All clothes eventually wear out and styles change, necessitating occasional shopping trips. For those seeking to save money, strategic planning to buy clothes at the best prices is essential. The key to this often lies in understanding a few simple guidelines to secure the best deals on new clothing.
Stores typically restock and rearrange their racks on Thursdays, preparing for the weekend rush. This usually includes marking down items that will be on sale over the weekend, meaning Thursday evening is the perfect time for bargain hunters to shop, minus the weekend crowds.
If you're looking to buy this season's fashion, resist the urge to immediately purchase new arrivals. Prices usually drop about six to eight weeks after an item makes its debut. Waiting can offer substantial savings, though availability of popular items isn’t always guaranteed. However, most chain stores can check availability at other locations. Also, waiting helps curb impulse buying – if you forget about an item during your wait, it's a good indication you didn't really need it.
Another savings technique is buying end-of-season clothes for use in the following year, especially if your clothing size remains constant. This strategy works best with classic items like suits, pants, jeans, or cardigans that don’t quickly go out of style.
Keep in mind that the fashion calendar is ahead of the usual calendar by two months, meaning end-of-season shopping still allows some wear before having to stow away items for next year. Sale cycles also exist – expect cold-weather clothing sales in January or February, and bathing suits and summer clothes sales in August. Athletic shoes often go on sale in January to cater to New Year's resolutions, with another sale in April. Jeans typically go on sale in October, after the back-to-school rush.
Joining online newsletters from popular clothing retailers and checking out off-price retailers offer more chances for great deals. Newsletters often alert subscribers to upcoming sales or offer pre-sale event access. Discounts exclusive to online stores can also help you save. For those not interested in planning according to the seasons, off-price clothing shops can offer excellent deals. They buy economies of scale from stores needing to clear merchandise, offering chances to discover unique finds, though these may be out of season. Discount stores also usually sell basic items not subjected to seasonality like socks, t-shirts, and activewear.
Shopping for clothes might not always be appealing, but understanding sales patterns and strategic purchasing can make a significant difference. It's advised to avoid buying too close to major holidays but to look out for post-holiday sales. With some effort to keep an eye on sales and the willingness to brave the crowds, finding a bargain can happen any time of the year, in every season.