Yes it’s that time when we all rush to the stores trying to
score the perfect bargain or get our hands on a designer jacket that we have
been dreaming of since last season.
But once you step in the store and especially the big ones,
you feel as if you walked into a war zone. Pieces of clothing scattered
everywhere, too many people to pass through and nothing is in its right place.
What do you do? You walk out and go back home! NO
Be a smart shopper and follow these simple steps:
Timing:
Go at times when the shoppers are busy. Personally, I
believe the best times would be at opening hour when the store is tidied up and
most people are either at work on weekdays or sleeping through a hangover on
weekends.
Be thorough:
During the sales period stores usually display everything
they’ve had in stock for the past 2 seasons at least. So it’s not going to be a
nice sight. All you need to do is take a deep breath and go through each and
every shelf and rack (if you’re patient enough). You would be surprised by how
many hidden items you might find.
Don’t even try it:
After
you’ve made your picks, you’ll head straight to the fitting rooms. It’s going to be hell. Women will have
at least 6 items each, they would want to mix and match outfits and run outside
to get their man’s approval (of course after a 5 minute discussion). You can go
two ways here:
- If the store offers refunds, I suggest you take your stuff and go home. Try them at your own pace, create outfits with what you already have and keep what you want and return the rest.
- If the store doesn’t, try sneaking into the men's or kids’ fitting rooms. They are usually less crowded. And if you’re not sure if you’re an S or an M, make sure you grab both sizes to avoid going back outside and repeating the process again.
- If the store offers refunds, I suggest you take your stuff and go home. Try them at your own pace, create outfits with what you already have and keep what you want and return the rest.
- If the store doesn’t, try sneaking into the men's or kids’ fitting rooms. They are usually less crowded. And if you’re not sure if you’re an S or an M, make sure you grab both sizes to avoid going back outside and repeating the process again.
Size does matter:
If
you are petite or plus-sized then wait it out. You don’t have to be in the
store the first day, week or even 2 weeks of the sales period. Wait until the
storm of shoppers has settled down and then go shopping. A 36 size pair of
wedges won’t go anywhere and neither will an XXL silk blouse.
Ditch the friend:
Finally,
if your friend is impatient, hates shopping, gets annoyed from crowds and is
always nagging to leave to go have lunch, then leave her/him at home!
Happy
shopping!
Until
next time…
Ghida
