Why is Aritzia so expensive? Aritzia is a Canadian women’s fashion retailer, based in Vancouver, Canada but with stores across the country. The company has a reputation for being expensive; in 2016, it was named the most expensive clothing store in Canada by Bloomberg.
Aritzia History
Before getting into all the reasons why Aritzia is expensive, let’s go over the company’s history. Aritzia was founded in 1984 by Brian Hill. At the time, Hill was working as a buyer at The Gap, and he decided to start his own company after seeing a lack of high-quality womenswear options in Canada.
The first Aritzia store opened in Vancouver, and since then, the company has steadily grown. It now has over 50 stores across Canada, including locations in Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
Aritzia’s prices have always been higher than those of other Canadian retailers. However, the company has seen its profits soar in recent years; in 2016, it reported sales of $412 million CAD, up from $371 million CAD in 2015.
Jennifer Wong is the COO of the company, and she has been quoted as saying that “Aritzia is not a discount retailer… We are in the business of aspirational luxury.”
Aritizia also had some celebrity hype because Meghan Markle wore one of their coats to one of her first royal engagements.
Their “Super Puff” puffer jacket has been favorited by many other celebrities as well.
So Why is Aritzia So Expensive?
So, now that we know a bit about Aritzia, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why its prices are so high. Here’s a quick takeaway why Aritzia is expensive:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Brand History | Founded in 1984, known for high-quality womenswear, over 50 stores in Canada. |
| High Overhead Costs | Expensive rents and marketing expenses contribute to high prices. |
| Exclusive Products | Stocks only its own clothing lines, limiting cheaper alternatives. |
| High Employee Wages | Pays above-average wages, adding to costs. |
| Limited Selection | Focus on own clothing lines allows for premium pricing. |
| Premium Fabrics | Uses high-quality materials like wool, cashmere, and silk. |
| Expert Tailoring | Attention to detail and well-fitting clothes justify higher prices. |
| High Demand | Strong brand loyalty allows for premium pricing. |
| Quality and Durability | Clothes are made to last, adding value to the price. |
| Individual Styles | Unique and high-quality products set Aritzia apart. |
| Luxury Feel/Image | Projects a luxurious image, aligning prices with perceived quality. |
| Brand Recognition | Well-respected brand, allowing for higher pricing. |
| Considered a Luxury Brand? | Known for high prices and quality, targeting a wealthier demographic. |
1. High Overhead Costs
One of the main reasons for Aritzia’s high prices is that the company has very high overhead costs. Retailers need to cover a lot of expenses, including rent, employee wages, and marketing costs.
Aritzia’s flagship store in Vancouver is reportedly the most expensive in Canada, with rents costing as much as $400 per square foot. In comparison, the average rent for a store in Toronto is around $200 per square foot.
Aritzia also has a very costly marketing strategy; the company spends millions of dollars on advertising each year.
2. Exclusive Products
Another reason for Aritzia’s high prices is that the company only sells exclusive products. Unlike other retailers, which often carry multiple brands, Aritzia only stocks its own clothing lines.
This means that customers can’t find cheaper alternatives at other stores. If they want to buy something from Aritzia, they have to pay the full price.
3. High Employee Wages
Aritzia also has very high employee wages. The average wage for a retail worker in Canada is around $13 an hour, but Aritzia pays its employees an average of $20 an hour.
This is likely because the company can afford to do so; it reported profits of over $100 million CAD in 2016.
4. Limited Selection
Finally, one of the reasons for Aritzia’s high prices is that it has a limited selection of products. The company only stocks its own clothing lines, which means that customers can’t find cheaper alternatives at other stores.
If they want to buy something from Aritzia, they have to pay the full price.
5. Premium Fabrics
Aritzia is also known for using high-quality fabrics in its products. The company’s clothing is made from materials like wool, cashmere, and silk, which are more expensive than the materials used by other retailers.
If you’re looking to save money, Aritzia may not be the best place to shop. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for high-quality clothes, then the retailer may be worth checking out.
6. Expert Tailoring
Aritzia is also known for its expert tailoring. The company’s clothes are always well-made and fit well.
This attention to detail costs money, and it’s one of the reasons why Aritzia’s prices are so high.
7. Demand is High
Finally, the high prices at Aritzia are also due to the fact that there is high demand for the retailer’s products.
The company has a loyal following of customers who are willing to pay more for its clothes than they would at other stores.
8. Quality and Durability
Aritzia’s clothes are also known for their quality and durability. The company’s products are made to last, and customers often report that they can wear them for years without any signs of wear and tear.
