I’ll be the first to admit it; I LOVE a good deal, and I’m not afraid to hunt for one. I got this particular outfit for 75% off of the original price! As someone whose taste is much more expensive than my budget, it’s always important for me to shop smart and try find the items I want for the best price, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
- Utilize your online wish list: One of the easiest ways to save money is to be patient. Many online stores such as Amazon and Nordstrom have a wish list where you can add items you like, and wait for their pricing to go down. Check back once a week, and once the price drops, snatch up your item for a percentage off. Most places will reduce prices twice, so if you can be patient enough, and you don’t think the item will sell out first, you can even wait for the second price drop!
- Know the markdown schedule: Each store has a schedule for when they mark prices down, so it’s wise to find out the schedule for your favorite shopping destination. This information can often be found through a simple Google search. For instance, Nordstrom has markdowns on Tuesday, and Target’s markdown schedule is as follows: Monday Target Markdowns: Kids’ Clothing, Stationery (office supplies, gift wrap), and Electronics. Tuesday: Women’s Clothing and Domestics (Décor). Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, Food, Health and Beauty. Thursday: Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares. Friday: Cosmetics, Automotive
- Follow your favorite places on social media: Often stores/websites announce sales on social media, so you’ll always have the scoop on when you can save money. This way you can shop at the prime time for budget friendly shopping sprees! My Favorite sales are the 25% off of clearance items at Nordstrom rack, which happens once every couple of months, but are only announced on their Instagram and Facebook. These sales require a bit of digging, but I often find gems that I could only dream of affording at full price.
- If you’re really consistent shopper at the same places, consider getting a store card: Don’t want to affect your credit? Many stores have debit options as well, and if you do frequently shop there, the discounts WILL add up. Target has a fantastic loyalty program where you save 5% on each visit and get additional coupons in the mail, whereas Nordstrom mails you gift cards equating to a % of your purchases and provides free in store alterations. Now stores like TJ Maxx are even offering great store card options! Do your research and see what’s best for you, but I always say, if you’re going to shop, you might as well get money back from it!
Shopping smart can take some practice and persistence, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never be able to shop any other way. If stores can still make a profit off of the discounted items, (which they do) why does it make sense to pay for items at full price? Good luck, and happy shopping!!