In the olden days (when I worked in retail!) sales shopping really was an event, I can remember the excitement of the New Year’s Day Sale….
And we didn’t discount very much between the traditional January and June sale periods.
Nowadays the retail market is much more competitive (and some might say desperate), so there are promotions and mid season sales on all the time and therefore there is less of a buzz about sales.
Some stores do still stick pretty much to their guns, but the majority of stores discount throughout the year.
The Christmas and New Year Sales do continue and Harrods still manages to make it into an event – often having a “celebrity” to open the sale.
However, with the influence of internet shopping many winter sales start on Christmas Day, (or before), so you could be grabbing a bargain whilst peeling your sprouts! Several shops now open on Boxing Day and all the major stores will be open on the 27th – if you are desperate for your retail fix!
Whether you shop online or in person, here are my top tips for how to go sales shopping…
1) Only buy an item that you really like
Something that you would have bought at full price, but you felt it was too expensive. Be prepared – do some research beforehand and “stalk” your favourite items! This is a great time to buy cashmere, boots, shoes, bags or coats.
2) Don’t be swayed by the price or the discount amount alone.
There is often a good reason why clothes are in the sale – especially if there are a lot of the same garment on a rail!
This is often an indication that it is a bad fit. Remember this is a chance for stores to get rid of their bad buys – garments that have a terrible design, disastrous colour/pattern or hideous fabric.
You don’t need an item like this in your wardrobe!!
3) Follow the mantra of 3 when considering a purchase:
– Can I wear this for about 3 years and will it still be acceptable?
– Can it be accessorised in 3 different ways?
– Can I wear it to 3 different events/occasions?
– Does it go with 3 things that I already have in my wardrobe?
And obviously ensure that whatever you buy is in a colour and style that flatters you…..
Happy Shopping!!
If you would like to be helping your clients to shop in the sales (and at other times of the year!) book a call with me to kick start your style career.
