Sydney was in “absolute chaos” after a designer Australian brand hosted a warehouse sale that sent bargain hunters “crazy”.
Aje, a popular fashion label known for its statement dresses, announced a massive stock clearance sale at The Venue in Alexandria earlier this week – and it’s fair to say, the news sent Sydneysiders completely feral.
Adverts for the four day event ran extensively over social media, with the brand granting influencers special early access to the warehouse to share videos of their “bargain” hauls and promote Aje’s “biggest warehouse sale yet”.
However the chance at snagging the brand’s expensive pieces – which often sell for over $500 – at dramatically slashed prices appears to have attracted more shoppers than Aje anticipated.
As a result, “mayhem” ensued, and social media quickly flooded with videos warning others of the “madness”.
One user who had seen the “amazing” videos from the sale on TikTok said she decided to head to the opening day on Thursday with a friend and was stunned by the scenes when she arrived.
“We get there and it is absolute chaos,” Tahlia Eve said.
“There’s cars beeping at each other, there’s people screaming at each other, fighting for a car park. People are parking others in. It’s just a whole ordeal.”
Tahlia wasn’t the only person reporting wild scenes at the sale. Imagery filmed outside of the venue shows a massive line of women snaking the Alexandria warehouse, with many claiming they waited 5 hours to get inside.
Once inside, videos show the giant space filled with people, many describing it as “chaotic”.
As a result of the mammoth response to the sale, Aje took to Instagram to explain it was closing its doors early on Thursday night due to “high demand”.
A statement issued on Friday morning ahead of its second day warned bargain lovers to “prepare for long lines and wait times”, and suggested anyone wanting to pick up a deal “bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes”.
However, many disappointed shoppers shared their frustrations at waiting in line only to be denied entry.
“The lines were crazy and they didn’t even let us in because they closed early, so mad,” one ranted.
“I got inside, but all the influencers took the good stuff,” another claimed.
As one stated: “I went at about 11am, there was a 2-3 hour line and I had a pram, so I left.”
“It was the worst experience ever!” one declared.
Many however were thrilled with their discounted purchases, showing off their hauls online.
“6 hours, $819 later but saved over 7K,” one shared.
“So worth it but would never do again, let alone wait 6 hours, was actual torture,” another wrote.