When it comes to sprucing up your accessories this summer, you can’t go wrong with Michael Kors. The all-American designer is a trusted name in sleek sophistication, and right now you can score some major savings on his signature purses, watches, shoes and more. With a handful of fan-favorites currently slashed to under $100, now’s the time to stock up on some new pieces.
The once-hot fashion brand sank to its lowest sales levels in eight quarters last year and lost ground to Coach (COH), which has been taking advantage of consumers’ shifting appetite for less ostentatious designer bags. Increasingly, shoppers are opting for next-level aspirational brands like Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu, which are more subtle in their declarations of wealth than Vuitton monograms or opulent Gucci designs.
Kors, which had been expanding into clothing, recently announced plans to scale back its retail footprint in order to focus on higher-margin products like shoes and handbags. It also launched its first men’s line, aiming to capture a younger, more fashionable clientele. Nevertheless, sales of its high-profile Mercer and Hamilton handbags continue to slump, and Kors’ comparable North American store sales fell 8.5% in the third quarter — worse than expected.
CEO John Idol blamed the slump on declining demand for smaller handbags, which were a hot trend earlier this year but haven’t panned out. He said that Kors is improving the quality of its products to sell more at full price and reduce reliance on discounts.
While it’s still not clear whether the handbag craze is over, one thing is for sure: It has become a prime target for counterfeiters. Some sellers use surface dying to create a pattern in the leather, while others stitch the “MK” logo onto the bag in a different color. To avoid getting ripped off, check out this cheat sheet that includes tips on how to spot fakes from the real deal.
If you’re looking to save even more, make sure to sign up for KORSVIP and score free shipping and returns on every purchase. You’ll also get private styling appointments, birthday rewards and early access to special promotions. And if you’re on the hunt for more bargains, here are some other Michael Kors sales to shop while supplies last. michael kors handbag sales