New York, New York
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
For Immediate Release
Coming soon will be the latest venture into the new phenomenon: Member only shopping websites. This website code name "Max" will be more difficult to access than an American Express Black card.
VIP members must be invited by the website, carry at least one American Express Platinum card, spend at least $50,000 a year on handbags, shoes and jewelry and most importantly, not refer any friends in fear of losing their membership privileges.
And what are those privileges going to be? According to an inside source at the Max website, members will be able to buy brands such as Prada, Gucci and Chanel at 60% discounts in two day increments. And unlike common invite-only websites, each brand will be fully represented.
Apparently there will be a beauty category. Salon brands will sell at 65% off, nail polish brands such as Essie will sell at 69% off and appliances such as Hot Tools will sell at 75% off.
Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon.com is rumored to behind the new site. Other experts have Bezos figuring out how to demystifying the invite-only websites by putting standard discounts of 50-75% on his website 24/7. Still others think Bezos who is fighting Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Apple and virtually every other retailer may just offer everything at 90% off to make a statement.
Max's strategy is not to sell any Amazon brands. Their brands will be strictly chosen by the best designers based in Manhattan and the Hampton's. Bezos based in Seattle will see Max has his ultimate battle.
In the end, consumers will win as retailers slash their prices yet again to compete. One thing is for certain, member-only clubs will only keep on growing.
Happy Tuesday!