In the world of online shopping, the thrill of finding a coveted designer piece at a fraction of the retail price is unmatched. Two of the most prominent names in this luxury-for-less space are Gilt and Rue La La. Both are members-only websites famous for their flash sales, offering a curated selection of high-end fashion, home goods, and more. But with such similar models, many shoppers are left wondering about the key differences.
This comprehensive guide will break down the matchup of Rue La La vs. Gilt. We’ll explore their shared history, unique features, product offerings, and customer policies to help you decide where to click for your next great find. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or new to the world of designer flash sales, we’ll give you all the information you need.
Table of Contents
- Are Gilt and Rue La La the Same Company?
- The Shopping Experience: How Do They Work?
- Product Sourcing & Authenticity: Are the Items Real?
- Shipping Policies Compared
- Return Policies: What You Need to Know
- Customer Reputation: Gilt Reviews vs. Rue La La Reviews
- The Verdict: Gilt or Rue La La?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gilt and Rue La La the Same Company?
This is the most common question shoppers have, and the answer is both yes and no. To clarify, let’s address the key questions: are gilt and rue la la the same, are rue la la and gilt the same company, and is rue la la and gilt the same? While they operate as two distinct websites and brands, they are indeed sister companies.
Both Gilt and Rue La La are part of Rue Gilt Groupe, a premier off-price e-commerce portfolio. This answers the question of who owns gilt and rue la la. Being under the same parent company explains the similarities in their business models, such as the flash sales and members-only access. So, if you’ve ever wondered are gilt and rue la la owned by the same company, the answer is a definitive yes.
However, it’s important to understand that they are not the exact same store. Each site has its own buying team, curates its own sales events, and maintains a distinct brand identity. Think of them as siblings with similar DNA but different personalities. This is what is the difference between gilt and rue la la at its core—they are separate storefronts managed by the same overarching organization, what is rue gilt groupe.
The Shopping Experience: How Do They Work?
Both platforms operate on a time-sensitive, “flash sale” model designed to create excitement and urgency. Here’s a look at how the gilt online shopping and rue la la online shopping experiences work.
How does gilt website work?
The gilt website is built around daily sales events that launch at a specific time and last for a limited period. These events feature collections from top designer labels with discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. Gilt provides “insider-level access” to these coveted names. To purchase anything, you must first create a free membership account. Gilt offers finds for women, men, kids, and home, as well as luxury travel and unique experiences through Gilt City.
How does rue la la work?
The ruelala model is nearly identical. After signing up for a free membership, you gain access to their “Boutiques,” which are daily flash sales featuring various designer brands across fashion, accessories, home decor, and more. Like Gilt, these sales are time-limited, encouraging shoppers to act fast before the deals disappear.
The core of their business model addresses the question of why is gilt so cheap and why is rue la la so cheap. By purchasing off-price inventory—which can include past-season items, overstock, or merchandise sourced through special agreements—they can pass significant savings on to the consumer.
Product Sourcing & Authenticity: Are the Items Real?
When prices are this low, it’s natural to question authenticity. So, is gilt a good website, and is rue la la a good website when it comes to genuine products?
Gilt states that it stands by the authenticity of every product sold on its site. While they work directly with many brands, they also source merchandise from trusted independent suppliers. This means the products are authentic but were not purchased directly from the brand owner. This sourcing method sometimes includes pre-owned items, which is important for shoppers to know. Answering the question does gilt sell used items?, the site clearly states that product sourced from independent suppliers can include pre-owned items. Similarly, while the majority of inventory is new, you may encounter is gilt used clothes on the platform. The primary focus for Gilt is on providing authentic, new off-price merchandise. So, does gilt sell new items? Yes, absolutely.
Given that Rue La La operates under the same parent company and a similar off-price model, it’s reasonable to assume their sourcing practices are similar, addressing whether does rue la la sell used items or does rue la la sell new items. Shoppers can generally expect authentic goods, but it’s always wise to read product descriptions carefully. This business model is what makes both platforms reputable destinations for savvy shoppers. When considering is gilt reputable or is rue la la reliable, their longstanding presence in the market and their parent company’s backing provide a strong foundation of trust. For those wondering is rue la la trustworthy, their model is built on providing access to authentic goods that might otherwise be out of reach.
Shipping Policies Compared
Shipping costs can make or break a deal, so understanding each site’s policy is crucial in the gilt vs rue la la debate.
Gilt’s Shipping Policy:
- Standard Shipping: Gilt typically charges a flat rate for standard shipping on an order.
- Gilt Unlimited: A popular feature is Gilt Unlimited. Once you place an order and pay the standard shipping fee (currently $11.99), you receive free standard shipping on every subsequent eligible order for the next 30 days.
- Gilt Unlimited Annual: For frequent shoppers, Gilt offers an annual subscription for $55 that provides unlimited free standard shipping for a full year.
