How to Buy Clothes in a Department Store

An overview of a department store perfume counter

In this article, readers will learn to shop in a department store in a time efficient, conscientious way.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. A department store is defined as a retail store that offers several different kinds of products, all in separate departments, all under one space. If you are looking for a clothing department store, the best place to start looking for one in your area is in the local paper. Most department stores will have advertising or coupons in the local paper. You can also head to your local mall.

2. If you are looking for a great bargain in designer clothing, then you'll want to look into discount outlets for the major upscale department stores. For example, Barney's sends its discount clothes to the outlet. Nordstrom's sends its past season's merchandise to Nordstrom's Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue sends its sale stock to Off Fifth. For current season clothing by lesser labels it's best to search for department stores like Sears or JC Penneys. Finally, for a store that carries a nice range of prices and labels try Macy's.

3. The nice thing about department stores is that pretty much anything you need is all right there. If you are looking for work clothes, casual wear, shoes, accessories, evening wear or intimates you will be able to find what you need. Look for the store directory to choose the right department. Experts say to start with the top and work your way down. In other words, look for tops then move on to bottoms and finally to shoes. You can then accessorize when you've pulled your look together.

4. The easiest thing to do is approach a sales person. They are trained to help and are willing to even walk you over to other departments and either help you themselves or find someone who can. First tell them what event you are shopping for, or tell them about your lifestyle. Then they can determine the clothes you need. Of course, don't be shy about setting a budget and asking them to stay within it. It helps them narrow down the options and will get you done faster. Some department stores have complimentary personal shoppers. This is a wonderful service, as this person can take an even more detailed approach in terms of keeping a file on your size, color preferences, favorite brands or other personal information that helps them find what you need in the most efficient way.

5. If you know that you'll be shopping in several different departments, then sales associates are happy to walk your items over to another counter or hold them in their department so you can return with other merchandise. That way, you can avoid multiple purchases and having to carry your bags to each department. Before you shop, notify a salesperson that you will be shopping in different departments and ask them how you can consolidate, as every store has its own policy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to, take breaks.

• Have the salespeople hold items you might buy and come back with a fresh eye.

• Ask about their return policy and be sure to save all of your receipts in case you change your mind.

• Don't be afraid to ask another customer what they think while you're in the dressing room.