November 29, 2012

How To Save Money On Clothes


I may not be totally confident in my ability to put a stylish outfit together, but one area I feel very qualified in is scoring amazing deals at the mall. In fact, this little talent was the main reason I started blogging! Years of working in retail and as a secret shopper (mostly in college), coupled with crazy frugal tendencies has lead to me having quite a few tricks for making those dollars stretch. Today I'm sharing my Top 10 tips for saving money at retail stores* (think $14 cardigans at Banana! $15 silk shirts at Ann Taylor!). You can also watch me give these tips on TV here.

1. Shop in-store, not online. I wouldn't take online shopping completely off the table, but I will say that prices are often a lot lower in retail stores than they are online. My theory for this is that stores don’t have the physical space to hold as many clothes, so they are much more likely to mark things down, whereas online stores use big warehouses and they are in less of a hurry to cut prices. I do almost all of my shopping in stores, and I often find the exact same pieces for up to 70% less in person. (Plus you get to try them on.)

2. Use coupons and promos. Before you head to the mall, I recommend taking a moment to gather coupons and bring them with you. My favorite way is to set up a free email account and sign up for emails from your favorite retailers. Then, check your inbox for coupons right before you leave. You can also try coupon websites like RetailMeNot and CheapSally, or collect coupons via snail mail and go through the stack before you leave the house. Still come up empty-handed? Don't be shy about asking the store manager if there are promos going on that day. I often find they have coupon codes they are willing to share, and there's more wiggle room and potential for negotiating than you may think. And if you qualify, don't forget to ask for student and/or military discounts.

3. Pay attention to the calendar. Black Friday might be a great time to shop for electronics, but it's not necessarily the best time for clothes. There are two main “seasons” in retail, and when those seasons switch are the best two times to save money. These switches occur right after Christmas/New Years, and at the end of June. I often save my budget and spend more during that time to get more bang for my buck. On Black Friday you will see lots of promos, but during the seasonal switches you will see mark downs and promos, resulting in prices that are up to 50% less than they were on Black Friday.

4. Determine the retail cycle. Beyond the two major retail seasons, stores have smaller retail cycles where they get new merchandise in, and mark old items down, and so on. When new clothes go on the floor at full price, the old stuff is reduced (= great time to deals). A few weeks later, they start marking down the new stuff, with smaller discounts. (= great time to buy the new arrival shirt you love on promo, so you don't wait too long and miss it). A few weeks later, they get ready for the next shipment and a lot of the store goes on sale (= another great time to get deals). How to find out where you are in the cycle? Just ask. Questions like “when is your next round of markdowns?” or “when is the new line coming in?” are both game. Stores will be happy to share this information with you. More general info such as what days TJ Maxx gets in new merchandise, or what day of the week Gap does markdowns, can also be a big help.

5. Predict future markdowns. Finding out how long an item has been in the store can help you decide if now is a good time to buy it. If a store just got the item, but only a few are left, then you probably won’t get a clearance price and a coupon or promo is your best bet. BUT if an item has been in the store for awhile and there are tons left, then you can usually count on that item being marked down even lower. If you are willing to risk it, I recommend coming back in a week or two, and you will often find that that item is marked down another 20-50%. 

6. Look outside the sale rack. As a budget shopper it can be really easy to put on blinders and race to the back of the store and only look at the clearance section. But you actually want to look elsewhere for your best deals. When retailers have tons of one item left, that they will often put them on a rack together, not mixed in with other clearance items. So look for sale signs throughout the store, and not just clearance in the very back, because those items with many left are usually the cheapest items in the store.

7. Check multiple stores. If you find the deal of a lifetime but it doesn't fit, then don't give up. Find out if another store in your area has that same item in your size. A short drive could be worth it, and some stores will even ship that item to your house directly from a nearby store.

8. Acknowledge regional differences. I travel a lot, and I try to buy seasonal items that are less popular in that city. I shop for summer clothes in North Dakota, and you can score big on winter coats in Florida. This also means acknowledging the cost of living. I find that shopping in Florida at the same retailers I loved in Boston are much cheaper, due to the lower cost of living in this state, so keep in mind where you are geographically.

