Community Operations
Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets
Clothing Sales
Clothing sales are something a budget-conscious shopper can not do without. By buying during sales, careful shoppers can save 30 to 50 percent.
Do not be fooled by retail store owners however. Remember, they are not having sales to do you a favour. The reason for the sale may be to unload stock at the end of a season, or just to lure you into the store in hopes of getting you to buy extra items you do not need or accessories you have not even thought of. Retailers are always hoping you will be tempted to buy something else.
Try to plan your clothes buying around sales - but don't buy something just because it's on sale. Take a few moments when you see a "great buy" to think:
- When and where will I wear it?
- What other clothes or accessories do I have to go with it?
- Is the item good quality for the price?
- Does if fit exactly? Will I have to pay for alterations?
After you have made these considerations, go and have a coffee or look in nearby stores for better deals. After a while, if you still think it is a "good buy" at least you know you have given it some thought.
Beware of sales that are for "limited" numbers of items. These sales are just to get you into the store. The items may be understocked. There will probably be a very similar item available which is not on sale.
Many sale items cannot be returned for cash or credit, so be sure to ask the sales clerk yourself if you are not 100% sure.
Beware of "going out of business" sales as this is often an empty promise designed to get you into the store. Also, watch out for "permanent discounts" because one store's discount may be another's regular price.
Shop as early during the sale period as possible to get the best choice of styles and sizes. You might be surprised but if you ask, some stores may tell you when the next "big sale" is planned.
Often most of the sale items are placed at the back of the store so that you must travel past the rest of the merchandise to get there. Sometimes the "sale" sweaters are placed next to matching slacks or skirts which are not on sale.
Be aware of these marketing tricks and you will be a more sensible shopper.
For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.