Urbanexcess.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Urbanexcess.com appears to be an online retailer specializing in premium men’s clothing and homeware, featuring brands like Carhartt WIP, Patagonia, and Birkenstock.

While the site emphasizes current fashion trends and offers sales, a thorough review reveals that several aspects of its operation and the broader fashion industry it represents carry elements that are not permissible in Islamic finance and lifestyle.

Specifically, the promotion of interest-free installments, which often involve Riba interest in their underlying structure, and the general focus on excessive consumption and brand-driven status, warrant caution for a Muslim consumer.

It’s crucial to understand these nuances to make informed decisions that align with Islamic principles.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Urbanexcess.com Reviews Latest Discussions & Reviews:

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Exploring Urbanexcess.com: An Overview

Urbanexcess.com positions itself as a destination for contemporary men’s fashion and lifestyle goods.

The website’s design is clean and modern, showcasing a range of popular brands and current trends.

However, beneath the surface of stylish apparel and homeware, there are operational elements and underlying consumerist behaviors that clash with Islamic financial and ethical guidelines.

For instance, while “interest-free installments” might sound appealing, their conventional implementation often involves hidden fees or a structure that compensates the lender in ways akin to interest, which is forbidden in Islam.

Urbanexcess.com Review & First Look

A first glance at Urbanexcess.com presents a polished e-commerce platform. Kebabish.dk Reviews

The homepage prominently displays ongoing sales, new arrivals, and trending categories, creating an immediate sense of urgency and desire for new products.

• Aesthetics: The site is visually appealing, with high-quality product photography and a clean layout that makes navigation intuitive.
• Brand Showcase: It features well-known brands in the streetwear and outdoor fashion sectors, such as Carhartt WIP, Patagonia, and Salomon, which appeal to a specific demographic interested in quality and brand recognition.
• Promotional Offers: Discounts like “Up to 70% Off” and “10% Off for Newsletter Signup” are clearly highlighted, designed to attract immediate purchases.
• Shipping & Duties: The site also clearly states “FREE DHL SHIPPING > £150” and “EU DUTIES & TAXES PRE-PAID,” which are significant benefits for international customers.
• Cookie Consent: A standard cookie consent banner indicates adherence to data privacy regulations, although the personalization of ads is something to be mindful of from an ethical consumption perspective.

Urbanexcess.com Cons

Despite its polished appearance and range of products, Urbanexcess.com, like many conventional e-commerce platforms, presents several significant drawbacks, particularly from an Islamic perspective.

The most prominent issue revolves around financial transactions and the encouragement of consumption.

• Interest-Based Financial Products: The mention of “Buy now, pay in 3 interest-free instalments” is a major red flag. While seemingly interest-free to the consumer, these schemes often called “Buy Now, Pay Later” or BNPL are typically structured with a financial institution that profits from merchant fees, late payment charges, or a hidden interest component somewhere in the chain. From an Islamic finance standpoint, any transaction that involves Riba interest is impermissible, regardless of how it’s presented. This applies even if the consumer doesn’t directly pay interest, as participating in such systems can support an interest-based economy.
  • Data Point: A 2023 report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau CFPB highlighted that while BNPL loans are often advertised as interest-free, they can lead to debt accumulation and are often unregulated, potentially hiding fees or credit score impacts.
• Promotion of Excessive Consumption: The site’s continuous promotion of “New Arrivals,” “Trending Now,” and significant sales encourages a culture of constant buying and upgrading. Islam encourages moderation Wasatiyyah and discourages extravagance Israf. Focusing on accumulating material possessions beyond necessity can divert attention from spiritual growth and responsible living.
  • Statistic: A 2021 study by the University of Leeds found that the fashion industry contributes significantly to global waste, with consumers often discarding clothes after only a few wears due to fast fashion cycles and trend-driven purchasing.
• Lack of Explicit Ethical Sourcing Information: While some featured brands like Patagonia are known for their sustainability efforts, the website itself doesn’t offer comprehensive information about the ethical sourcing, labor practices, or environmental impact of all products and brands it carries. For Muslim consumers, ensuring products are made without exploitation or harm to the environment is an important consideration.
• Privacy Concerns with Personalized Ads: The explicit mention of using cookies for “personalized ads” means user data is being collected and utilized to influence purchasing decisions. While common, this raises concerns about consumer manipulation and privacy, as it can subtly push individuals towards impulsive or unnecessary purchases.
• Focus on Brand Status: Many of the featured brands are premium, and a significant portion of their appeal lies in their brand recognition and perceived status. Islam discourages arrogance and showing off, emphasizing humility and simplicity in appearance. Investing heavily in branded clothing purely for status can be seen as a deviation from these principles.
• Limited Transparency on Financial Structures: The brevity of the “Buy now, pay in 3 interest-free instalments” description means consumers aren’t fully informed about the underlying financial mechanisms, making it difficult for an ethically-minded individual to ascertain compliance with Islamic finance rules.

