When it comes to shopping, there's nothing better than finding a good
bargain. You don't have to brave the department store crowds to get
a discount. Plenty of clothiers offer sale items or online clearance "racks."
Think of it as a trip to the outlets -- minus the
long lines and bus tours.
Specialty Stores
Eddie Bauer
Offers lots of opportunities to save a few bucks. In addition to
weekly specials and
monthly clearances -- which cover men's and women's clothing plus footwear,
luggage and home accessories -- Eddie Bauer operates its own outlet
(http://www.eddiebaueroutlet.com) where shoppers can find first-quality
overstocks at discounted prices.
J. Crew
Check out the J. Crew Clearance for a
full range of men's and women's clothing at up to 60% off the original
price. There's also a weekly sale, with new selections offered every Friday.
(Keep in mind that quantities are limited.) Shoppers can also sign up for
early sale notices by e-mail.
Lands' End
Head straight to the Overstocks
page for the best deals on Lands' End clothes, outerwear, luggage and home
accessories. (New selections are added every Wednesday and Saturday.) You
can also subscribe to the Overstocks Newsletter.
Woolrich, Inc.
In the Woolrich Backroom,
you'll find men's and women's clothes and outerwear from previous seasons at
30% to 50% off the suggested retail price.
Department Stores
Bloomingdale's
You won't get the
trademark brown bag, but you will get savings of 10% to 70% off
the original price. Select from Misses, Petites, Women's, and Home & Gifts.
JC Penney
For the shopper who loves
surprises, be sure to check out Penney's Mystery Sale. Buyers can
save 20%, 25% or 30% on most Internet orders -- but you have to
do the detective work to find out.
Macy's
Click on Real Deals for a list of the
store's current sales and promotions. (Also check out What's Hot and What's
New for a round-up of cool store merchandise.)
Nordstrom
Yes, even this clothing and
footwear king has a sale section.
Outlets
The Fashion Outlet
This online outlet offers designer clothes (Armani, Calvin Klein and
Versace, to name a
few) for men, women and children at 30% to 70% off the suggested retail
price.
Outlet Bound
If you get the itch for
some brick-and-mortar shopping, this site is the ultimate outlet mall source.
Search more than 350 outlet centers by location, store, brand and product
category. If you fill out a survey, you can get free coupons for even
more savings.