ASOS vs The Iconic: Where should you spend your hard-earned $$$?

We compare ASOS and THE ICONIC, two of the biggest online fashion retailers, against each other to find out where you should shop.

ASOS was one of the first and biggest online stores in the high street space. It was lauded as a new standard in shopping offering great prices and a convenient online experience to customers around the world. In 2013, it was reported that almost four jumbo jets of ASOS clothing were making their way to Australia each week. ASOS could do no wrong.

Then, along came THE ICONIC - a new player in the world of online. Launched in 2011, THE ICONIC made a splash into the Australian market offering customers the ability to shop thousands of much-loved brands in the one place.

There are a whole bunch of other big shopping sites available to consumers like Boohoo, for a start) but for Australian customers, two of the best are undoubtedly ASOS and THE ICONIC.

So, which online fashion site should you be spending your hard earned dollar at?

Get the facts about ASOS

  • Launched: June 2000
  • What is it? A UK based online fashion retailer stocking hundreds brands of clothing, footwear and beauty.
  • Who owns it? UK multi-millionaire Nick Robertson
  • How much does it make? Sales for the financial year ending August 31, 2013 were £753.8 million.

Get the facts about The Iconic

  • Launched: November 2011
  • What is it? A Sydney based online fashion retailer stocking dozens of Australian and international designers.
  • Who owns it? German group Rocket Internet
  • How much does it make? Accounts for August 2011 to December 2012 show a revenue of $30.6 million but a loss of $44.7 million.

Is it cheaper to buy clothes from ASOS or THE ICONIC?

Both ASOS and THE ICONIC stock a range of brands, some which are affordable and some which are a little more luxurious.

As THE ICONIC and ASOS are required to adhere to zonal pricing by certain brands. Zonal pricing or geographical pricing often sees the prices of items increase as shipping distances increase or alternatively zonal pricing can see costs decrease to fall in line the prices expected by a certain international market.

This is why occasionally you will see a price difference on the same items. For example, the Finders Keepers dress below has a price of originally $189.95 (now on sale for $132.97) at THE ICONIC and $177.00 at ASOS.

If you want to be sure you are getting the best price, it is worth checking both sites before committing to your purchase. It is also worth looking to see if either ASOS or THE ICONIC are running any sales to increase your chances of getting the best price.

finders keepers begin again dress

finders keepers pencil dress


Which store has the biggest range of items, ASOS or THE ICONIC?

Both online retailers stock mens and women fashion. Both stock clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, plus size items, swimwear and gifts with thousands of items from hundred of brands. So where do they differ?

THE ICONIC has a dedicated sport section where you can pick up quality exercise gear including bras, shoes, and accessories. While ASOS also stocks brands such as Adidas or Nike, you have to hunt a little harder for the workout clothes.

As an Australian site, THE ICONIC has a more extensive selection of Australian brands and high-end Australian designers, comparatively ASOS offers more international brands.

ASOS leads the way when it comes to beauty. THE ICONIC does not have a skincare or beauty products section, whereas ASOS stocks a very extensive range of makeup, skincare, haircare and body products.

Another tick for ASOS is the ASOS Marketplace, which offers individual the ability to buy and sell pre-loved and vintage items. There is no section on THE ICONIC to purchase vintage items.

In essence, both stores have an impressive range of products but each store has it's own specialties.


Which one has the fastest delivery time?

For most Australians THE ICONIC will have faster shipping times. THE ICONIC offers free overnight shipping (for orders over $75) to those in Sydney and Melbourne metro areas. A three to five hour shipping service is also available for $15.95.

Orders from ASOS are delivered within five business days for metro areas and seven business days for regional areas. ASOS offers free standard shipping if you spend over $120. Express shipping is also available for $30, but ASOS Premier members can avail of it for free.

For orders under the free shipping threshold, ASOS charges $14.99 and THE ICONIC charges $8.95. You can view both the ASOS shipping policy and THE ICONIC shipping policy


Which one has the best returns policy?

THE ICONIC offers free returns on eligible items. You can even opt to get a full cash refund or a 110% store credit. Not bad.

Good news for ASOS shoppers! The store has just introduced free returns for Australian customers. Eligible items must be returned within 28 days of receiving your order.


Coupon codes and sales for ASOS and THE ICONIC

Here you go! Use them well.

Deal

Up to 50% off luggage and travel accessories

Verified Yesterday
Save up to 50% on selected luggage and travel accessories on sale at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off select sneakers

Verified Yesterday
Save up to 58% on selected sneakers from Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse, New Balance, Puma, adidas, and more at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 57% off beauty

Verified Yesterday
Get up to 57% discount on selected beauty products from Giorgio Armani, KVD Beauty, Aveda, CTZN Cosmetics, and more at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Code

Up to $75 off your first purchase

Verified Yesterday
Enjoy $20 off your first purchase for $100, $50 off $250 or $75 off $350 at THE ICONIC. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 70% off dresses

Enjoy up to 70% discount on selected dresses at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 65% off Topshop fashion

Grab up to 65% discount on selected Topshop clothing pieces at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off women's Puma activewear and streetwear

Save up to 50% on selected Puma fashion pieces for women at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

44% off Lorna Jane Iconic Track Pants

Verified Yesterday
Get 44% off Lorna Jane Iconic Track Pants at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

