New online store sells designer duds at bargain prices

Not everyone can afford to pay full pop for their favourite designer styles, so a Canadian web-based company has created a site to help you look like a million bucks without blowing your budget.

Montreal-based BeyondtheRack.com launched last month and is similar to hot American websites such as Gilt Groupe and Rue La La where members-only users shop online "flash sales" for heavily discounted products.

During this economic climate, everyone is looking for a deal. At BeyondtheRack.com, you can shop for designer apparel and accessories, including Lagerfeld, Affliction, Ed Hardy and Pink Tartan, for up to 70-per-cent off. The company guarantees the authenticity of the garments.

This week's sales include a Miss Sixty top that retails for $180 on sale for $89; and $525 Giorgio Armani sunglasses for $179.

Beyond the Rack marketing director Dara Fleischer says the site is like a shopping club for men and women, where members can blog about the products and sales and even zoom in on the merchandise with the click of a mouse to get a closeup look at the fine details.

Unlike Gilt's one-day sales that start at noon, Beyond the Rack sales begin at 11 a.m. and last for two days.

"Once you are a member you receive an e-mail (about the sales) in your in-box daily," says Fleischer. "Once the sale ends, it gets wiped off the site. It's gone."

The company tested the market earlier this year through a soft launch. It has reworked its site and now boasts 250,000 members.

"The whole concept has really exploded," says Fleischer. "Everyone loves it, given the current economy. Everyone is looking for a great deal, but they don't want to sacrifice their style."

How to join: There is no fee associated with joining the site. For quick access, go to www.beyondtherack.com and enter the code "BTRaccess" into the "enter invite code" box, which instantly redirects the user to a page where they can register.

The deal: You earn a $10 shopping credit for every new member you invite who makes a purchase on the website.

The details: Shipping within Canada costs $11.95, and takes about two weeks.

An item can be returned within 14 days of delivery, and the customer will receive an account credit, less shipping charges.