How to Find Deals at Store Closing Sales

You drive by a store window, then hit the breaks when you see the huge neon sign indicating a sale--better yet, a store closing sign! Of course you'll want to go in and take a look...

Make your shopping skills work for you and use some creativity to spend less and get great deals at a store's closing sale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook
• Pen or pencil
• Cash or credit card
• Time

1. Plan your visit well. Let's face it--the early shopper gets the best goods! So get there when the store opens, or another option would be to go after the lunch crowds die down, around 2 or 3. This also works well on weekdays, as that is when school-aged children are being picked up, so a good majority of shoppers would be at school to take their kids home.

2. Walk around the entire store, taking everything in. Note any additional signage offering varied discounts or final prices, and write down items of interest in your notebook.

3. Envision what you plan to do with what you buy. Take a few minutes and sift through everything on the shelves, picking out things that catch your eye immediately. Narrow down your choices by thinking about what you would use the items for (gifts, as part of a project, an addition to a collection, etc.).

4. Don't overlook the fixtures. Stands, shelves, brackets, sign holders, even lightbulbs--are all usually for sale. Inquire about prices if they are not displayed. In most cases, you will be saving big by buying such items, as they are kept inexpensive because they are not the store's main items, and you walk off with a better deal.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your creativity--store fixtures can be used as room decorations or storage solutions for any room.
• Don't write checks. Instead, keep cash on you, just in case credit or debit cards are not accepted.
• Don't expect to use coupons. It is a closing sale for a reason! Discounted prices are usually pretty set. You can ask about negotiating on certain sale prices, especially if you buy like items in bulk, but most stores would be offended if you haggle them about the prices. After all, it's not a garage sale or flea market.
• Don't expect things to be held for you. Pay for everything you want before asking to set things aside to pick up later. Stores will usually be accomodating about picking up larger items at a designated time.
• Don't change your mind after a purchase. All sales are final, so you need to be committed to what you buy. That is why you need to browse well before buying.