How to Get Great Bargains from Department Stores

Who doesn't love a great bargain? From an in-store sale to an end of year blowout, department stores frequently provide discount and promotional events to encourage shoppers to spend, spend, spend. As sporadic as these promotions may be, there is a very real method to all the madness. Finally, you can learn the insider secrets to finding mind-blowing bargains at department stores.

Instructions

1. Review the weekly sales guide for weekly discounts and promotional events. Access the weekly sales guide or log on the department store's official website to learn about storewide discounts. These discounts may be applied at certain times and on certain days or may be reserved as a member only promotional code that can only be accessed by online members. Search weekly for a comprehensive guide to seasonal discounts.

2. Purchase clothing and other merchandise out of season. Large department stores will apply deep discounts to merchandise that has not sold and remains stocked in the store beyond the expected store cycle or season. For example, purchase sweaters and heavy outerwear, such as jackets and coats, in the early spring or late summer months. These items may be stocked in a seperate section within the store and advertised as "Late buys," or "Clearance," or "Discount Items."

3. Take advantage of yearly sales. Shop on marked "Deep discount" days such as an "After Labor Day Sale," "After Christmas Sale," "Summer Blowout Sale," "Back to School Sale." These sale events represent traditional dates that consumers expect yearly. As a result, retailers advertise "Hot Buy" items to draw in large crowds. Many of the most significant discounts are applied to "Early morning" purchases. Determine when these "Early Bird Specials" will occur and plan accordingly.

4. Utilize the "Clearance" rack for overstocked items. Inquire about new arrivals and call ahead to ask how the items are selling. If an item does not sell immediately, a retailer may apply a short term discount to increase mobility or spur interest within the market for the item.

5. Sign up for member-only bonuses and rewards. In many instances, this will require a credit card membership with the department store. However, you may opt to join a mailing list instead. Either option will encourage great bargains, as you will receive notification of promotional events as well as receive incentives that are only applied to member account holders.

Tips & Warnings

• Never sign up for a credit card just to receive an initial 10 percent discount unless you are certain you can pay off the balance or will not be charged a yearly membership fee. What you pay in the membership fee or high interest rate will out weight the initial 10 percent discount.