9. Sign up for credit cards. We’ve all been harassed by well-meaning sales people to sign up for the store credit card. If you don’t shop there often, are not good with credit cards, or are working on improving your credit score, then it’s best to say no. But if you spend a lot of money at that store, and pay off the balance in full each month (so you’re not paying super-high interest rates), then it is something to consider. Stores often give card-holders exclusive coupons, and even better, some send you rewards like $10 for every $200 you spend. Look into this option for the 1-2 stores you love for additional savings.

10. Make friends with a manager. Many higher end stores will put you on an email list for exclusive events and sales that are local to you, and if you befriend a manager or store associate, they more than happy to keep an eye on an item for you and/or let you know when specific markdowns are happening. Having a friend in the store can really help.

What are your tips and tricks for saving money at the mall?

*This post is specifically about saving money and getting the best prices at retail stores such as Gap, Banana, Limited, etc. It is not about saving money overall. For tips along those lines see this post.

71 comments:

  1. great tips! thanks for sharing.

    www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com

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  2. I seriously heart this post! =D Thanks for sharing.  I wrote a post on my blog about bargain shopping a few weeks ago, but your post is way more articulate hehe =D I also like to check sites like Hautelook and Beyondtherack for certain brands! I just got a Burberry scarf on Modnique.com for 70 bucks yesterday! I was excited hehe =D

    http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/

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  3. I admire you dedication though there is little chance I'll remember or find time to go back to the same store to see if an item has gone on sale. I'd be willing to bet you benefit from being so tall and slim too. I'm a very average size, 6 or an 8 in most stores and those sizes always go first. So if I see something I like for a decent price, I almost always just go ahead and buy it because chances are it won't be there next time.

     From reading your blog for a while, it doesn't really sound like you go shopping that often, but maybe I'm mistaken? How often do you find yourself at the mall doing these multiple rounds of scoping things out and driving to other stores?

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  4. Number 9 is super important for Banana Republic! For every dollar you spend, you get points, points are eventually transferred to dollars to spend in the store! I love it. I've also made real life friends with the regional manager, which is super helpful. He'll call me when there's a great sale coming up on items he knows I'll like. And then I buy him a beer! It's a win win.

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  5. These are all very good tips.  I agree that in store vs online usually produces better deals.  Also setting up an email account to receive offers for coupon codes, etc. is a great way to get extra deals.  I usually look at what I would like to purchase online at the more expensive retailers and try to find a cheaper version elsewhere.  Heather

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  6. Loved these tips!  Sometimes I'm afraid to ask for the discounts, but I still want them! Love your site and al your outfit posts.  I'll be starting a professional job here in a few months and i'm getting some great info on how to dress fun for a work setting.  Thanks!

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  7. These are great tips!  I actually do a lot ot online shopping.  With 2 little ones it makes it hard to go to more than 2 stores in one outing!  But I find that if I really like something I do a search for it and go with the lowest price.  A lot of places also offer free shipping now, especially around the holiday!
    Perhaps we could follow each other?  XO - Lulu
    www.simplylulustyle.com

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  8. I find that liking the store on facebook gives me updates on current promos and sales.  

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  9. Good tips!  Although sometimes things ARE cheaper online- example I found a shirt I wanted from Gap online and it was $3 cheaper than it was in the store in the mall!

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  10. Great tips! Some stores also give customers the opportunity to fill out online surveys (the info usually comes with your receipt). Rather than tossing it aside, I spend the few minutes it takes to fill them out. Every time I've done this, I get a coupon code for my next purchase :)

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  11. In addtion to what J said about paying off the balance of the store credit cards each month (because they have crazy high interest rates), opening too many of them can lower your credit score because it triggers an inquiry on your credit report, which impacts your score. Just be careful, often 10% off or whatever discount they offer may not be worth it.

