Sample sales come with myths: chaotic warehouses, one-off tiny sizes, racks of outdated rejects. Kelly Rickard, founder of Arcadia Sample Sale, is proving otherwise. Her Valley shopping experiences deliver current designer collections- often still full-price online- in luxe settings like a $15M Paradise Valley estate. Cocktails, raffles, music, and racks curated with sizes XS–XL make the experience feel more fashion event than bargain hunt.
What exactly is a sample sale?
“A pop-up event to score designer clothing at a fraction of retail. Ours include overstock, canceled orders, and sometimes true showroom samples. But everything is new, never preloved.”
What’s the biggest misconception?
“That the clothes are outdated or damaged. At Arcadia Sample Sale, you’ll find pieces still live online full-price. And no... it’s not all size zero. We stock multiples across sizes.”
So no digging through bins?
“When people picture sample sales, they imagine chaos. Our racks are curated. Our venues are upscale. Think cocktails in an exclusive setting... not women wrestling over a dress in a warehouse.”
How did Arcadia Sample Sale begin?
“I emailed Mara Hoffman when she left fashion. Minutes later, she replied from NYC. Three weeks later, I had wired funds for 5,000 pieces of her final collections. I couldn’t sleep trying to figure out how to move that much inventory, so I launched a sale. From wire transfer to first event was 3.5 weeks.”
How has it grown since?
“Our turnout keeps doubling. IG and our email base have quadrupled. Now designers are reaching out to us. We’ve hosted Agua Bendita, Celia B, Baobab, retrofête, Adriana Degreas, Omika, and even brand-new accessories from The Row, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, and Chloé.”
What kind of deals are we talking?
“Seventy to ninety percent off retail. Customers will Google a piece on our racks and see it’s still full price on Shopbop. Many walk out with a $700 dress for under $100.”
What’s the shopper experience like?
“We host sales every 4-6 weeks from September through May. Expect lines at opening, but we restock all day. We offer fitting rooms, but wear workout clothes so you can try on faster. The best part? So many pieces are under $100... it’s hard to leave empty-handed.”
Why do you think the Valley was ready for this?
“Phoenix didn’t have a true sample sale culture like L.A. or Dallas. But so many people have moved here from those cities and craved it. Once they experienced our events, the word spread fast. Now it’s become a must-attend for the Valley’s fashion crowd.”
What’s next for Arcadia Sample Sale?
“Every event is fresh because inventory changes week to week. We’ll keep curating, keep elevating. The goal is simple: bring the Valley world-class designers in an experience that feels stylish, not stressful.”
IG @arcadiasamplesale for upcoming dates.
“70%-90% off retail. Customers will Google a piece on our racks and see it’s still full price online. Many leave with a $700 dress for $100.”