Rue La La’s Shipping Policy:
- Rue La La offers a very similar program. After your first purchase, you can pay a one-time fee to unlock free standard shipping for the next 30 days, a program they call “The Rue 30.” They also offer an annual option called “The Rue 365.”
Because their shipping programs are almost identical, this factor may not be the deciding one in the ruelala vs gilt comparison.
Return Policies: What You Need to Know
Return policies are a significant factor for many online shoppers. Here’s how gilt and Rue La La handle returns.
Gilt’s Return Policy:
- Timeframe: Returnable items can be sent back within 21 days of the shipment date.
- Refund Options: Gilt offers two choices for refunds. You can receive a full refund in the form of Gilt merchandise credit and get free return shipping. Alternatively, you can request a refund to your original form of payment, which incurs a return shipping fee (currently $11.99).
- Final Sale: Many items, especially those with the deepest discounts, are marked as “Final Sale” and are not eligible for returns. This is always noted on the product page.
Rue La La’s return policy is very similar, typically offering a 30-day window and the same options for a refund to credit (with free return shipping) or a refund to the original payment method (minus a shipping fee). The “Final Sale” policy is also a standard practice on Rue La La.
Customer Reputation: Gilt Reviews vs. Rue La La Reviews
When trying to decide which is better gilt or rue la la, many shoppers turn to customer feedback. Looking at gilt reviews and rue la la reviews across the internet reveals a mixed but generally positive picture for both.
Common themes in gilt customer reviews and rue la la customer reviews include:
- Positives: Shoppers love the thrill of the hunt, the high-quality brands available, and the significant savings. Many gilt com reviews praise the wide selection of gilt clothing and home goods.
- Negatives: Some negative ruelala reviews and gilt reviews 2025 mention issues with shipping times, customer service responsiveness, and the occasional receipt of an item with minor defects. Discussions on rue la la reviews reddit and rue la la reviews trustpilot sometimes focus on the strict “Final Sale” policy.
Ultimately, gilt groupe reviews reflect the nature of the off-price retail business. While the deals are incredible, the inventory is not the same as a traditional full-price retailer, which can sometimes lead to discrepancies in customer expectations. The same can be said for ruelala com reviews.
The Verdict: Gilt or Rue La La?
So, in the head-to-head of gilt or rue la la, which one comes out on top? The truth is, there’s no single winner. Because gilt and rue la la are so similar, the best choice often comes down to personal preference and timing.
- Choose Gilt if: You are looking for a slightly more curated, luxury-focused experience. Gilt also features Gilt City, which offers exclusive deals on local experiences and travel.
- Choose Rue La La if: You enjoy a slightly broader range of brands and a very active daily sale calendar.
Our best advice for shoppers trying to decide between rue la la or gilt is to join both. Since membership is free, being part of both communities allows you to cast the widest net for deals. One week, the perfect handbag might be on Gilt; the next, it could be on Rue La La. They are both excellent sites like gilt and sites like rue la la, and exploring both is the smartest way to shop. If you’re looking for websites like gilt and rue la la, you’re already looking at the top two players in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gilt and Rue La La the same company?
Yes, they are sister companies owned by the same parent organization, Rue Gilt Groupe. However, they operate as separate websites with their own unique sales and brand identities. So, to answer is gilt and rue la la the same company, they are related but not identical.
What is the difference between Gilt and Rue La La?
The main difference lies in their branding and the specific curation of their daily sales. While their business models are almost identical, their buying teams are separate, so you will find different “boutiques” and sales events on each site at any given time.
Who owns Gilt and Rue La La?
Both Gilt and Rue La La are owned by Rue Gilt Groupe, a leading off-price e-commerce portfolio company. This also answers who owns gilt and who owns rue la la.
Why is Gilt so cheap?
Gilt can offer such low prices because it operates on an off-price model. They purchase inventory that may be from a past season, overstock from brands, or merchandise from retailers looking to clear space. They pass these savings on to their members through limited-time flash sales.
Does Gilt sell used items?
According to Gilt’s help center, merchandise sourced from their “trusted independent suppliers” can include pre-owned products. While the majority of items are new, it is possible to find pre-owned pieces on the site.
Is Gilt reputable?
Yes, Gilt is a well-established and reputable online retailer that has been operating for many years. They are part of a larger e-commerce group and state that they stand by the authenticity of all products sold.
What is Gilt website?
The Gilt website is a members-only online shopping destination that provides access to gilt designer sales events. These “flash sales” offer clothing, accessories, home goods, and more from luxury brands at heavily discounted prices for a limited time.
What is ruelala website?
The Rue La La website functions just like Gilt. It is a members-only platform offering daily flash sales, which they call “Boutiques,” featuring a wide array of designer products at a significant discount.
