by Leah Goryachkovsky 

260 Sample Sale is a national brand that sells designer products at a discounted price. They are a family-run organization founded in New York with 5 locations: 3 in New York, 1 in Miami,  and 1 in Los Angeles. In addition to in-person locations, they have an active online site with various vendors. Each location rotates brands on a weekly basis, which allows for a market for all consumer interests. Products range from Swell bottles to Oscar de la Renta evening gowns, both of which are obviously essential. 

For those who are self-diagnosed shopaholics (such as myself), this organization is the perfect way to satisfy your wants without a relatively guilty conscience. Moreover, shopping here is a great way to explore the creative process behind making a final runway piece because 260 gives access to samples straight off of the models. Columbia University students are part of the New Yorker community for at least four years of their residency here, therefore it only makes sense to get familiar with the hidden gems that the city has to offer. 

A guide for shopping 260 sample sales:

1. There are no dressing rooms, so come prepared in tight clothing that easily allows other garments to fit over. A good look would be leggings and a tank. 
2. Be prepared to hunt. Since the pandemic, most of the sales only allow for 40 minutes of shopping time to control the lines. 
3. Wait until the last day for your shopping endeavors because there’ll always be further reductions!!! 

Shop 260 at https://www.260samplesale.com/