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  12. These are great! One other tip I always tell people is to bring something they like that doesn't have a price tag on it up to the register. In my experience, about 75% of the time it is either incredibly cheap because everyone has overlooked it and not wanted to take the time to find out the price OR the employee just gives it some low price from another item's SKU just so they can finally get rid of it.

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  13. I don't agree with your first point. I shop online a lot (mostly at Macy's, J.Crew Factory and Zara) and the prices are either exactly the same (Zara) or I use coupons codes (Macy's and J.Crew Factory) and end up paying less! I agree that being able to try things on has its perks but I just cannot stand crowed stores so online it is! I also love to be able to type in 'dress', select 'blue' and have the options in seconds. At the store, you have to go from rack to rack.....
    One more tip, I only buy when shipping and returns are free (always at Zara and often at the other stores with a coupon code).  The only physical stores I still go to is the Outlet Mall by my house. 

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  14. This is great advice. I would also add that if you are a college/university student to ask if they provide discounts. Many stores do, and as much as 20% Also, many larger chains provide discounts to different organizations such as AAA. It never hurts to ask!

    the blackbird blogging.

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  15. Those tips are great I do all but #9, I am not a big advocate for credit cards because they can get you in too much trouble. 

    Its only a good investment when you know that you will pay it off every month or else I feel as if its trouble :) 
    Oh also with #8 an example for me like when I shop at TJ Maxx, in DC, they have the best brand names and latest things and they go on sale fast because mostly professionals shop there. In the suburbs outside of the city, everything is geared towards teen and stay at home moms aka there are not too much deals. 

    xo
    Cassy
    http://theworkette.blogspot.com/

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  16. This is so true for the Kohl's card ... they practically give stuff away when you have a card with them. Also, I LOVE getting clothing gift cards for Christmas because I know it'll all be on sale after Christmas. GOOD POST! 

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  17. I've decided that my way to save money on clothes is to only buy higher quality pieces much less often than I used to go shopping (while still waiting for good prices on these things, of course). I'm still spending less than I was when I gave myself a monthly budget because I'm buying things less often, but they're better quality so I'm getting a better cost/wear ratio!

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  18. Great suggestions. I refuse to buy anything at full price. I make a few exceptions but otherwise like you said, the old stock always goes on sale. Signing up to receive e-mails from your favorite stores helps as well. That way you know when things are on sale. I don't shop online much because I do find the stores cheaper. Love your suggestions.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

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  19. I agree completely with all of these as they are how I tend to shop as well! I couldn't agree more with the shop in store tip: I saw a top at Target in store for $6.48, online $20 more. 

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  20. These are great suggestions! I love to get a great deal myself and these tips will help stretch my dollar out even further. Thanks!

    Cristina
    http://themodernhepburn.blogspot.com/

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  21. Your blog is AH-mazing. I've been following you only for a couple of weeks but I LOVE EVERYTHING. You've inspired me to start looking at my old items in my closet in a whole new light. And, I almost always like the inspiration outfits you put together for yourself better than the originals.  Thank you!

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  22. These tips are great. I have my own observations to add:
    Im not as vigilant about shopping in store & checking for sales because I don't have the time or patience, or sometimes the mall is just too overwhelming. Ive also had less success with sales racks. It might be a sizing issue.. a commenter mentioned being an "average" size and I'm a small/medium 6/8. I've seen way more appealing sales items in XS (maybe S) compared to Medium. So I wont knock online shopping because there's certainty that they have the item I need. Really this is just a patience issue.

    J, your comment about having something shipped to the store is very true. I want to add to that: become familiar with your favorite retailer's price adjustment policy. I just became aware of this and a lot of places have generous policies. I find them most useful when buying/wanting an item that you know will run out soon.
    Example: Old Navy brought back their polka dotted sweaters. I purchased them online assuming that the would run out (idk if they did but its a valid assumption). Then black friday and cyber Monday come around. Cyber Monday was 30% off everything. All I had to do was email Old Navy with my order # and they adjusted the prices for me, crediting my card. Incredible! Easy! I encourage everyone to take advantage of this.. heck if you're anticipating a black friday/cyber Monday sale and items running out of stock, just buy them all on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and get a price adjustment! (Make sure you're within their allotted timeframes which can be 7-14 days).

