As summer winds to a close and it’s time to start thinking about getting the kids ready to go back to school, it’s time to celebrate another season: the end-of-summer sale season! Now is the time to take advantage of steep retail discounts to outfit the little ones and get yourself something shiny and new for fall at the same time. But as you start browsing, it’s all too easy to get swept away in an 80 percent discount without finding the items you really need. To make the most of end-of-season sales, you need to approach them with a sound plan of attack!
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Take a Fashion Inventory
Before you hit the mall, go through your family’s closets to see what needs to be updated. Kids outgrow their basic items quickly, so chances are that you’ll need to stock up on new school clothes and uniforms for the fall. Go through your own closet as well; trying on old outfits to see what can be donated to charity and what needs to be replaced.
Go Shopping with a Buddy
Have you ever bought something that doesn’t really fit just because it was on sale? It’s easier to make buying decisions when you have a second opinion. You may otherwise be seduced by that slinky beaded gown with a 75 percent discount that you’ll never have any occasion to wear. Bring a friend along to offer advice and do your shopping together.
Follow your Favorite Brand
Lots of retail brands these days offer special online-only deals to their followers on social media, including online coupons and discount codes. Be sure to follow your favourites online so that you don’t miss out on any exclusive flash sales! It’s also helpful to sign up at shopping websites like www.lyst.com, which offers sales alerts for the brands you like the most.
Look for Pieces that Work Throughout the Year
Between-season sales offer the perfect opportunities to stock up on family basics, like blue jeans, white tee-shirts, pencil skirts, sweaters, and socks. You can also use this time to look for designer items at steep discounts that you wouldn’t otherwise splurge on. Although trendy pieces might have deeper discounts, it’s better to invest in classic clothing that you are bound to wear for more than just one season. Another factor to consider is why these clothes are on sale at the moment. That cute pair of sandals may be half off, but with temperatures dropping you won’t be able to wear them until next spring. Can you wait that long?
Compare Prices Online
Finally, always compare prices online before you make a purchase in the shop. The same top may be on sale in two different outlets, but this doesn’t mean the discount will be the same. Use comparison sites to shop around to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
Keep these tips in mind as you browse back-to-school sales, and you’ll end up with a treasure trove of bargains this year. Happy hunting!
