Emily Ruane, Managing Editor of Commerce at HuffPost and a bargain shopping expert, shares savvy insights on maximizing savings this holiday season. She dives into the art of off-price retail, revealing secrets of stores like TJ Maxx. Emily explains how to spot genuine designer pieces and navigate complicated pricing strategies. The conversation also highlights the thrill and unpredictability of bargain hunting, along with practical tips for conscious shopping and making the most out of unique finds without breaking the bank.
Familiarizing yourself with local off-price store layouts and delivery schedules enhances your chances of scoring great deals.
It's crucial to research prices to avoid false reference pricing, ensuring you genuinely save money while bargain shopping.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Off-Price Stores
Off-price stores, such as TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, offer products typically sourced from overstock, canceled merchandise, or even items produced specifically for these retailers. Shoppers are drawn to these stores because they provide unique merchandise at significantly lower prices, creating an exciting treasure-hunting experience. The variety of items reflects the local customer base, leading to a diverse inventory that changes frequently, which keeps shopping at these stores fresh and engaging. Consequently, customers enjoy the thrill of discovering new and unexpected items that they cannot find in traditional retail stores.
Strategies for Shopping Smart
To maximize the benefits of shopping at off-price retailers, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with local store layouts and delivery schedules, as merchandise often varies by location and timing. Regular visits can help shoppers identify patterns for markdowns and new inventory arrivals, enhancing their chances of finding great deals. Additionally, it is advisable to check for duplicates of items as prices may differ, allowing savvy shoppers to score the best possible bargains. Ultimately, dealing regularly with store staff can provide useful tips on when best to shop to uncover hidden treasures.
Understanding Food and Beauty Products
While off-price stores can be a goldmine for affordable food and beauty products, it is crucial to approach these categories with caution, particularly concerning expiration dates. Grocery items may include discontinued or surplus stock, and buyers should inspect packaging and sell-by dates diligently to avoid expired products. Beauty products are particularly sensitive, with many items becoming unsellable at mainstream retailers, leading to the risk of buying expired or ineffective products from off-price stores. Therefore, conducting due diligence before purchasing can ensure a safe and satisfying shopping experience.
Beware of False Reference Pricing
One common pitfall when shopping at off-price stores is false reference pricing, where original suggested prices are inflated to create a perception of substantial discounts. Shoppers should conduct research to compare prices against reliable sources, such as Amazon, to genuinely assess whether they're getting a good deal. Such price disparities often arise from retailers’ pricing strategies designed to entice consumers into believing they’re capitalizing on significant savings. Being aware of this practice can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid potential buyer's remorse.
The holidays are here and it's peak shopping season. How do we buy everything we need for others (and...probably mostly for ourselves) without breaking the bank? This week Raj and Noah welcome back HuffPost editor Emily Ruane to talk about how to buy smarter, use right research, and how to spot scam merchandise from a mile away
Want to add to the conversation, or think you might be doing something wrong? Email us at amidoingitwrong@huffpost.com.