Yes, I love clothes as much as the next woman (unless, of course, the next woman is Victoria Beckham). Yes, I love a good bargain. But the prospect of going sales shopping fills me with about as much joy as the prospect of an afternoon spent damp-dusting the skirting board. The frenzied elbowing.The endless trawling through racks of clothes so last season even my Gran would call them dated.The monotony of trudging up and down a rain-soaked high street.It’s all such a waste of good stiletto leather.
If only there was a way I could indulge my love of brand name fashion at bargain prices, without all the unseemly tussles over the last size 12 diamante cardigan. Luckily, there is. Two words, ladies – discount outlets.
These shining meccas of shopping joy are perfect for money-conscious fashionistas. Blissfully calm, well set-out boutiques all under one roof, and typically promising up to two-thirds off the original price (though you may have to search fairly hard to find this kind of deal).
Discount outlets can be a great way to shop, provided you follow some simple rules – before and during your trip. I’ve learned these rules the hard way via some very odd choices made in the heat of the moment. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say the designer velour tracksuit didn’t even sell on eBay. Here’s how to make your visit to the discount outlet more successful than a dog act on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.
- Know your brands
If you know exactly which brands float your boat, then so much the better – you are going to sniff out your favourite gear pretty easily. But even so, it makes sense to research the shops you want to visit. While many high street names mayhave some special, outlet-only lines,you’re far more likely to be interested in the top designer names.
When you know the sort of brand you are interested in, do a little research on what they will stock. Look online at their retail site and get a feel for their current lines and prices. Then compare this with other shops selling the same products online to get a good idea of how much the clothes are worth – and the range of prices you could pay for the same products. This will stand you in good stead when you get into the shop itself; you will know whether you are looking at something that is new stock – or last season’s leftovers.
- Make a list
Before you go, open your closet for an honest appraisal of your current wardrobe. Make a list of the things you actually need before you go – and then stick to it. If you were already planning to buy smart black trousers for work on the high street, then making a great saving at an outlet makes sense. But if your cupboard’s already bursting at the seams with black trousers, any saving becomes academic.
- Dig in
As much as I hate having to root around through piles of clothes, the fact of the matter is the best bargains are normally to be found on the long trestle tables piled high with garments. If you can face it, having a dig about may find something that is perfect for you. This is especially likely to be the case if you are an unusual size.
- Don’t buy just because it’s cheap
The classic mistake – and one that anyone who has frequented an outlet is likely to have made – is to buy something inappropriate just because it is cheap. A blazerthat has been reduced from £100 to £30 is only a great deal if you are going to wear it; otherwise it is simply more detritus that will clog up your wardrobe, adding precious minutes to your already stretched morning routine as you hunt around for something to wear.
- Keep a cool head
Of course, while you should have done your research before your visit, and you should do your best to maintain a cool head while you are there, there’s no point in being so disciplined that you ignore something that is perfect for you, simply because it wasn’t initially on your agenda. Only you know if you truly like something, and if you are likely to use it.
- Hold onto things
If you find something you love, hold on to it. If you put it down, it’s fair game for other bargain hunters. This can also apply to your own clothes – I once put my jacket down to try something on, only to spot someone waltzing off to the changing rooms with it!
- Spread the cost
You may find it easier to spread the cost of your fashion fix by paying using a credit card, especially if you have a credit card which rewards your spending and you always clear the balance at the end of the month. Just remember that if you don’t clear the balance outside the introductory period, you will be charged interest.
— Guest Blog Post by Rachel Turner, Sainsbury Bank