.
- Just because you buy it doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, every year some people are disappointed because their orders are canceled, but that’s not unheard of.
- You may never receive a shipping notification or tracking, your package will likely just show 1-8 business days after purchase.
- If you have specific questions about your local Lilly store, or a store near you that carries Lilly, call and ask them before the sale! They want your money and will help you out!
- Shipping is usually quite quick, I live in Michigan and have almost always gotten my packages 2 days after the sale (shipped from KOP, Pennsylvania) BUT keep in mind that Lilly gets more orders during this time than any other, so shipping times may be extended!
- If you live near a Lilly store, try on different items to get an idea of the size you wear, especially if you’re going to try a style you don’t typically wear. While Lilly’s sizing does vary pretty widely, it has gotten more consistent lately, so what fits in stores should be applicable to the sale which will include the past couple of seasons.
- Be kind to the store owners and Lilly’s customer service! They aren’t out to get you and they have no control over stock. It may disappointing to miss out on something you’ve been wanting, but these are real human beings with real feelings who deserve respect, not a stranger’s rage.
- Lilly does not ship internationally (yet)
- Winter is the best time to check TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods, because things that don’t sell out in the sale typically wind up there! You can see my video below on how to find Lilly at these stores!
Remember, above all else, have fun!
Let me know what you thought of these tips, and if you still have questions, ask them below and I will answer! Good luck fellow Lilly Ladies! <3
Sarah D. says
I wish I had seen this post before the sale. I missed out on a lot of items that sold out.
anniewearsit says
There is another sale that happens in January, and many of the same tips apply to that as well!
Jessica Malinowski says
It’s great that you share so many tips and tricks!