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  23. Yes I totally agree (and mentioned that in the post)! Only do the credit card if you are going to pay off the entire balance, and benefit long-term.

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  24. Thanks Caroline! I totally agree! (see the end of #2) :-)

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  25. Caroline, I don't think I would've realized how much lower prices are if not for this blog. I come home and link to the same items I just bought and am always shocked at how much more expensive everything is online! And I get a lot of flack for it too, because people always question how what I'm spending can be so much lower than what they are seeing online.

    I wouldn't include Zara/H&M/F21 in this post though, because they are a different kind of store that doesn't do sales. And J.Crew Factory is an outlet, and I wouldn't consider them the "regular" retail store I'm referring to in this post, either. For Macy's though, on Black Friday I did a post about my shopping and I found a pair of heels for $45 in the store. Online when I got home they were full price, $90. 

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  26. I totally agree Lauren. I don't recommend opening them just for an initial discount. Only if you are going to benefit long-term (with rewards like free shipping and exclusive coupons).

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  27. Thanks for the tips!  They were super helpful and realistic...gave me the itch to go shopping :)

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  28. Krystie, Facebook recently changed their algorithm so that readers don't see the business pages that they "like." (Only 15% of readers now see what companies post.) They are doing this in an attempt to force retailers to pay for views, because FB is desperate for money. As a page owner, I've witnessed this first-hand and have joked that they are going to tank the entire economy (esp. small business owners). In other words... not the best way to get the updates they are posting if you are just checking your news feed. Be sure to visit their page to see anything you might have missed. 

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  29. Irene, I used to go shopping every single week - 4 times a month (usually with a client but then afterwards I would pick up items for myself). I only wish I had that much time to shop now!! In the past 6 months, I average about once a month. Going more often definitely means getting better deals, BUT that is definitely not feasible for everyone's schedule (including my own). Most often when I check another store, I have them ship the item directly to my house. Doing it from the store gets you the store price though, and not the online price, which can be 50% higher. 

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  30. I have a credit card for The Bay (in Canada), which does sometimes get me bonus discounts, but mostly just double rewards points. I use it whenever I shop there, but I also pay off my balance immediately, as in, use my credit card to get the perks, then do a second transaction to pay off my credit card. Its the only way I'd allow myself to have a store credit card!

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  31. I have been following your blog almost every day for about a year and a half now! I have to say, one thing I've never heard you post but that I truly believe will keep quality items (that you score at a deal!) a wardrobe staple for a long time is a tailor. On your Black Friday post, you mentioned a mustard dress from Banana (?) and it was too big up top. For the deal you would have gotten, it would be worth it to invest in a tailor, and have a custom-made piece :)

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  32. Great post! I work in a department store, but can honestly say we don't like telling customers when markdowns are going to happen because we still need to meet our own personal quotas and make our #s. once they know the markdowns are coming, they don't buy that day or they start returning so they can get the sale price after they paid full price a few weeks ago! It's a pain in the butt and hurts our personal #s! Much better to just ask if a sales associate knows when the new seasonal items will be coming in. Even then, we won't give an exact date, so you will have to keep checking anyways.

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  33. Sara, I talk about tailoring in the post I link to at the end of today's post. Tailoring can be great, especially for difficult body types. That particular mustard dress was only worth $15 to me though. I really didn't love it that much. Now if I could hire a tailor to make all the dresses in my closet 4 inches longer THAT would be amazing!!

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  34. There is now an option to add pages to an interest list. So now I have a list dedicated to stores I like to shop at and all their updates go to that mini newsfeed instead of my main newsfeed.

