It’s that time of the year again- time to hit the end of season sales!! If you’re a true shopaholic like me, you probably mark your calendars for sale dates, well in advance. January and June/July are usually considered “end-of-season” months where brands want to get rid of the stock that hasn’t sold, by marking down the prices to attract the crowds.
When I lived in London as a student, I learnt to appreciate the value of a good deal. Sales begin in the UK on December 26, also known as ‘Boxing Day’, with items marked down to throwaway prices. I’ve even heard of physical fights breaking out on Oxford Street on this iconic day!!
In Delhi or other cities of India, sales are usually declared in January. The sales may not be as widespread or as generously discounted as those abroad, but this period is the best time to save money while shopping.
Are you concerned about where to start? How to get the best deals? How to pack it all in one or two days? I’m here to help out. Here are my tips on making the most of the January sales:
- MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED/ WANT
You may be tempted to buy everything you like, but that’s quite unpractical from a financial viewpoint. Hence, I recommend beginning with a rough list. The items you need should be listed on top and those you want should be at the bottom. You may end up buying a few things that aren’t on your list, but this process helps you narrow the field and makes your shopping experience more efficient.
- IDENTIFY ONE OR TWO EASY LOCATIONS TO SOURCE EVERYTHING
It is impossible to roam every single market or mall. I prefer picking one or two areas and dedicating an entire shopping trip to them. Malls are the most practical for various reasons-
- Most brands are present under one roof
- You can eat/drink or even catch a movie and make it a day-long excursion
- Parking slots are easily available
- You can stow away your bags at the concierge counter or at the respective shops, while you roam around
- There are convenient trial rooms
- Toilets are located nearby
Need I say more?! Just pick a mall that’s closest to you, and/or has the majority of the brands/ shops you like.
- PICK A CONVENIENT DAY AND TIME
Weekends are a popular choice for most people as they are busy on weekdays. However, there are many advantages to shopping on a weekday-
- Lesser crowds ensure a hassle-free experience
- You can browse shops at your own pace without feeling rushed
- You can avoid long lines for the trial room, the cashier etc.
- You may even find hidden gems at the back of an aisle or stand
If possible, go on a weekday morning or pop in to a mall during your lunch hour for the best possible experience.
- WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING AND SHOES
This one may sound funny but trust me, it is important!
- You will be walking a lot, perhaps with multiple bags in tow- comfortable shoes are a must
- You may be trying clothes from various shops. Avoid wearing too many layers so you’re not hassled when taking them off again and again
- Wear the item of clothing that accompanies the item you want to buy. For example- wear socks if you are looking for sneakers, or a tank top to hide cleavage with formal low-cut dresses
- Avoid wearing jewellery. You may lose a precious earring in the rush of removing multiple clothes. Rings may also get caught in clothing items which may snag or tear
- Avoid wearing makeup so you don’t stain clothes while trying them on. However, if you must wear make-up, be careful to avoid the cloth touching your lips as lipstick is the first thing to transfer
- PAY WITH CREDIT CARDS BUT HAVE SOME CASH ON HAND
I advise paying with your card, as banks often run great deals on shopping. You may receive some cash-back or even an extra discount, depending on the tie-up your bank has with that shop.
However, also keep some cash on hand for places that may not accept cards.
- ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE PRICE OF AN ITEM AT THE CASHIER’S COUNTER
I’m letting you in on a secret- sometimes the discounted prices on the tag are not the final discounted prices! If you love an item, but feel that it’s a little out of your budget, it’s worth double-checking the price at the cash counter. On my most recent shopping trip, I was buying a bag marked 25% off, but when the cashier rang it up, she found that it was actually 40% off on their system! Win-win situation 🙂
- COMPARE PRICES OF SIMILAR ITEMS BEFORE MAKING A FINAL CALL
Don’t be in a rush to buy the first item you see and like. There is no harm in browsing through similar items available in different brands or shops. Make a considered purchase based on the best quality and best price.
- KEEP ASIDE TIME TO TRY EVERYTHING ON
You may be strapped for time but don’t make purchases that you will regret later. Sometimes, exchanges and returns are not allowed on sale items. Even when they are, it is really annoying to have to change just one item. Hence, it’s best to try everything at the store itself.
- LOOK FOR THE BEST DEALS ONLINE
For me personally, nothing beats the fun of shopping real-time, but if you can’t go to a mall or a market, then look online for the best deals. I’ve written an entire post on how to save money while shopping online that you may find useful.
These are my tips to score the best deals during the end-of-season sales, as well as to make the most of any shopping trip. Are there any tips you would like to add here? Leave them in the comments below for the benefit of other readers. Please like, comment and share this post with someone who may find it useful. Happy shopping!
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