By Mandy Lehto
SALE: a 4-letter word that can evoke either horror or adrenalin-fueled anticipation. The post-Christmas sales can trip up even the savviest of shoppers with the cheap thrills on offer. Nab 6 tips from the pros on making the sales work for you.
1. Have a plan. Without a plan, the Boxing Day sales can feel a bit like the Pamplona Bull Run. Take stock of what’s missing in your wardrobe before you head out. That’s right. Before. The sartorial bull-run is no environment in which assess your needs. If you’re armed with a list, you won’t end up with more closet-clutter, just because those turquoise satin party shoes were a bargain. Consider more expensive necessary purchases, like boots, bags, or winter coats now when the shops offer heftier discounts.
2. Gamble. Ever notice how retailers start off with, say, 40%. Turn up 3 weeks later (when you’ve not even worn your new purchase yet) and the discount has plummeted to 70%. Bummer. On pieces that are ‘nice-to-have’ rather than ‘must-have’, maybe, just maybe, it might be worth waiting to see if the price does the limbo. This can be an incredibly gratifying gamble, but be prepared to lose the crapshoot altogether.
3. Know your limits. The word ‘sale’ wreaks havoc with our common sense gauge. Just because an item is 70% off, it doesn’t mean it’s a good buy. An item you wear once, if ever, will not have a good cost-per-wear ratio, vs. something you wear often, and for years. While noting your wardrobe gaps, calculate, however roughly, what your budget is per item. Personal shoppers always work on a budget. So should you.
4. Stay fresh. Your judgment can suffer if you’re tired, dehydrated or hungry. Take a small snack with you – a granola bar and a bottle of water, for instance. If you hate shopping, spread it over a few days, if possible, or at least take a tea break. You’ll keep your sanity AND control of your wallet. How many of us have made regrettable purchases out of desperation?
5. If in doubt, don’t. Ask yourself: does this garment serve a purpose, and does it work with anything I already have? Or am I buying it just because it’s reduced? Be ruthless. That includes NOT buying clothes, however fabulous, in a size that’s too small, thinking you’ll diet. If you do, have fun shopping for your new size when you’re actually your new size!
6. And finally, what do boy scouts and personal shoppers have in common? They always come prepared. Don’t turn up to the sales with a bulging handbag, lace-up boots and a button-up shirt over a polo neck. You’re going to be trying on clothes in an assembly-line fashion. You’ll need agility and speed. Scan these mental tick-boxes: right undergarments? Check. A hands-free bag? Check. Shoes that are easy to get in and out of? Check. (That includes wearing the right socks or hosiery for whatever footwear you might be trying on and purchasing). And a final check: am I wearing the right outer wear so I won’t overheat or have cumbersome stuff to carry in the shops?
With these tips from the 1-Minute Stylist, you’re on your way to successful shopping. Happy bargain hunting!
Wish I’d had this list, Mandy, when I took a look at some of the sales in some local shops last week. Unfortunately, however, I went without a plan and found myself spending a couple of unproductive hours searching through pretty much everything.
The good news is that your fifth point, “If in doubt, don”t” was obviously working intuitively for me and at least I came away with my credit card balance still intact!!