If you’ve been hitting the shops over the past few weeks, you have probably tuned in to the fact that most stores have already begun to focus on fall clothing and back to school shopping. While it’s sad to admit that summer is over, this is typically one of the best times of the year to stock up on quality summer goods at a huge discount. Although everything may seem like a good deal initially, here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of shopping end-of-season sales.
Have a plan
While many people who shop end of season sales do so in a reactive manner (i.e. stopping by a store, finding something that is on sale, and then buying it), I suggest that you go into a sale with a plan of action. This plan doesn’t have to be concrete, however before you embark on your shopping adventure, take a quick inventory of what you already have in your closet. Even though that summer tank might be on sale, skip it and focus on things that you might actually need if you already have five and you aren’t going on vacation for a while.
Think long term
One of the main things that you need to think about when shopping for sale items is getting actual use out of them. Think about what you are doing next summer – even though this may be hard. If you know from now that you want to rock a new bathing suit next summer, end of summer sales can be a huge win for you. Maybe you already know that you have a few weddings to attend, so why not purchase a nice linen suit at the end of August. You might even get one or two wears out of it before summer is over, plus you’ll save a bundle of cash by the time wedding season rolls around next year. There will also be summer sales on accessories, grooming products, electronics, etc. Consider purchasing items that are typically most popular during summer, but that can also be used all year round.
Don’t overspend
You should treat sale shopping like a game. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. The key is to avoid overspending on items that you won’t use and that you are just buying now because they are on sale. It’s in our nature to love something that we are getting a great deal on, however it takes self-control to only buy items on sale that fall into the two categories above. Did you plan to buy it? Can you see an activity, event, or situation where you might need it? If the answer to these questions is yes, go for it. If not, skip it.