30% off Wet Look Full Length Leggings

Verified Yesterday
Get 30% off Lorna Jane Wet Look full-length leggings at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off homeware sale

Verified Yesterday
Shop now and save big on everything on home décor, bedding, kitchenware, and more with discounts of up to 50%, there's something for everyone and every budget. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Sale dresses from $10

Verified Yesterday
Shop and save on sale dresses at THE ICONIC with prices starting from just $10. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 60% off Birkenstock

Verified Yesterday
Get up to 60% off Birkenstock slides, sandals, shoes, and more at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off Kids' End of Season Sale

Verified Yesterday
Save up to 50% off kids' sale from Puma, Ellesse, adidas Sportswear, Cotton On Kids, and more. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 72% off girls' clothing and accessories

Verified Yesterday
Shop now on a huge selection of girls' clothes and accessories on sale for up to 72% off at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

$20 voucher when you sign up

Verified Yesterday
Stay in touch and sign up to THE ICONIC news for your $20 discount on your next order over $99. Plus, be the first to know about sales, new arrivals and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

FREE shipping on orders over $50 on Frank Green

Verified Yesterday
Enjoy FREE shipping when you spend $50 or more on Frank Green products at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 63% off men's clothing sale

Verified Yesterday
Shop the men's clothing sale today and find the perfect pieces to complete your look with savings of up to 63% off THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 46% off men's shoes sale

Verified Yesterday
Shop and save on men's shoes from Dr Martens, Blundstone, Polo Ralph Lauren, Veja, Reebok, Converse, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 71% off women's clothing sale

Verified Yesterday
Enjoy huge savings on women's clothing from Lorna Jane, Cotton On, Levi's, Calvin Klein, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 60% off toys for kids

Verified Yesterday
Shop and save on kids' toys from Lego, LOL Surprise, Mattel, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 70% off David Lawrence clothing

Verified Yesterday
Shop and get up to 70% off David Lawrence clothing at THE ICONIC while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 78% off Country Road women's clothing & accessories

Verified Yesterday
Shop up to 78% off Country Road women's clothing & accessories at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

SPEND $80 SAVE 20% selected sexual wellness products

Verified Yesterday
Shop and save on sexual wellness products for men and women at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Arizona SFB Oiled Leather Regular - Unisex

Verified Yesterday
Save 30% on Birkenstock Arizona SFB Oiled Leather Regular - Unisex at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $241 New Price: $168
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Arizona EVA Narrow - Women's

Verified Yesterday
Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $100 New Price: $70
Deal

Up to 40% off Lorna Jane activewear

Verified Yesterday
Get up to 40% off Lorna Jane activewear including leggings, sports bras, bike shorts, track pants, accessories, and more at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Womens Arizona Suede Soft Footbed Narrow Sandals

Verified Yesterday
Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $260 New Price: $182
Deal

40% off Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Regular - Women's

Verified Yesterday
The offer is for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $298 New Price: $178
Deal

40% off Birkenstock Womens Madrid Birko-Flor Narrow Slides

Verified Yesterday
The offer is for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $146 New Price: $87
Deal

60% off Shona Joy Imani plunged midi dress

Verified Yesterday
Buy it now for only $136 (was $340) at THE ICONIC. T&CS apply.
Deal

45% off Herschel Heritage Duffle Bag 36.7L

Verified Yesterday
Get the Herschel Heritage Duffle Bag 36.7L now for only $82.50 (was $150) at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

40% off American Tourister Curio 2 Spinner 80cm luggage

Verified Yesterday
Get it now for only $239.40, down from $399. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Gifts under $30

Verified Yesterday
Shop gifts for just under $30 at THE ICONIC from brands including Versace, The Ordinary. MAC, Endota, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 55% off women's sports tech accessories

Verified Yesterday
Enjoy huge savings on women's tech accessories including smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off women's shoes sale

Verified Yesterday
Enjoy huge savings on women's shoes from Dr Martens, Nike, Converse, Adidas, Veja, New Balance, and more at THE ICONIC> T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 30% off select hair straighteners: From $199

Verified Yesterday
Don't miss out on huge savings in hair straighteners at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 68% off men's sports sale

Verified 2 days ago
Enjoy up to 68% off men's sportswear from The North Face, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off Converse shoes at The Iconic

Verified 2 days ago
Shop for Converse shoes at THE ICONIC and grab up to 58% upon checkout. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs and exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 30% off selected men's shoes and sneakers

Shop and save up to 70% off selected men's shoes and sneakers at ASOS. Hurry before stocks run out. T&Cs apply.
Code

15% off selected styles

Shop and get 15% off selected styles at ASOS using the code. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Popular THE ICONIC coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
22 Nov 2024 Up to $75 off your first purchase HEY****
26 Sep 2024 15% off selected styles NEW****
10 May 2024 15% off everything for new customers NEW****
13 Feb 2024 30% off everything mens and women's fashion GON****
22 Nov 2024 Up to 50% off luggage and travel accessories ********
Written by

Publisher

Clare Cribbin is the global shopping deals publisher at Finder. She started in the Australian team hunting down the best shopping deals on the market, producing health and wellbeing articles and creating helpful gift guides. Clare has since taken her Australian shopping knowledge and is now applying it globally. You may be surprised to know that she has a degree in Zoology and a Master of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law. When Clare isn’t busy looking for deals, you’ll find her eating avo on toast, drinking a protein shake or trying out the latest fitness craze. See full bio

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