Fashion News: Ten Stores We Wish Had Online Shopping

A recent post at Consumerist announced the arrival of online shopping for two popular fashion retailers, H&M and Zara.  The problem is that the new functionality is for Europeans only, leaving U.S. fashionistas to continue schlepping to the mall in order to get their Euro-style fix.  According to BNET, the reason for the fast fashion retailers slowness in offering a way for customers to shop online is due to supply chain issues.  Both retailers have committed to ambitious sustainability plans, which must be carefully taken into account when expanding to the online arena.

H&M and Zara are only two of a number retailers who have yet to offer online shopping.  Here are ten other fashion retailers we wish would add the ability to shop online:

1. Loehmann's - The off-price designer store is a favorite of frugal fashionistas who prowl Loehmann's "Back Room" hoping to find cut-rate couture.  Although an online shopping cart would eliminate some of the thrill of the hunt, it would also eliminate the need to drive out to multiple locations hoping to score that discounted pair of designer jeans in your elusive size.


2. Ross Dress for Less - In addition to designer and non-designer apparel, Ross offers items for bed, bath and housewares.  Their inventory is similar to Overstock.com and if Overstock can handle e-commerce, why can't Ross?


3. Marshall's / TJ Maxx - Marshall's and TJ Maxx are part of the TJX Corporation along with HomeGoods and AJ Wright.  None of their websites currently offer online shopping--although TJ Maxx and HomeGoods used to have an e-commerce section on their sites, which were shut down in 2005.


4. Filene's Basement - Digging through the overflow of Filene's Department Store is a bit like searching for treasure in one's basement.  The first Filene's Basement was actually the lower level of the venerable Boston retailer but, while the original Filene's has now been merged into Macy's, the off-price popularity of the Basement continues--just not online.


5. Off Fifth - For those who can't afford the pricey chic offerings of Saks, the discounted excess merchandise that ends up in Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth is a wallet-friendly alternative.  Although there are 55 locations across the country, there's not even a stand-alone website--much less a way to shop the designer deals online.


6. Nordstrom Rack - Like Off Saks Fifth, the Nordstrom Rack website is merely a page on the regular Nordstrom site. With 76 stores in only 21 states, there are many discount designer aficionados who have no access to dealicious goodness offered by The Rack--especially since they offer no online shopping.


7. Claire's - Although Claire's is a staple in just about any mall in America, there's no way to score the trendy costume jewelry online. 


8. Benetton - Ironically, even though Benetton has been known as a trend-setter in its marketing and advertising campaigns, that innovation hasn't translated to e-commerce.  If you want the iconic colorful knitwear, you'll need to go to one of their 6,000 stores worldwide.


9. Burlington Coat Factory - Oddly enough, Burlington Coat Factory DOES offer online shopping--but only for a limited selection of their inventory.  E-commerce is available for coats, baby gear and maternity items but is NOT available for: ladies' dresses and suits, ladies' career and casual collections and separates, lingerie and accessories, men's clothing and furnishings, men's sportswear and activewear, children's clothing, shoes or linens and home décor items.


10. Club Monaco - You can view Club Monaco's fashion forward minimalist style offerings online, but you can't buy them.  The technologically-advanced website includes flashy bells and whistles, but no shopping cart.
    

Do you prefer in-store shopping or online shopping? Which retailers do you prefer to shop online vs. in store?