I never buy retail full price. Never. Not sandals or shirts or boots or belts. Never, ever, ever. This seems like a simple principle, but I am constantly amazed how many shoppers fall prey to the full price madness.
I love Banana Republic as much as the next twenty-something, but I have never bought anything full price there – why spend $79 on a sweater that I KNOW will be down to $39 in just a few weeks (when the item will be more in season!).
Let me share with you a little story. In May, my husband took me to Savannah for our one year anniversary (budget travel stories to come my friends) & further spoiled me by taking me to the one Banana Republic in town. I took an innocent detour to the men’s department and discovered a goldmine. In the warm weather of Savannah, it seemed that winter clothes had not done well that year. So I loaded up (and I’ll confess, also picked up a few “bonus” items for myself – also great deals!). All told, I purchased Christmas gifts for everyone in my family & my husband’s family.
At the checkout, the sales gal rang me out & loaded up my bags, calling out as we left, “Well done. Seriously, well done.” We had purchased over $800 worth of merchandise for only $200. That’s a savings of 75% or a leftover $600 in the bank – more than enough for another weekend getaway.
Takeaway: Why buy something for it’s full retail price? Always wait for the sale, or better yet the sale + coupon + special weekend discount. Now put that sweater back on the rack. Good girl.
Total Yearly Savings: Buying retail only when it’s on sale saves me at least $200 a month. That’s $2,400 a year!!
*photo by tao_zhyn
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You also slipped in a good point about Christmas shopping in May, something I would never think about… Dang, you’re good!