Urbanexcess.com Alternatives

For Muslim consumers seeking clothing and homeware, there are numerous alternatives that align better with Islamic principles, focusing on ethical finance, sustainable consumption, and modesty.

• Direct Purchase with Halal Funds: The simplest and most straightforward alternative is to purchase items outright using funds saved through permissible means, avoiding any form of debt or interest. This aligns perfectly with Islamic financial ethics.
• Halal Financing Options if available: In some regions, Islamic banks and financial institutions offer Murabaha cost-plus financing or Ijarah leasing for consumer goods, which are structured to avoid Riba. While perhaps not directly applicable to a small online fashion purchase, understanding these models is key for larger acquisitions.
• Focus on Second-Hand and Pre-Owned Goods: Embracing thrift stores, online marketplaces for used items, or clothes swapping initiatives can significantly reduce consumption and waste, aligning with Islamic principles of moderation and resourcefulness. This also often makes items more affordable without resorting to credit.
  • Trend: The global second-hand apparel market is projected to reach $84 billion by 2030, reflecting a growing consumer preference for sustainable and affordable options.
• Supporting Local and Ethical Businesses: Seeking out small businesses, artisan crafts, or brands that explicitly state their commitment to ethical labor practices, sustainable materials, and fair trade. These businesses often provide greater transparency regarding their supply chains.
  • Resource: Websites like Good On You or Fashion Revolution provide ratings and information on brands’ ethical and environmental performance, helping consumers make informed choices.
• Investing in Quality and Durability: Instead of chasing fleeting trends, focus on purchasing high-quality, durable garments that will last longer. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and aligns with the concept of reducing waste.
• DIY and Upcycling: For homeware and even some clothing, consider creating items yourself or upcycling existing ones. This fosters creativity, reduces consumption, and ensures that items are produced in a way that aligns with personal values.
• Community-Based Bartering/Swapping: Participating in local community groups where individuals can swap or exchange goods rather than buying new can be an excellent way to acquire items without financial transactions, aligning with principles of generosity and mutual support.

How to Navigate Urbanexcess.com If Necessary, with Caution

If one absolutely needs to purchase from Urbanexcess.com or similar conventional e-commerce sites, it’s crucial to do so with extreme caution and ensure all transactions are conducted in a manner permissible in Islam. Respondent.io Reviews

• Avoid BNPL Schemes AT ALL COSTS: The primary rule is to never use the “Buy now, pay in 3 interest-free instalments” or any similar deferred payment option. Always pay the full amount upfront using a permissible payment method like a debit card or direct bank transfer from your Halal funds.
• Prioritize Needs over Wants: Before making any purchase, reflect on whether the item is a genuine need or simply a desire driven by trends or advertising. Islam encourages satisfying needs first and foremost.
• Mindful Spending: Allocate a budget for clothing and homeware and stick to it. Avoid impulsive purchases, especially during sales that aim to create artificial urgency.
• Consider the Source and Quality: While the site itself might not provide extensive ethical sourcing details, research the specific brands they carry independently. Look for brands known for sustainable practices or ethical labor. Invest in items that are well-made and will last, reducing the frequency of purchases.
• Beware of Excessive Personalization: Be mindful of how cookies are used for personalized ads. If possible, adjust your browser settings to limit tracking, reducing the influence of targeted marketing.
• Seek Knowledge: Continually educate yourself on Islamic finance principles and ethical consumption to make better-informed decisions in all aspects of your life. Consult with knowledgeable scholars regarding financial transactions.

