Gilt Groupe Finds Consumers Hungry for Bargains

Lunchtime wouldn't be nearly so fabulous for budget-conscious fashionistas if it weren't for Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. The duo joined forces in 2007 to launch Gilt Groupe and bring designer sample sales — famous in New York for inducing tug-of-war frenzies — to an online audience. A few minutes before noon Eastern time each day, the Manhattan company sends an email alert to its nearly three million members, announcing the day's online private sales in women's and men's luxury brands at up to 70 percent off retail prices.