Discount Clothing Saves Savvy Shoppers Big Money
Name Brand Clothes Buyers Stretch Dollars by Bargain Hunting
Apr 7, 2009
Bargain hunting is the craze these days, no matter what the status or income. Thrift stores, garage sales, and stores that carry discontinued items, are not just for the financially-strained anymore. Savvy shoppers have known for years they can get quality items just by doing a little extra searching. Large families with small budgets have to make every penny count, as do teenagers, young couples, and anyone on a budget.
Let the Bargain Hunting for Clothes Begin
Where do smart shoppers buy name brand clothing items and clothing accessories without breaking the bank?
- Thrift Stores ... Prices are cheap. Some clothing is new. A few articles might even have an original store tag attached, but all items are sold at bargain prices just the same. Find name brands in everything, including designer jeans, western shirts, casual wear, career suits, men's business suits, and even formal attire. The downside is you're not likely to find two of the exact same item, but the racks are usually crammed with good selections in every size.
- Yard Sales and Garage Sales ... Smart shoppers scour the newspaper prior to the weekend to see who is going to be selling what. Many sellers advertise specific clothes categories, like baby clothes, women's sizes, men's suits, prom gowns, and so forth. To get the best choice, go early. Prices are usually dirt cheap, and you might be lucky enough to find something that's brand new.
- Rummage Sales ... Groups often sponsor rummage sales to raise money. People donate new and used items – including clothes – for the cause. Prices are dirt cheap and there is usually a large assortment. Items aren't usually sorted, so plan to spend a little time rummaging through the piles.
- Discount Stores ... Stores that carry discontinued items from big name companies usually have more than one of the same items.
- Clearance Racks ... Almost every department store that sells clothing has at least one clearance rack. Look for the best bargains at the change of seasons. No matter what the weather is outside, some items like blouses and short-sleeved shirts can be worn year-round.
- Consignment Stores ... Many owners only deal with name brands, so if that's a priority, then consignment shops may be just the place for you to find the labels you want.
- Going Out of Business Sales ...Stores in a hurry to liquidate their inventory drop prices almost daily as the final closing date nears. Check back often for new clothes at very low prices.
- Ebay and Online Discount Sites ... Power sellers with high rankings (Ebay) are best choices; these people don't want their reputations tarnished by bad deals. The down side is you cannot see and inspect what you're getting or bidding on.
The thrill of the hunt brings shoppers to bargain stores as much as the need to stay on a budget. No longer is there a stigma attached to bargain centers and secondhand stores. Shoppers are thrilled to to be able to save money and still look good.
A Word of Warning When Buying Discount and Secondhand Clothes
- Stores might allow returns, but for garage sales and one-time event sellers, all sales are usually final.
- Check clothing thoroughly before you buy for stains, tears, worn spots, missing buttons, broken zippers, and so forth. Don't buy anything that does not look clean.
- Items advertised as "new" should show no wear in the collar, no stains in the armpits, no worn or faded stitching, no worn labels, no torn linings, and the item should not be stretched out of shape.
- Never buy used underwear or bathing suits.
- Foreign fabrics and some cheaply-designed clothing can shrink. Know too, that dark colors can run on some new cheaply-made clothing when washed.
- Wedding gowns should be carefully inspected from top to bottom. Look for yellowing or stains in the material, missing trim, and dirty or torn hemlines. Check for beads on the dress. Beads sewn onto the material last longer than beads that have been glued on.
The shopper who frequents thrift stores and various bargain sources to buy clothes knows the thrill of saving money. As prices continue to rise, more and more people are turning to secondhand clothing stores to buy school clothes, work clothes, and clothes for special occasions.
Not just for people financially-challenged anymore, discount stores and thrift stores serve all economic classes. Look for good deals on name brands, designer styles, and brand new clothing. Make sure items fit before you leave the store if at all possible. Keep in mind that items should be checked thoroughly for any damages or flaws. The savvy shopper is a smart buyer who knows how to dress well and beat high prices.
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