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  35. J, 
    Love the post, as usual. I saw that you mentioned you were a secret shopper during college. I too am a college student and with my crazy class schedule it isn't that easy to keep a regular job. Do you have any advice on how to get into secret shopping? 

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  36. These are all great tips for shopping retail, but the number one way to save money on clothes is through thrifting at Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc!! It's environmentally friendly and saves a bundle, especially on days where certain color tags get marked down 50% or even down to a dollar no matter what it is! :)









    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com 
    ENTER MY GIVEAWAY WORTH $500!!!

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  37. These are seriously great ideas!! I consider myself frugal as well, but still love my shopping and nice pieces. I will definitely put these to use! Thank you!

    www.whenwewander.blogspot.com

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  38. I so agree! What a great post. I love shopping at Banana, but love
    scoring a better deal even more.  By shopping "smart," I was able to get
    this sweater:
    http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26503&vid=1&pid=427282002
    for only $6 in stores!.. They're still selling it for $60 online!

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  39. Did you end up getting the navy and white knit cable sweater from The Limited on Black Friday? I've been oggling over that for a few weeks and got it in the mail today and can't wait to see how you style it.

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  40. great tips..i often go shopping for clothes after holidays and end of summer.
    http://cactusandcucumber.blogspot.com/

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  41. Love this post... thanks for the tips!

    Monica from  Fashion Koketi 

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  42. J!
    I'm completely obsessed with your blog, and have been since about August.
    Let me say that tip number one is SO IMPORTANT. I learned this when I was buying a ton of clothes before leaving for college. At first, I would rely on shopping online (my father is convinced to this day that the best deals are online), but in late August made a huge trip at the mall scoring a ton of great pieces. 
    One investment I made that day that I'm particularly proud of was a pair of coral skinny jeans  from GAP that were marked down to 24.99! With a coupon, they were around 19 dollars. I also saw that many items I had looked at online were marked down much more than online sales. 
    Today my online purchases are few and far between.
    Also, last year I ran to the mall for last minute christmas shopping (by last minute christmas shopping I mean christmas eve) and found that everything in GAP was 60% off, including clearance! This sale followed for about a week after the holiday, so I made frequent visits. I bought a ton of sweaters for ten to fifteen dollars a pop, and if that's not a deal, I don't know what is ;-)
    I'm glad that you shared these tips with us today, as I learned a few new things. Everyone in the world should know about tips number one and three!

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  43. I wish more stores carried tall sizes in store.  Since I'm over 5'10" I can't buy regular length pants (although many stores are better about carrying these in recent years), and I much prefer tall-length shirts, which are never carried in store.

    Us tall folks pretty much have to shop online, which makes finding those stackable deals much harder.

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  44. J - one of the best store "card" programs is Nordstrom. You can sign up for the Nordstrom DEBIT card, which links to your checking account which helps you not over-spend. You get the benefits such as store discounts, racking up points without the downside of having a credit card (overspending, fees, etc). 

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  45. J- These are such great tips!  I will agree with you that one can find much better deals it you shop in stores compared to online.  I also like shopping in stores so I can try things on and then I don't have to bother with returning them or paying for shipping. 

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  46. Awesome tips!! I do a lot of thrift shopping and surprisingly they have mark down cycles as well! Lots of great deals out there for eco-shoppers. 

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  47. J - This is some really great advice.  I am a part-time sales associate at a store in the mall and I could not agree more with most of these, especially #10. The clients that my managers know by name are the clients who get the best deals and who get items held back for them.  Another great option for getting a good deal is seeing if you can join the floorset or holiday team at your favorite store.  Some stores only require two shifts a month.  Not only you will know more about the product, you will also know when its going on sale AND get the employee discount!

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  48. I'm sure the demographic that reads your blog is overall considerably younger than I am, but you do a fantastic job of presenting your topics in a way that more than one age group can adapt appropriate looks to.  That said, with years of shopping experience under my belt, I'd like to add a couple of points.  Before handing over that credit card, make sure you love what you're buyin and that it fits then and there (no "I'll lose 5 pounds," no "if I suck it in. . ."); otherwise, it will sit in the closet.  The same goes for purses, shoes, jewelry, etc.  Second, even moms can find things at Forever 21.  It's the first place I go when I need a cami (or tank top to use as a layering piece. 