Understanding the Financial Implications from an Islamic Viewpoint

The financial products offered on sites like Urbanexcess.com, particularly “interest-free installments,” are a significant area of concern for Muslim consumers.

While they are marketed as convenient and free of interest, their underlying mechanisms often fall foul of Riba.

• Riba Interest: Riba is strictly prohibited in Islam. It refers to any unlawful gain derived from a loan or exchange where one party benefits from the passage of time without a corresponding risk or genuine commercial activity. This includes both explicit interest charged on loans and implicit interest embedded in seemingly “free” financial products.
  • Types of Riba:
    • Riba al-Fadl: Excess in quantity in the exchange of certain commodities e.g., gold for gold.
    • Riba al-Nasi’ah: Interest charged on a loan or deferred payment. This is the more common form seen in modern finance.
• Buy Now, Pay Later BNPL and Riba: Many BNPL services operate by charging a fee to the merchant, effectively allowing the merchant to absorb the cost of offering “interest-free” payments to the customer. However, some BNPL providers also levy late payment fees, which are often structured as a penalty that grows over time, akin to interest. More importantly, even if the consumer doesn’t pay interest directly, participation in such a system inherently supports interest-based financial institutions and practices. The principle is to avoid supporting an economic system built on Riba.
  • Scholarly Consensus: The vast majority of contemporary Islamic scholars consider conventional BNPL schemes, especially those with late payment fees or those integrated with interest-based financial institutions, to be non-compliant with Shariah.
• The Islamic Alternative: Murabaha Cost-Plus Sale: For consumers needing to pay over time, Murabaha is a Shariah-compliant alternative. In a Murabaha transaction, a financial institution purchases the desired item and then sells it to the customer at a pre-agreed mark-up, payable in installments. The key difference is that the profit mark-up is agreed upon at the time of sale and is fixed, not accumulating over time like interest. The financial institution takes ownership and risk of the goods before selling them to the customer. This structure is fundamentally different from a loan with interest.
• The Broader Principle: Avoiding Haram Transactions: Islam emphasizes earning and spending wealth through lawful Halal means. Engaging in transactions that involve Riba, even indirectly, is considered a grave sin. Therefore, consumers must be vigilant and prioritize adherence to these principles over convenience or perceived savings.

How to Cancel Urbanexcess.com Free Trial N/A

Based on the homepage text and typical e-commerce operations, Urbanexcess.com does not appear to offer a “free trial” in the traditional sense, as it is a retail store selling products, not a service.

The website focuses on direct sales of physical goods.

Therefore, information on canceling a free trial is not applicable. Familylink.google.com Reviews

How to Cancel Urbanexcess.com Subscription N/A

Similarly, Urbanexcess.com does not operate on a subscription model for its products e.g., recurring monthly clothing boxes. While they have a newsletter signup for promotions “JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER FOR 10% OFF”, this is a marketing list, not a paid subscription service.

To “cancel” the newsletter, one would typically find an unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email received from them.

Urbanexcess.com Pricing

Urbanexcess.com positions itself as a retailer of “premium” menswear and homeware, implying that its pricing is generally on the higher end, consistent with the brands it carries.

• Premium Brand Pricing: The featured brands like Carhartt WIP, Patagonia, and Salomon are known for their quality and durability, which naturally come with a higher price tag compared to fast-fashion alternatives. For example, a “Bhode Mechanics Jacket Canvas Insulated – Moon Mist” is listed at £135, down from £180.
• Sales and Discounts: The website heavily promotes sales, such as “SUMMER SALE NOW LIVE: UP TO 70% OFF,” which can make premium items more accessible. However, relying on sales for affordability can still encourage non-essential purchases.
• Shipping Costs: While “FREE DHL SHIPPING > £150” is offered, orders below this threshold would incur shipping charges, which add to the overall cost.
• EU Duties & Taxes Pre-Paid: For EU customers, the pre-payment of duties and taxes simplifies the purchasing process and makes the final price transparent, avoiding unexpected fees upon delivery.
• Comparison to Alternatives: When considering alternatives, especially ethical and sustainable ones, the pricing might be similar or even higher for high-quality, ethically produced goods. However, the long-term value and adherence to principles often outweigh the initial cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Urbanexcess.com a legitimate website?

