Is it true that everyone likes a bargain? I suppose the answer is undoubtedly yes but I am not convinced we like trawling through the sales rack, particularly when you couldn’t get to the shops until late in the day only to find half the stock mixed up and on the floor. Or do you come home with lot's of bargains that end up lost in the wardrobe, never to see the light of day again?
Have no fear, here are some of my Top Tips on how to keep sane in the silly sales season and ensure you only make sensible investments.
Typically the bigger sales occur mid-end Summer and after Christmas but these days we are never too far away from sales signs so it is worth knowing how to be an effective and successful shopper to ensure you don’t waste money or your valuable time.
- Shop in the morning. I'm not recommending camping out or anything but you will have a far more pleasant experience when you can see the stock without getting down on your hands and knees. You also benefit from it (usually) being quieter. Note: This advice also applies if you are a fan of TKMaxx and Primark - sale or no sale time.
- Invest in staple items and avoid the fashion. The sales are the time that stores clear stock in order to make space for the new season so be careful that you don't end up purchasing a lot of high fashion items that are very obviously going out of fashion. This can be a matter of opinion and will be governed by your attitudes to clothing and your own personal style. Nevertheless, this can be a great time to invest in the more costly items that you require in your wardrobe and even from the more costly brands, if the price is right. So look out for suits, jackets, coats, trousers, T-shirts and knitwear.
- Invest in your accessories...especially shoes! As you know my favourite subject is shoes and the sales can be a great time to bag a bargain and usually a store will bring out unsold stock or stock of mixed seasons so you really can have your pick. I always like the fact that it's all arranged by shoe size thus allowing you to scan and pick as many as you want. Look out for the bargains out of season, e.g. boots in Summer, you won't regret a good investment when Autumn and Winter kick in. Jewellery, bags, scarves can all be ideal items to hunt around for in the sales, especially if you've had your eye on certain items for a while.
- Take a break. Have a well deserved cup of tea and ensure you are fuelled up. It's thirsty work this sale shopping. Perhaps avoid too many champagnes as this could impair the shopping budget - save that treat for when you're done!
- Know your wardrobe and stay in control. It takes time but understanding the clothes, lines and colours that best flatter your body shape, lifestyle and personal style form the foundation of how to build your wardrobe. Armed with this knowledge enables you to be aware of what you actually need in your wardrobe and so will better prepare you for what colours, shapes and styles are in the sales. Be controlled in that even though something is a bargain - if it's still going to sit in your wardrobe - it's still a waste of money.
- Don't be afraid of online sales shopping. We can't escape the Internet shopping sales and sites have much improved with accurate sizing guides, clearer visuals and more convenient returns procedures. There are so may out there that it probably warrants a blog of its own but if you subscribe to a few favourites you will certainly receive notifications of sales.
- Understand the T&C's. I bought a pair of sandals in the Dune sale and was momentarily shocked that there was no return policy on sale items. With most shops there is usually some kind of policy although it can be a lot stricter for sale goods over a reduced period than non-sale items. If you are not sure, ask what the return and refund policies are!
- Still try it on! Another reason for going earlier and preferably not on the weekend. Some stores allow up to 6 (or more) items in the changing rooms and so do still invest the time to try it all on. You can make better decisions about whether to buy this way, bargain or not and will keep you in the habit of saying yes or, just as important, no for the right reasons.
So good luck, guys and girls alike!
Want to know more about how to sort your wardrobe and know what you need, then check out the benefits of a Wardrobe Clinic and start taking control! How about getting up a few friends together and enjoy a Personal Shopping experience to save you money and time.
