BROWSING the summer rails can be a mission, and if you don’t bag a bargain, you may feel like you’ve missed out.
We reveal how you can bag the best deals in the summer sales – and all it takes is a little planning and keeping your eyes peeled.
Julian House has shared his top tips for the summer sales
The cost of living crisis means prices on the high street are going up.
And for shoppers, that means it’s more important than ever to make sure they’re getting the most of their money.
It’s important to remember that you’re only getting a deal if you were already looking to buy the item.
HOAR spoke to retail expert Julian House, managing director at My Favourite Voucher Codes, on how you can make the most of the sales.
Check your calendar
Buying out of season in the sales is a tip that Julian swears buy.
He says that buying your summer essentials during winter or vice versa is a great way to save money.
He said: “Naturally, summer clothing and homeware items are more in-demand during the summer.
“Buying a barbecue on sale during summer, when prices are highest, might not actually be as good as buying it during the winter.
“Try to keep a look out for any patterns in price changes and sales.”
And this tip has been known to work.
Personal stylist Sharon Young was able to bag a summer skirt from Zara reduced from £49.99 to £9.99 in the Boxing Day sales.
But it is always important to double check as these trends can vary from store to store.
Websites like CamelCamelCamel and Pricey Spy to look at price changes throughout the year.
HOAR recently revealed the best time to buy a fan when prices are cheapest, and the exact time to get your garden essentials, such as patio sets and BBQs.
Set a budget
The feeling of getting a bargain is great – but it is really a bargain if you didn’t need it, or want it in the first place?
Julian warns shoppers not to be drawn into thinking that just because it’s in the sale, it must must be a great deal.
He says people should be particularly wary of deals that force them to buy multiple of the same item for a discount price.
If you don’t actually need multiple of the item – don’t get multiple.
Julian added: “If you had a £20 budget to buy an item, but you found an offer presenting two for £25, it’s incredibly easy for the ‘fear of missing out’ to kick in, and convince yourself that the value of paying £12.50 on each is just too good to miss.
“But you’ve actually just gone £5 over your budget while thinking you got a great deal.
“This is exactly what stores want you to think, too.”
Also, don’t forget to check refund policies – it’s important to check when they run out in case you want to return anything.
Do your homework
Julian points out that the most common mistake shoppers make when it comes to sales is that they are not prepared.
It may sound like a lot of work, but Julian says its worth it.
He added: “If there’s a particular item which you’ve identified, take the time to do your research and browse different stores online to see what prices are available on the marketplace right now. “
Julian likes to Google the product he wants, adding a keyword like “discount” or “offer” to see what other deals are out there.
He also advises people to check the prices beforehand so you know exactly how good the deal is.
Some online retailers also let you make wish lists or favourites, so you can check if they go in the summer sale.
Time it right
On the day a sale is set to begin, eager shoppers head down early to be the first through the door of their favourite shop.
But timing your trip to coincide with when staff are restocking shelves can be just as good.
He added: “It’s no secret that popular items on sale will fly off the shelves.
“If you’re not able to make it in time, you can also try to visit the store during or after shelves are being restocked by staff.
“Generally speaking, stores will begin restocking around two hours before closing time, though it can vary on a store-by-store basis.
“This varies by store, but typically happens around two hours before closing time.”
You can find out what time your favourite store usually restocks by asking staff at your next visit.
Sales can vary from store to store, you may not be able to use Julian’s tips at every summer sale you visit.
HOAR has also revealed how you could save money when shopping in Iceland.
Shoppers have also shared their tips for shopping in Primark, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
