"Save up to 70 per cent on women's fashion, dresses, and daywear", "Enjoy up to 50 per cent reductions in-store," or "Find the best deals on sandals and end-of-season suits".
Signs proclaiming summer sales are evident in many shops. Some signs went up a few weeks ago, others are just appearing now. They all drive home the same message - buy now or regret later.
Little wonder then that only the very strong willed are able to resist the temptation to splash their hard earned cash in the hope of bagging a bargain.
The fun element involved in sales shopping entices even those who normally keep a tight grip on their purses or wallets. Comparing prices, searching frantically for good buys, and finding hidden gems all contribute to the excitement of sales shopping. The fact that shoppers get an opportunity at this time of year to stretch their budgets, often without sacrificing quality, makes the whole process all the more enjoyable and rewarding.
So, what are the secrets of successful sales shopping? How important is preparation and are there any tried and tested ways of guaranteeing you only invest in outfits that suit your pocket, figure, and lifestyle? Here are some tips to guide you in the right direction.
1. Make a list. This prevents impulse buying and ensures you focus on essential purchases. Do you need a suit, casual wear, shoes, or accessories? Or maybe you are hoping to make your money go further by shopping for gifts in the sales? Having a clear idea of your priorities helps you focus and avoid unnecessary purchases. If you are are unsure of what to buy, go through your wardrobe and identify if there are gaps in there that you need to plug.
2. Draw up a budget. It is very easy to spend more than you plan to during the sales. You come face-to-face with never-to-be repeated offers and end-of-line deals and it can take a will of steel to turn your back on these. So, before you embark on your shopping spree, put a strict limit on what you intend to spend. If you're unlikely to stick to this, put this amount of money on a prepaid card, or withdraw what you want to spend in cash and leave your debit or credit card out of harm's way at home.
3. Conduct research. Prices can vary significantly between stores. Be sure to comparison shop, particularly if you intend to spend a lot of money on something or if you are working from a tight budget. You can use price comparison websites or visit various stores which stock the items you are looking for, to ensure you get what you want at the best rate.
4. Avoid bad buys. It is all too easy to get carried away by bargain fever and succumb to the biggest reduction or the cheapest offer even if the outfit is a bad buy on all fronts. Try to remind yourself of the unwise buys and unloved items that are currently cluttering up your wardrobe in the faint hope that these fashion blunders will serve as a warning to exercise caution now. Many wardrobes are groaning with the weight of sale garments that were not fit for purpose, were grossly unflattering, and worse still, were unkind to your wallet. Rather then cast them aside, we cling to them in the hope that their day will come and that somehow we can justify spending our hard earned cash on them.
5. Think twice. Highly fashionable items or novelty looks can easily catch your eye when you are sales shopping. However, remember that overly eye-catching, or faddish looks, in particular, will lose their appeal and value quickly. It is important to take your figure, style preference, and lifestyle into consideration, too. Never buy a poorly fitting item just because it is cheap or in the hope that your body shape will change later. Equally, do not purchase fancy resort wear or beach dresses unless you have actual events to which you intend wearing them.
6. Buy off-season pieces. Do you need a tailored jacket, boots, or heavy scarf? If so, as strange as it may sound, the summer sales could be the place to find these staples. Such items are often included in the sales. Buying off-season can result in substantial savings and there is the added bonus that you will be well prepared for future seasons.
7. Be flexible. Bargains sometimes hide away in the most unlikely places. Savvy sale shoppers visit stores they would not usually go to, for example, consider men's shops for T-shirts or children's sections if you are petite. Discount outlets often sell accessories, clothes, or footwear. Charity shops offer great value all year round and provide even better value when they have sales or bargain rails. If an item you want is out of stock, consider alternatives that may also be on sale. Remember, it pays to be flexible.
8. Keep up-to-date with sales alerts. Follow your favourite retailers on social media or sign up for their newsletters or texts. Many will also send sales alerts and information about special offers to customers on their distribution lists, so it could be worthwhile signing up for their emails even if you decide to unsubscribe later. Many shops hold private flash sales, too, for their customers or loyalty card holders to reward them for their custom. If you enjoy window shopping, watch out for sale signs in shop windows or lots of people walking around town carrying bags bearing the shop's name.
9. Use your imagination. Items may be reduced in price because they are slightly damaged or sometimes, a garment may have barely perceptible flaws in terms of colour, finish, or cut. If you are willing to take a gamble on a less-than-perfect item, then you could bag yourself a real bargain in the sales. If you are handy with a needle or know someone who is, then you will be able to take bigger gambles on imperfect outfits, safe in the knowledge that you can restore them to their full glory.
10. Focus on quality. Consider investing in expensive brands at the sales. You probably would not be able to afford these high-end labels during the year but their prices may be significantly reduced now. Look for investment pieces such as a good jacket or classic shoes that will last for years. Trans-seasonal styles are always winners, choose colours and styles that you can wear into the autumn months, not just during the summer.
11. Try before you buy. Some outfits have hanger appeal, others do not and therefore can get left behind in the rush to snap up bargains during the sales. Aim to try on anything you plan to buy to make sure the fit and fabric are right for you.
12. Check the shop's return policy. This is especially important if you tend to change your mind about purchases afterwards or if you are shopping in a hurry. Some items may be non-refundable or have a limited return window during sale periods. Being aware of these conditions may influence your decision to buy something.
13. Shop for versatile pieces. They will maximise your investment because they can be worn in multiple settings and paired with existing outfits in your wardrobe. They will also provide more wear time in a given week and will be easy to dress up or down. A well-tailored jacket, for example, can be dressed up for formal occasions or dressed down for casual outings. Versatile pieces will also enable you to simplify, and indeed, prune, your press as well as reducing indecision regarding what you are going to wear each day.
