But it's no secret that with the current economy and banks pulling in the reigns on available credit, retail as an industry is down. It can be a saving grace when you, yourself have less available income this time of year and if you haven't been affected by the recession too much, well... then you can really take advantage of all the designer goods marked down!
Given that I work in retail, I know how to maximize on a good sale. I usually know how it is merchandised and I know when to shop.
First point, unless there is an advertised door buster that you actually want... don't bother with Black Friday. I, for one, would not be caught dead in a $10 Old Navy fleece so why would I want to fight crowds in hopes that there's something that I actually do want? Remember, those super cheap deals are usually just to get you into the store and purchase something with a higher profit. You can probably buy the same items at any time, without the Critters elbowing you to get to the check out line.
The best time to shop for sales is in the morning. Why? There really isn't that more selection, but people completely destroy the sale section of a store. I have no clue why but if a dress is $200, customers will look at it and put it in its place on the rack. If it is marked down to $195 and in the sale section, customers will take it off the rack and put it somewhere completely random... if they even bother to hang it up at all. Now if I can just throw this in--- do not be that asshole! The sales people will despise you, and I will get to why it is in your best interest to be on our good side through out this article...
Anyways, always shop in the mornings or early afternoons because it will be easier to locate your size and it is always a cleaner sale experience. Likewise, sales associates will better be able to help you in the fitting room because they'll know where the correct size is located. If you're one of those people that grabs an item and walks around with it and changes your mind, please just hand the item back to a sales associate instead of placing it on a random rack. The SAs are more than happy to put it in the right place for you.
Some places organize their sale racks by price point. If you're looking for basics or larger sizes, the lower price point racks are the first place to check. If you're a label whore and you're looking for a deal, head towards the back of the rack. If you're tiring your concentration on tanks and yoga pants, you might miss the Dolce & Gabbana tunic for $199.
That said, if you see an item marked down to $199 and it's on a rack marked $9.99-19.99, chances are the item was placed there by a customer too lazy to put it back. Please don't be that asshole that argues with the sales staff for 15 minutes on why they should give it to you for $9.99. Because it ain't gonna happen.
If you find an item that you HAVE to have and the store doesn't have your size, ask if they can do a charge-send or transfer. Some stores, like Anthropologie, do not charge shipping on charge-sends. So if you find that rare Joe's Jeans or Plenty by Tracy Reese dress on sale for $9.95, it never hurts to see if another store has your size.
Online sales are great for two reasons: easy to shop and the merchandise is never shop-worn. Also, if you shop sales on websites not based in your home state... you can majorly save on sales tax. And they usually do free shipping as well. So say I see a handbag on Neiman Marcus' website on sale for $480. By having the bag sent to my parents' house in Tennessee, where there isn't a NM... I save a cool $45. If I find the same bag for the same price on ShopBop, I don't have to pay tax or shipping... and it is sent directly to me. So when comparison shopping sales online, take into account shipping and taxes. Google's Froogle is your friend.
Lately, online retailers have been very friendly with the discount codes. You can usually do a Google search for them, if you don't want to sign up with retailers to have the codes emailed to you. Sometimes, the codes are for 20%-50% site wide, including on previously marked down merchandise.
Saks and Neiman Marcus will send emails for private sales online. Usually, online shows markdowns before the freestanding stores will. If you're friendly to the SAs, usually they will let you "shop" early and pick out the best pieces and will hold them for you until the sale price is official. If you are really nice and the SAs love you, they'll do what is called a consignment... meaning, you'll get to take home the merchandise immediately and they'll ring out your credit card information when the sale prices go into effect.
Speaking of private sales, there are also companies like Gilt Groupe and Rue La La that organize private sample sales online... perfect for those of us who don't live in Manhattan! Membership is by invite only. If you would like to join, you can email me at nacatania@gmail.com. I'll be happy to send you an invitation.
For stores that do not have online stores, like smaller boutiques, it pays off big time to befriend the SAs. They will personally call you when the leather jacket goes for half off or they'll give you an additional discount if there's something minor and easily repairable with the garment like a button is loose.
Always ask the return policy. Certain items may be final sale.
For cosmetics, try to get a Friends & Family discount code or coupon. Cosmetics never go on sale, unless the company is going out of business or the line is being dropped from the store. Before the holidays, you can usually find really awesome gift sets. My personal favorite is Origins' Incredible Spreadable Scrub set... it's around $45 and it includes a three tube sampler of their different scrubs. Normally, the scrubs are only available in tubs, which get pretty nasty in the shower after a while... not the tubes, the formula stays consistent. The cost per ounce is pretty sweet as well, so I always look out for it. Likewise, AFTER the holidays... cosmetic companies will release jumbo value sizes which are great if you're dedicated to a specific shampoo or body wash.
... and if anyone comes across an amazing sale online, email me!
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