How to Save Money at a Department Store

You do not have to pay full price at a department store. You can get quality merchandise at a fraction of the cost. Shopping at a Department store can allow you to save your money and put it towards other items or stretch your dollar. Here are some ideas about how to save money at your favorite department store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coupons
• Department store advertisements

1. Sign up for a department store mailing list. This can be done either in person, via email or by visiting the department store or mall website. Often, when you check out at a department store, they will ask you to sign up for their mailing list via email or postal mail. They will even offer you a discount coupon and regular savings events via email.

2. Open a department store credit card. You can save money right away. Anywhere from 10 percent to several dollars off your purchase that day and future purchases. A store clerk will let you know at the checkout exactly what the discount will be and how much money you saved total. This is usually only a good idea on larger purchases. If you do not want debt later on, you can pay off the department store credit card with cash, check or debit card the same day.

3. Use a frequent shopper stamp card. You will save money or receive freebies after department store purchases reach a certain count within a designated time frame. These save money type cards are usually free. You just need to carry it along with you on your department store trip. Be sure to use the card and rewards before the expiration date.

4. Use the coupons that are in magazines, in the backs of catalogs or in flyers for any local department store. You may have to search for these, or maybe scratch off a card. You receive these by being part of a mailing list or by retaining a department store credit card account. They are released on a monthly or semi-monthly basis.

5. Shop on days where department store credit card customers receive an additional savings. You will hear of these sales on TV, in the newspaper, via email or through the postal mail.

6. Shop early bird and night owl sales at a department store. You will often get the best selection of merchandise for the least amount of money if you are willing to part with a little sleep. Bring coupons and cards with you to obtain even more savings.

7. Shop the sale racks for last season's merchandise at a department store. You can receive 60 percent off or more and save it for the next year. These racks are located towards the back of most departments.

8. Shop after Christmas to stock up on toys, gifts and seasonal items for the coming year. You can receive substantial discounts and alleviate much of the stress that goes along with holiday shopping. You will also avoid the debt that can accompany this type of shopping. You can also stock up on birthday and anniversary gifts for the coming year.

9. Consider working at a department store in their office for extra cash. You will save money on department store merchandise, along with receiving special employee shopping days and coupons.

10. Shop on senior days at a department store. Seniors can receive generous discounts on most department store merchandise. Senior days at a department store can vary, so call the store ahead of time to verify. If you prefer, you can have the store set aside the merchandise you select and return to purchase it later.

11. Look for slightly damaged, dented or open box items at a department store. These can be on the end of aisles, or on the bottoms of shelves. Do not be afraid to ask for money to be taken off on these items in addition to what is being offered. A department store needs to clear these items to make room for new merchandise.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your frequent shopper electronic or keychain department store card. If you do not have it with you, they can often look it up by phone number or with a driver's license.
• Pay your department store credit card bill in full each month, otherwise the savings is lost and you risk late fees.

[miasavc]

on 2/11/2009 Wow, you have very good information here. Thanks for sharing! It's valuable to know this.

[CCrock]

on 2/1/2009 Thanks for the great tips! I always love a good deal!

[MariM]

on 1/23/2009 You are a smart shopper. 5*recommend

[kaseysviewblog]

on 1/10/2009 Very good tips.

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 1/9/2009 Thanks for the information on getting a bargain at Department store. I love the quality of clothing that many department stores offer but I am saving for a house and living on a wal-mart budget.