About TREAT® - the sample sale boutique

What is a sample sale?

Popular in New York and Los Angeles, a sample sale historically referred to an event where designers sell off their samples, usually size 2 or 4, at deep discounts. Today, however, most sample sales are much broader and include any excess merchandise, in all size ranges and styles, but typically are staged as special events, held only once or twice a year.

Why a sample sale boutique?

In the past several years, the DC area has become more fashion-forward with the arrival of several exciting shops featuring fantastic options in women's contemporary apparel. However, being chic can often come with a hefty price tag attached! We felt that DC still lacked a place where savvy girls could find beautiful designer clothes at affordable prices, without having to search through racks of leftovers at big-box discount stores, or wait for special sales events held once a year, only to battle long lines and frenzied crowds.

Solution: Create a sample sale boutique.

It's like having a weekly sample sale, but offered in a small, boutique setting. TREAT scouts overstock inventory, end of season merchandise and discontinued items from designers and retail stores based in DC and throughout the US and hand-selects the best pieces. TREAT customers can find amazing deals on popular contemporary brands of women's clothing, shoes and accessories --  most items are discounted 50% off original retail price!

Working with TREAT®

If you are a designer, boutique owner or sales rep and are interested in working with TREAT, please contact us at info@shoptreat.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a sample sale?
  2. What is a sample sale boutique?
  3. Is TREAT a consignment shop?
  4. What sizes are available at TREAT?
  5. What designers and brands can I find at TREAT?
  6. How often does TREAT update inventory?
  7. Which methods of payment are accepted at TREAT?
  8. What is TREAT's return policy?
  9. Where is TREAT located?
  10. Is TREAT Metro-accessible?
  11. When is TREAT open?
  12. How can I contact TREAT?

  1. What is a sample sale?
    A sample sale generally refers to a special event where stores or designers sell off excess or end of season merchandise at deep discounts. For more information, click here.

  2. What is a sample sale boutique?
    We coined the term to refer to our unique shop, where customers can find discounted merchandise year-round in a boutique environment. TREAT is a permanent sample sale, the first store of its kind in the Washington DC area.

  3. Is TREAT a consignment shop?
    A consignment shop typically sells gently used or worn items. TREAT sells only new merchandise that happens to be overstock, discontinued or end of season from other boutiques.

  4. What sizes are available at TREAT?
    We generally offer sizes 0–12. Although we make every effort to offer the broadest range of sizes possible, we have a limited selection of sizes in most styles given the nature of our business.

  5. What designers and brands can I find at TREAT?
    We carry many popular contemporary lines such as Nanette Lepore, Milly, Theory, Cynthia Steffe, Bettye Muller and more. Our selection varies, but you can find a list of recent inventory here.

  6. How often does TREAT update inventory?
    We receive new items almost every week. Stop in early and often for the best selection!

  7. Which methods of payment are accepted at TREAT?
    We welcome cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

  8. What is TREAT's return policy?
    Store credit is offered for unworn items returned within fourteen (14) days of purchase, with original sales receipt and tags in tact. Items purchased during special sale events held periodically throughout the year are final sale, meaning that the discounts are so deep, we can not accept returns or exchanges.

  9. Where is TREAT located?
    114 South Royal Street, between King and Prince. For driving directions and a reference map, click here.

  10. Is TREAT Metro-accessible?
    The nearest Metro stop is King Street on the Yellow or Blue Line. Take the DASH About bus, a shuttle service that is free on weekends, to the Market Square stop at the corner of Royal and King Street, and we are just ½ block south.

  11. When is TREAT open?
    TREAT is open weekends only, Friday and Saturday from 11-7, and Sunday from 12-6.

  12. How can I contact TREAT?
    If you have additional questions, or if you are a designer or store owner and wish to discuss the possibility of working with TREAT, please contact us at 703.535.3294 or by email at info@shoptreat.com.