If your bank account will allow it, now is the time to buy clothes. All of the top retailers are hurting and have slashed prices dramatically in an attempt to recoup losses from the fourth quarter. These sales will last as long as stores have last season's inventory. Cashmere sweaters, wool coats and the like can all be had for a song right now. So, although the holidays are over, the stores continue to be filled with people exchanging and return gifts, looking for bargains and spending the gift cards they racked up. Before you step into the fray, take a deep breath and remember that patience is a virtue. Below are a few tips to help make your post-holiday shopping excursion fruitful:
- Returns & Exchanges - Know the store's return/exchange policy. Many retailers have adjusted their return policies to be more accommodating this holiday season. Be sure to keep all original packaging and parts (including tags). Bring the original receipt or gift receipt with you to help make the return process go smoothly. In addition, having the original receipt will make it easier to get a price adjustment if an item goes on sale or gets marked down further (each store has its own policy on price adjustments, be sure to ask about it).
- Redeeming Gift Cards - Gift cards were one of the most requested items this holiday season. Keep your gift cards in a secure place and read the terms and conditions. Spend your gift cards, don't save them! Redeem gift cards soon, within 1 year of receipt, to avoid possible expiration or added fees.
- Look for Bargains - Retailers will have all sorts of sales going on after Christmas to help bolster their sagging year-end sales numbers. Before you go shopping, take a moment to think about what you want/need, make a list and create a budget. There will be lots of sales going on, but few of us can afford to spend money for the sake of money, so shop with purpose. Don't get distracted by great prices on items you don't need. Before you go to the store or go online:
- Do Your Homework - Read product reviews on websites like Cnet.com. If you are debating between two similar products, look for research or study data to see which has been proven to work better.
- Shop Around -- Check out online websites that compare prices like BizRate.com and find discount coupons and special offers on manufacturers' sites and sites like CouponCabin.com.
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