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  49.  I totally agree with this! I have felt like complaining before. The worst is Old Navy. I love their jeggings that always go on sale for only $19 and i would love to buy them in several colors.. but they dont keep them in the store and they are always sold out or not on sale online.

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  50. J, for some reason your mobile site says you have 50 comments on this post, but on my computer it says 44. Just bringing it up because I thought my price adjustment comment didn't post.

    Anyways, this top is a good alternative to your navy/tan polka dot blouse & imo it's the best look and fit for the price (I can vouch for the fit because I just bought the top in a super cute chevron pattern) http://www.agacistore.com/product.aspx?id=1171705&cid=1599 I don't love the length, but it looks perfect tucked in in front.  I'll probably give in and get it soon because I've been eyeing that Piperlime top but can't justify the price.

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  51. I've been shopping more online these days than I do in store. Mostly because I have little time to go to the mall and because I'm tired at the end of the day. I do agree with Caroline that it's less hassle. However, there's a method to my madness. I use Ebates for all my online purchases. They give you cash back for a percentage of your online purchase. I've already racked up almost $100 for purchases and referrals from the end of October to now. But, if I find the item in store for less, I return it and get it in store. If the online price and in store price are the same, then I go with the online option. And I almost never buy anything full price. I either watch out for a sale, use a coupon, or both. I also use my store cards so that I rack up points or my debit card that gives cash back. So for me, buying online works out better "sometimes"....coupon/sale + Ebates cash back + debit/store card cash back.

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  52. I really like your blog, but I would be careful about giving out credit card advice - this is bad advice from a financial/credit card perspective. Even if you pay off the card in full, store credit cards are TERRIBLE for your credit score. The limits are typically very low, which pulls up your utilization ratio, which drags your score way down. Not a good idea. Also, applying for cards frequently also hurts your credit score. Basically, you might save 10% with the store card, but having a low credit score will cost you much more than that down the road with higher interest rates. And they also have super high interest rates themselves, meaning that if you slip up one month and can't pay the full bill, you'll ADD 20 to 30% to your purchase cost. 

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  53. These tips are so helpful!  I've never worked retail and I don't love shopping enough to spend hours at the mall, so I never would have caught on to these things by my own devices.  THANK YOU!!

    Rachel<a href="http://www.howboutsomecake.com>How Bout Some Cake?</a>

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  54. Ari, I definitely think credit cards should be considered carefully, and I wouldn't advise opening one solely for the discount you get when you open it. But I worked in credit card customer service for 5 years (in high school and college) and part of my job was reviewing credit reports and making decisions on whether to approve people for credit increases and/or new cards. Having multiple retail credit cards does NOT negatively impact your credit, only if you are carrying a balance on them. A bunch of zero balances in retail can actually help though - it's a ratio of how much credit is available and how much you are actually using. So if you have $10k available across your cards but are you only using 10% that can actually help. Ultimately credit scores are a funny bunch and you have to find what works for you in particular, but I definitely wouldn't say people should write off retail credit completely.

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  55. Emily, I have at least 20 comments that are sent to "spam" everyday and I have to rescue them, and I think a lot of them show up on mobile but not here. Both of your comments were in spam so I rescued them! :-) Great find with the Agaci top!

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  56. I totally agree Carrie! I have another post coming up soon with advice about making purchasing decisions and those are some of my tips! :-)

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  57. Great tip! I didn't know about that program!

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  58. Interesting that you say to shop in-stores for the best deals. I've never found that to be the case, especially when you have coupons to shop online. In fact, many stores will tell you that they can offer cheaper prices online because their online "store" doesn't have to employ people, pay rent, etc. In fact, Target is very blatant about it. On their website they will often list the "online price," which is generally lower than what you'll find in-stores. It's a larger discussion, but this is also one of the reasons why Amazon doesn't have retail locations and can offer nearly all of their products for less than any other store, both in the actual price of the item and that you don't have to pay sales tax.

