Initially, a sample sale was for 'insiders' only. It started as a designer thanking his friends and the editors who'd helped and supported him by selling designer clothing to them at extremely low prices. Now everyone is getting in on the act.
All of the worst stereotypes about women and shopping come true at sample sales. But if you have a chance of getting a fabulous pair of shoes for 10 per cent of the retail price, it might be worth throwing an elbow for.