I'm what you would call a "big shopper." I love to shop, sometimes even on items I don't need. I'm not always proud of this fact, but I balance it out by being a thrifty shopper. I define this term as a person who loves to shop, but it's a love equaled to his or her love for saving. I want to find deals on everything I buy, so for that, I shop out-of-season.
How does this work? Retailers can't wait to clear their inventory for items befitting to the season. Here is one obvious example: removing Halloween costumes off the floor and replacing them with Christmas decorations once November and December roll in. For this reason, retailers reduce the price to a percentage shoppers can't ignore. Who wants a pair of shorts during the dead of Winter? The bargain hunter does.
This doesn't apply to seasonal products only. It's also great for purchases, especially clothes, that have recently gone out of style. The fashion world is ever changing, and many of the items (shoes, jewelery, clothing) people wore during the Fall of 2011 likely won't be seen in Fall 2012. Keep in the know of what's no longer "in style". If it's your style, snatch it up.
Here's a good example: there was a time when the peasant blouse could be purchased at retailers for a reasonable price-today, it's a fashionable trend and I have difficulty finding it at my favorite retailers at a price I love. So the trick here is to keep your eyes open and when something you like is no longer vogue, go after it. Chances are the price will be significantly lower. This may take a little time, and you may have to browse stores for a few weeks. In the end, if you can find not one, but several good deals, isn't it worth the extra man hours?
This principle is also great during the holidays. In fact, it's especially great. Like I said earlier, as soon as Halloween comes to an end, retailers are eager to remove their costumes and replace them with Christmas decorations. The result is a price reduction on perfectly good costumes. I recommend buying next year's costume around the first, maybe second, week of November. As for Christmas decorations, they're a steal the week after this popular holiday since retailers want to get the store ready for Valentine's day.
I'm not saying that you'll save thousands by shopping out of season, but you'll certainly save a bundle. This practice takes time, research and, without a doubt, patience. However, if you love to save money, shopping out of season is definitely for you. I must say, the hardest part about it is buying an elegant, warm sweater in June and having to wait next season for it to be worn.
Happy shopping.
I'm a student majoring in New Media and a freelance writer specializing in thrifty shopping. Currently, I write weekly articles for http://www.eyesonretail.com/, a website designed for the shopper who loves to save.
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