This is another reason why Aritzia’s prices are high; the cost of quality materials and expert tailoring is reflected in the price tags.
9. Individual Styles
I think what sets Aritzia apart is the fact that their pieces are a bit more individual. You’re not going to find something at Aritzia that you can find at every other retailer.
Their stuff is also of really good quality, so it does last. I definitely think their prices reflect the quality and exclusivity of their products.
10. Luxury Feel/Image
Aritzia projects this really luxurious image and feeling and as a result, their prices match. You’re paying for the brand name, the perceived quality, and often the materials used (which are generally higher end).
11. Brand Recognition
Aritzia is a well-recognized and well-respected brand. This also comes with a price tag, as buyers are often willing to pay more for something that’s from a recognizable and reputable company.
So, there you have it! Eight reasons why Aritzia’s prices are so high. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative, then you may want to check out some of the other Canadian retailers listed above.
However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for high-quality clothes that fit well and last long, then Aritzia may be worth checking out.
Is Aritzia Considered a Luxury Brand?
Aritzia is a Canadian retailer that specializes in high-end womenswear. The company’s prices are notoriously high, and it has been criticized for catering to the wealthy elite. So, is Aritzia considered a luxury brand?
There’s no easy answer to this question. On one hand, Aritzia does charge a lot of money for its products, and its clothes are often seen as a status symbol.
On the other hand, the company doesn’t have the same level of prestige as some of the world’s most famous luxury fashion houses.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual customer to decide whether or not they consider Aritzia a luxury brand.
There are certainly some people who would never dream of spending their money on the retailer’s clothes, while others see it as a worthwhile investment.
Read Also: 24 Luxury Purse Brands
Is Aritzia Worth Buying?
That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for affordable clothes, then Aritzia is not the place to shop.
However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for high-quality clothes that fit well and last long, then the retailer may be worth checking out.
Aritzia is known for its expert tailoring and high-quality materials, and its clothes are always well-made and fit well. The company’s prices are often justified by the quality of its products.
Before buying anything from Aritzia, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a clothing purchase. Are you willing to pay more for clothes that are made well and fit well? Do you want something that’s exclusive and unique?
If the answer is yes, then Aritzia may be the right place for you. However, if you’re on a tight budget, then you may want to look elsewhere.
How to Save Money with Aritzia?
There are a few ways to save money with Aritzia:
1. Look for Sales and Discounts
Aritzia often has sales and discounts, so it’s worth checking their website regularly to see if there’s anything you like.
2. Sign Up for the Company’s Email List
By signing up for Aritzia’s email list, you’ll be notified of all the latest sales and promotions. This is a great way to save money on high-end clothes.
3. Shop at Outlet Stores
Aritzia has several outlet stores across Canada and USA, where you can find discounted clothing items.
4. Compare Prices Online
It’s always a good idea to compare prices online before making a purchase. This can help you find the best deals on Aritzia clothes.
5. Get a Membership Card
Aritzia offers a loyalty program, which gives members access to exclusive discounts and rewards. This is a great way to save money on the retailer’s products.
6. Use an After Pay Method
Aritzia offers After Pay, which allows customers to pay for their purchases in installments. This is a great way to spread out the cost of high-end clothes.
7. Shop at the Aritzia Warehouse Sale
The Aritzia Warehouse Sale is an annual event where you can find discounts on the retailer’s products.
8. Shop Secondhand
There are several websites where you can buy secondhand Aritzia clothes online. This is a great way to save money on high-end fashion items.
Aritzia Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to Aritzia, here are a few suggestions:
- Rosegal
- Reformation
- The Frankie shop
- Uniqlo
- The Gap
- Zaful
- Frank and oak
- H&M
- Zara
- Go, Jane
- Chic me
- Romwe
- Dresslily
- Everlane
Conclusion on Why is Aritzia so Expensive?
So why is Aritzia so expensive? There are a few reasons. Firstly, the company has a very high markup on its clothes – an average of 400%. That means that for every $100 worth of clothes sold, the company makes $400 in profit.
Secondly, Aritzia only sells its own brand of clothes. This allows the company to keep costs down and prices high; it doesn’t have to pay someone else to manufacture and sell its clothes.
Finally, Aritzia is a luxury brand. It targets women who are willing to pay more for higher-quality clothes.
The company has built a reputation for being stylish and exclusive, and its prices reflect that.
So is Aritzia worth the price? That’s up to you to decide. But there’s no doubt that the retailer offers some of the most expensive clothes in Canada.
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