Family Resource Management
Living for Today — Planning for Tomorrow
News You Can Use
Watch the Calendar for Sales
July and January are generally good times to find sales on clothing, as retailers are clearing out merchandise to get ready for the new season. Here are a few shopping tips to find end-of-season bargains.
Visit your favorite stores frequently to watch for price reductions. Look through all sizes on sale racks with big markdowns. Don’t be afraid to try on something not marked your size if it looks like it may fit. Perhaps incorrect sizing is the reason it has not sold earlier.
Ask for further price reductions from sales managers with the authority to give them, especially on items with missing buttons, belts or easy-to-repair damage. If you’ve seen an item priced less, at another store, ask for a matching price. It never hurts to ask, but always be courteous, no matter what answer you get. You haven’t lost anything if the answer is “no” and you just might make a new friend with salesperson who can clue you in on future sales.
When you see an ad for an item on sale, waste no time getting to the store. You might even telephone before making the trip to be sure the item you are seeking is truly in stock. Special purchases, or low-priced items not generally carried throughout the year, may be stocked only in small quantities.
Look for these items to be discounted at certain times of the year:
- January. Watch for winter clothing clearances, linen sales, and discounted Christmas and winter seasonal merchandise.
- February. After Valentine’s Day, look for deals on lingerie, chocolates and jewelry. Furniture, mattresses, china and silver may also be on sale.
- March and April. Look for pre-season and spring sales on clothing, garden supplies and luggage.
- May. Spring merchandise may discounted. Special purchases may be found for Mother’s Day.
- June. Look for special purchases on luggage and vacation items, used cars and floor covering.
- July. Summer wear and outdoor items may be deeply discounted.
- August. Stock up on notebooks and office/school supplies at back-to-school specials.
- September. Furniture may be reduced for Labor Day Sales.
- October. New model cars come out. Holiday specials may begin.
- November and December. Toys and gift items seen no other time of the year may be found. Watch for prices to be reduced as Christmas approaches, but don’t wait too long if you see something you really want or need. You’ll have more shopping competition than ever!
