Shopping for Deals

1. Always go straight to the clearance section. You can peruse all the new items, and then head there if you like, but another smart shopper may have just snagged the item you are looking for at half the price.
2. Ask employees when they will be marking items down. Don't be bashful or embarrassed. They all get a discount, why shouldn't you?!?
3. Check back regularly. Pop in on a lunch break for five minutes to see if there is anything new. Ask your fashion inclined friends to drop by a store and see what they got. Hey, they might already be there!
4. Visit all the stores in your area. If there are 3 GAP stores near you, check them all out. Stores mark down different items at varying times, depending on location. Some may even vary slightly in the merchandise they carry. Don’t feel like driving there…have an employee call another location to see if it’s in stock.
5. Check out places who sell name brand clothing at a discounted prices like Marshalls or Ross. For more info on how they are able to do this visit Marshalls.
6. Visit a consignment shop, clothing reseller, or thrift store. You would be shocked at some of the treasures you can locate at your local Goodwill. My absolute favorite clothing resell shop is called Buffalo Exchange, founded in Tuscon, AZ in 1974 (what a great year) by Kerstin and Spencer Block. They now have 30 stores and 3 franchises in 12 different states. Click on the link on the side bar to see if there is a location near you!
7. Be patient. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, check back again or try somewhere else.
8. Search online. Many stores will carry the exact thing you are looking for from the designer’s website at a slightly cheaper price. And on some occasions you will be able to find one store trying to unload the very item you so dearly desire, at a super clearance price. If you find that deal, make sure you double check that they still have your size.
9. Visit superstores like Target or Meijer. They may not have name brand clothing, but they have great stuff when it comes to the basics. Socks, T’s, hats, accessories, and your new favorite film on DVD for 8 bucks.
10. Again, go to clearance/sale rack. Almost all of the locations mentioned above have an on sale or clearance section. And even if it was only $9.99 to begin with at Tar-jae, now it’s $2.97, which is cheaper than your grande vanilla latte at the nearest coffee fix of your choice.

Happy treasure finding. Come back often. Enjoy. Comment. Share.