Yes, Urbanexcess.com appears to be a legitimate online retailer selling men’s clothing and homeware from known brands like Carhartt WIP and Patagonia.

What products does Urbanexcess.com sell?

Urbanexcess.com sells premium men’s clothing, including jackets, t-shirts, pants, shorts, and accessories like hats, sunglasses, and sandals, along with some homeware items. Netnerd.com Reviews

Does Urbanexcess.com offer free shipping?

Yes, Urbanexcess.com offers free DHL shipping for orders over £150.

Can I get a discount on my first order at Urbanexcess.com?

Yes, Urbanexcess.com offers a 10% discount for joining their newsletter.

Does Urbanexcess.com ship internationally?

Based on “FREE DHL SHIPPING > £150” and “EU DUTIES & TAXES PRE-PAID,” it appears they ship internationally, including to EU countries.

What payment methods does Urbanexcess.com accept?

The website mentions “Buy now, pay in 3 interest-free instalments,” and typically accepts standard payment methods like credit/debit cards, though specific card logos are not explicitly shown on the homepage. Note: Avoid the interest-free installment option due to Islamic principles

What is the return policy for Urbanexcess.com?

The homepage does not explicitly detail the return policy. Paris-trip.com Reviews

Typically, this information is found in a dedicated “Returns” or “FAQ” section on the website.

Are the “interest-free instalments” on Urbanexcess.com permissible in Islam?

No, while advertised as “interest-free,” such installment schemes BNPL often involve underlying structures that are not permissible in Islamic finance due as they support an interest-based system or can involve hidden fees/penalties akin to interest.

What are the ethical concerns with shopping on Urbanexcess.com from an Islamic perspective?

The primary concerns are the promotion of interest-based financial products BNPL, encouragement of excessive consumption, potential lack of transparency on ethical sourcing for all brands, and use of personalized ads that can influence spending.

Are the brands sold on Urbanexcess.com ethically sourced?

While some brands like Patagonia are known for their sustainability efforts, the website itself does not provide comprehensive information about the ethical sourcing or labor practices for all products or brands it carries. It is advisable to research individual brands.

What are some Halal alternatives to “Buy Now, Pay Later” schemes?

Halal alternatives include paying the full amount upfront with saved funds, using Islamic financing models like Murabaha cost-plus sale if available from Shariah-compliant financial institutions, or saving up for purchases. Gadgetize.co.uk Reviews

How can I practice ethical consumption when buying clothes and homeware?

Practice ethical consumption by prioritizing needs over wants, buying durable and high-quality items, choosing second-hand, supporting transparent and ethical businesses, and avoiding unnecessary debt and interest-based transactions.

Does Urbanexcess.com offer gift cards?

The homepage does not mention gift cards.

This information would typically be found in the website’s footer or FAQ section.

How do I contact Urbanexcess.com customer service?

The homepage does not provide direct contact details.

Typically, a “Contact Us” page or link would be available in the website’s footer. Checkmywellbeing.co.uk Reviews

Is there a physical store location for Urbanexcess.com?

The website appears to be an online-only retailer, with no mention of physical store locations on the homepage.

What is the quality of products sold on Urbanexcess.com?

Urbanexcess.com sells “premium” brands known for quality and durability, such as Carhartt WIP and Patagonia, suggesting the products are generally of good quality.

Can I find reviews of specific products on Urbanexcess.com?

Product reviews are often displayed on individual product pages, though the homepage text doesn’t confirm their presence.

What kind of sales does Urbanexcess.com offer?

Urbanexcess.com frequently offers seasonal sales, such as their “SUMMER SALE NOW LIVE: UP TO 70% OFF.”

How can I stay updated on new arrivals at Urbanexcess.com?

You can stay updated by regularly checking the “NEW ARRIVALS” section on their website or by joining their newsletter. Allenandyoung.co.uk Reviews

What are the main benefits of buying from Urbanexcess.com?

The main benefits include access to premium menswear and homeware brands, potential discounts during sales, and convenience of online shopping with pre-paid EU duties and free shipping over a certain amount.

However, these benefits should be weighed against the ethical considerations.