    Of course, everything should be on a case-by-case basis. As one commentor said, she got a great deal at Gap by checking out the sale rack in-store. You won't see those kinds of deals online because it's harder to keep online inventory up-to-date.

    Personally, I'd say to shop both and wouldn't rule out one over the other because you never know what deals you may find hiding online or at the store.

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  59. Thanks Cassie! This post is specifically about saving money and getting the best prices at retail stores at the mall - such as Gap, Banana, Limited, etc. It is not about saving money overall. I talk about that (including thrifting) in the post I link to at the end! :-)

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  60. I wish I could help with this but I didn't use a traditional program that takes applications - it was with a small bank in NYC. I know there are some companies that have that kind of program though!

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  61. Target has a debit card too, I love it! You save 5% each time, and with as often as I shop there anyway, I've saved a lot so far. 

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  62. Thanks J for these helpful tips. I was wondering if the prices of a store in an upscale mall can be different from that of the same store just a another mall. Let's say Millenia mall vs Florida mall.

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  63. Excellent question Gizelle! Yes, retail stores differ, even within the same city. Some locations simply get more items in stock than others (the Banana at FL Mall gets WAY more jewelry than the Millenia Malll, for example). And you can use clues about that mall to consider what is more likely to be in stock.  I love shopping at the Limited in the Fashion Square Mall, for example, because that mall has zero traffic, most of the traffic is teenagers, and so the sale section at that particular store is always amazing because no one really shops there. Just two examples but there are many other "clues" you can look for! 

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  64. Thank you so much J!

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  65. I spent several years working at Banana Republic, and I learned you can often tell a lot by the exact price of the item. Anyone has probably noticed that at Banana a whole dollar price ($79.00, $112.00) is a full priced item. Sale items are marked to a 99 cent. ($29.99, $54.99) But a lot of people don't realize that the final discount on an item ends in .97 so if you see something you like for $24.97 or $23.97 etc, DON'T WAIT! That item won't go down again. I think other stores have similar hints built into the pricing. If you can learn them, it can be a big help to know when to buy, and when to wait. 

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  66. Thank you for this!  I saved $60 today simply by asking for a coupon when I was getting rung up! :]


    Kathryn
    sprinklesnpearls.blogspot.com

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  67. I think you are very good at what you do, but cannot stand this
    widespread trend of bloggers pretending to be experts on topics that
    they simply don't understand. 

    I've been in personal finance for over 10 years and I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Retail cards are terrible for your credit score, exactly because of that ratio: they have very low credit limits (not to mention high interest rates, but that's beside the point) and those very low credit limits negatively impact your utilization ratio, which looks at the ratio of every individual card as well as all of your credit limits as a whole compared to all of your debt balances as a whole. When the credit limit of the individual card is low, any purchase you charge triggers a higher utilization ratio on that card. It impacts the calculation of your credit SCORE, which is different from simply reviewing credit reports as you did at your job. You may not have viewed these cards negatively on a credit report, but the FICO credit scoring model certainly does.

    Here's a post about this. John Ulzheimer is one of the most well-respected credit experts out there. http://www.mint.com/blog/credit/top-3-credit-mistakes-to-avoid-while-holiday-shopping-1112/

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  68. Thanks for following up and providing additional information on this subject! I really appreciate it. I don't think I'm an expert on anything, and I apologize if I somehow gave you that impression. I think the bigger miscommunication might be that I'm recommending people to open tons of retail credit cards in my post. I have one - Gap/BR - and it has saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the last 5 years, and has in not negatively impacted my credit report. As I mentioned in my post, proceed with caution when it comes to the cards. But it is definitely one way you can save money so I felt it was worth mentioning in this post.

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  69. I buy at Nordstrom'r rack, Ross, marshall's etc, i sae a lot on clothes and get name brand. 

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