For me, the best kind of shopping experience is the kind where I not only find something really cute, but I get it at a discount, too! I love getting compliments on my stunning shoes, pretty dresses or trendy tops, but I love it even more when I impress the flatterer further by telling her how much I saved on my purchase. Being stylish and saving money – that’s a great combo for me. And I have a feeling, you’re interested in achieving the same, aren’t you? Here are my tips for shopping savvy and saving money:
- Sign up for email newsletters. I know, I know. Most people hate sharing their email address and taking a chance on receiving spam. But normally, retailers do not share your email address and are only interested in sending you updates on new merchandise and especially sales and special offers. And it’s those types of emails that make signing up totally worth it.
- Join rewards programs. As a member of a retailer’s rewards program, you’ll accrue points for your purchases and receive special discounts exclusive to members only.
- Like and follow your favorite retailers via social media. Again, retailers will create and promote special discounts exclusive to the customers following them on Twitter or those who have liked their fan page. Additionally, retailers have started sharing photos of their merchandise, making it so much easier for you to shop from home.
- When you shop in-store, head straight toward the back. That’s where stores normally keep their sales racks. I always scour through the sales racks BEFORE looking at the regular-priced merchandise. And even then, I start with the sales rack with the deepest discount. So let’s say there’s a sales rack marked 50% off and two others marked 25% off. I begin my hunt with the 50% off rack, and then head to the 25% off racks. Only after I have fully browsed the sales racks do I allow myself to look at everything else.
- Make friends with the sales associates. This way when that $150 coat you’re in love with goes on sale, she just might text you or drop you an email to let you know about it.